Winter should be a time to pamper and treat yourself. Hibernation mode is a time to decompress and recharge your batteries. Some people love to do this in the comfort of their own homes. Whereas others get their energy from social interactions. Whatever you prefer, there are activities and ideas all around the city during the cold winter months.
Wether your with your BF or BFF there are tons of ways to treat yourself this winter. Over the next few pages will look at some of the key restaurants you should be visiting for warm and comforting winter food. As well as bars that are perfect for melting away the winter blues. We'll also show you some of the indoor and outdoor spas that are perfect for a quick get-away.
Don't forget outdoor winter activities! People spend their hard earned money to fly from all around the world just to vacation in our own backyard. We should consider ourselves lucky to live in a true winter wonderland. And finally, we will show you some things to do for free - or almost free - in and around the city.
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@magicbergyWinter instantly warms up when you indulge in a fest of spicy and warm Caribbean speciality at Meli Melo
Montreal just wouldn't be Montreal without it's Haitian community. Casual resto and speciality grocery store concept Meli Melo dominates the Haitian food scene in Montreal, and this year, they have expanded to a new location in Iberville. Serving the comforting and meat-loving traditional dishes we all love.
@myriamlandry13
@maid.in.heightsWarm perogies and sausage, yes please! Visit Euro Deli Batory this winter
This unassuming Polish grocery store doubles as a casual restaurant serving up some fine tasting traditional Polish and Eastern European specialties such as borscht,perogies, stuffed cabbage rolls and much much more! Check out the link for more details!
@maxgrahamForget about the cold and stuff your face for a reasonable price at Maison Kam Fung
I don't know about you, but a true brunch means stuffing myself silly over good conversation, with someone who has an equally ravenous appetite, of course. If you haven't tried it yet, hit up Maison Kam Fung and take nice long walk in China Town afterwards. So cute.
@azhou98Sip a bowl of warm and mouth-watering Norther Chinese soup at Nouilles De Lanzhou
Although Nouilles De Lanzhou is found on a main street in China Town, it's completely unassuming because on the surface it's just a couple tables scattered on top of the entrance of a grocery store. However, once your food comes you will realize this place is so much more. Choose your own noodle size, slurping encouraged.
@omnomontrealWarm ramen FTW! For one of the best and new in town visit Cuisine Japonaise Cocoro
Visit Cuisine Japonaise Cocoro in Outremont to scratch your itch for delicious and savory Japanese treats. Every dish looks beyond tasty, and is sure to please the palette, check the link for more info!
@ondejeuneLike you took a trip to Marrakech and back, visit La Cuisines D'Izzas this winter
Beautiful tagines and modern Moroccan decor makes for a classy and romantic winter date idea. We all need an escape from the winter. Check out all the info at La Cuisines D'Izzas Facebook page below.
@jessicaprdncSpend an afternoon eating and drinking in downtown hidden gem Cafe Parvis
Cafe Parvis is a little hidden gem of downtown Montreal, it's found on Mayor street, which is just three blocks long. In other words, you would never walk into this place unless you knew it was there. And now you do!
@melboudreauEscapee the cold and enjoy a bowl of delicate and elevated Pho at Restaurant CAFDEN
CAFDEN is a inviting little contemporary Vietnamese spot right at the entrance of Little Italy. They serve delicate and mouth-watering Vietnamese dishes that are all beautifully executed.
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@lesstreetmonkeysEscape the cold with some fruity and exotic cocktails at Les Street Monkeys
Les Street Monkeys serves up Cambodian-style street food, small plates that are ideal for sharing, with beautiful-looking cocktails all wrapped up in a warm and charming environment.
@boho_mtlForget all about the cold in the lush environment of BOHO Montreal
They serve taste-bud exploding cocktails with full home-made popsicles inside. Enough said. Also, if you're feeling hungry, you can grab some healthy and wholesome food from their menu of Poke bowls to home-made flat bread pizzas.
@magdalena.mtlGet cozy and romantic over good convo and a fine glass of wine at Magdalena Wine Bar
Brought to you by the same people who opened Ludger not to far down the street, Magdalena is a wine bar perfect for a low-key evening of bite-sized eats and wine drinking.
@barbleunuitDip out of the cold and into the warm atmosphere of new rum bar Bleu Nuit
This place should make you feel all warm and cozy when it's -20 below outside. Or maybe that's just the spiced drum flowing through the veins. Regardless, this new spot is a must visit for all Rum-lovers out there.
@barhenriettamtlMelt away the day with a glass of wine in the relaxing atmosphere of Bar Henrietta
With an extensive wine list and classic cocktails with a modern twist, this bar is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a place for that intimate rendez-vous. The music funky but never too loud, great for long conversations over a bottle of wine.
@lemalnecessaireGrab a drink in a pineapple and forget about winter at Le Mal Necessaire
You can't miss the fluorescent green pineapple on the outside. When this place first opened that pineapple was plastered all over my feed. People have since calmed down on the pineapple, but the bar is just as popular. Check out their Facebook page for more info!
@julien_terrier1Indulge in a classic cocktail in a speakeasy environment at Le Cloakroom Bar
This is a traditional speakeasy style concept bar serving up traditional cocktails in a modern atmosphere. Check out the Facebook page below for all the important info!
@agrikol_mtlImmerse yourself in island vibes and rum drinks at Ti-Agrikol
Ti-Agrikol, meaning "small Agrikol", is the spunky little sibling of Agrikol - the Haitian/Caribbean restaurant next door. Petit Agrikol serves up it's very own and unique rim concoction of rum drinks that are guaranteed to warm the soul. Check out their weekly dance party every Thursday night!
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@stromspaFor an upscale spa experience head outside the downtown core to Strom Spa Nordique for an unforgettable winter spa experience
Nothing is quite as relaxing and luxurious as treating yourself and your BF to a winter spa get-away. Strom Spa has several locations right outside the city, so pick one that is convenient for you.
Spend your date evening warming up in a traditional hammam at the Rain Spa in heart of the Old Port
A hammam is what we would call a steam room. This hammam is located in the Rain Spa in the Old Port and is perfect for an indoor evening or relaxation and get-away from the cold. At only 30$ a visit, it's a perfect BFF activity idea for a chilly winter night.
@ray.m_The classic BF - or BFF - date at BotaBota is a no-brainer for a winter spa experience
BotaBota is a great place to unwind for the day with a close friend. When it's minus 30 outside you will be happy to be hanging out in the tropical heat of one of their many saunas. Grab a drink afterward and get the whole experience.
@spadivamtlTreat you and bae to a Mani/Pedi and message at Spa Diva in downtown Montreal
Nothing quite like a paraffin wax manicure and pedicure to really make you feel like a million bucks. It's a small yet affordable luxury, and winter is a perfect time to take advantage. Why not bring a friend along to chat, relax and pass the time with.
@amoucheTake a short drive outside the city and visit Spa Eastman in the Eastern Townships
Take a short drive out to the Eastern Townships to an outdoor "destination spa" out in Eastman Quebec. Day access to the Nordic baths starts at only $40! Totally worth the drive.
@claudielapTake a short drive out to Bromont to visit Balnea Spa for a unique experience
This outdoor/indoor spa look incredible. Soaking in a hot aromatic baths while breathing in the fresh country air. They have special evening rates on Monday-Friday starting at only 35$. Check out their site for more info!
@britaniechartrandTake a drive right outside downtown and visit SKY SPA in Brossard
This south shore spa boasts a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline. Their basic "thermal experience" package starts at only $34 after 5PM. Relax, unwind and enjoy.
@missmonicawSpend an evening in the Old Port at indoor Spa Scandinave
Indulge in traditional Scandinavian spa traditions and treatments at Spa Scandinave in the Old Port of Montreal. Melt away the worries of the winter and post-holiday blue with a hydrotherapy treatment starting at only $39 from Monday-Thursday.
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@legrandmarchedenoeldemtlTake your date to "Le Grand Marche De Noel De Montreal" Christmas Village in the Heart of Downtown
Inspired by the charming Christmas traditions from around the world, this event offers a magical Christmas village in the heart of downtown Montreal with local craftsman and animation to help you get into the holiday spirit. See the page below for details!
@montrealTake your date to the opening of Old Port's Patinoire Natrel
The Natrel skating rink is back! A true Quebec winter tradition,with a gorgeous view of the city, don't miss it! All the details below in the Facebook event. Pure romance.
@danielbeaulieu.remaxTake a short drive to Saint-Sauver with your SO for a day of snow tubing!
Snow tubing is quite possibly the most exhilarating outdoor winter activity. Perfect date idea, too. It's also great for all you lazy bones out there because there is a lift that brings you and your tube back up the hill. Just sit back and enjoy the slide.
@joeytrailTake your date fam to annual Fetes Des Neiges at Parc Jean Drapeau
Just because it's snowing, doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Fetes Des Neiges is an outdoor winter festival hosted every year at Parc Jean Drapeau with tons of fun activities for the whole family. Check out the official site for all the details!
@s.valensGo on a winter wonderland date night and check out IGLOO FEST this January!
Igloo Fest is the holy-grail of Montreal Winter parties and shows.Basically the Osheaga of winter. The line-up for this year is officially announced. Buy your tickets now, they are going fast! More info at the official site!
@gingerindahouseTake a short drive to Bromont for a special night of evening skiing
Not all the skiing in Quebec is in the Laurentians. If you travel South of the Island you will find some beautiful mountains and quaint towns there, too. Mont Bromont is a great one to visit for all the alpine skiers out there, it's open at night until 10:30 PM too!
@jfsavariaVisit the "Luminotherapie" installations at Places Des Festivales Downtown
Montreal is hosting yet another instalment of "light therapy" interactive instillations which will be set up around the Place Des Arts and running until January 28th. This is totally free and a great way to stave off the winter blues!
@leon_fotonVisit Marche Aux Puces Saint Eustache, open all year round!
This is one of Quebec's largest flea markets, open all year round. Only 45 minutes outside of the city, it's a great way to hit the road and escape the city for an afternoon.
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@breathlessmindVisit Mont-Royal for a day of Tobogganing or winter wonderland viewing
Mont-Royal is bursting with potential for those quintessential- and of course, free winter activities in Montreal. My personal favourite is to dust-off that old toboggan and hit up Parc Janne Meance for a afternoon of Tobogganing.
@fairmonttremblantGo for the day - or the whole weekend - take a drive through the beautiful Laurentian mountains
People fly from all over the world to vacation in our backyard. In other words, get your butt up to the Laurentian's this winter if you haven't already. It's only 90 minutes outside the city, so there are no excuses. You don't even need to be a skier to enjoy the sights.
@nuitblanchemtlThe one and only yearly Nuit Blanche event is coming soon!
Nuit Blanche is coming back for yet another year! On March 3rd there will be all kinds of musical performances, art instillations and activities for all ages planned for this memorable winter city-wide festival.
@petrosarfSpend some time in the underground city and escape the cold
No better way to escape the cold then to spend an afternoon roaming the underground city. You can walk from China Town to The Bay without feeling a twinge of cold air. This is one of the many reasons I love Montreal so much.
@petiteflorideEscape winter this January and visit La Petite Floride in the Plateau
La Petite Floride’s assembles culinary culture, winter games, and art, all in one unique outdoor space. Get your holiday vibes on and visit this local space for food, drinks, art and more. Check out their Facebook page below!
Visit the Biosphere of Montreal will be illuminated all winter!
The biosphere - which was built for the famous expo 67' - is now a museum located on Ile Saint-Helene, and is also an architectural marvel. To honour the 375 anniversary of Montreal and the 50th of expo 67', the city will be illuminating this beautiful and iconic structure. Check it out for free!
@amelie.lrPay a visit to the MAC for the Leonard Cohen exhibit this January
This is a highly anticipated exhibit which will be showcased at theContemporary Arts Museum of Montreal. A great way to spend a cold January afternoon. The exhibit will be running all winter until April 2018.
@jipetulipeGo to AMC FORUM for an evening of Bowling, arcade, food and drinks!
Indoor bowling and arcade is a forever- fun and cute date idea. Even better in the winter on that extra cold night. AMC FORUM bowling alley has all kinds of other activities like arcade, pool and more. Oh, and they have drinks and food. So plan to stay all night.
