11 Free Things To Do In Montreal This January In Case You Already Blew Your 2022 Budget

A list of activities that also don't break any rules!

Contributing Writer

Let's face it: the holidays can be damn expensive, and now that the new year has rolled around, most of us have already blown through the budget we planned for the next few months... or year.

But luckily, there are tons of things to do in Montreal this January that are all completely free. So you can leave your credit card at home!

Go skating at an outdoor rink

Where: Check out these free outdoor rinks

Why You Need To Go: There's no better way to spend a winter's day than by gliding away.

Check out the Barbie Expo

Where: Cours Mont-Royal, 1455, rue Peel, Montreal, QC

Why You Should Go: Barbies aren't just for kids. This exhibition lets you explore all kinds of unique haute-couture dolls.

Website

Wander through Galerie Blanc

When: 24/7

Where: 1114, rue Sainte-Catherine E., Montreal, QC

Why You Should Go: It's hard to hate the snow on the ground when you're surrounded by works of art.

Website

Explore "Luminothérapie"

When: Until February 27, 2022

Where: Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal, QC

Why You Should Go: For a 12th edition, the Quartier des Spectacles' "Luminothérapie" event is back with its magical and playful works.

Website

Visit Parc Jean-Drapeau

Where: 1, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, QC

Why You Should Go: Parc Jean-Drapeau's winter program is filled with all kinds of free outdoor activities — from skating to snowshoeing — that'll make you forget you hate winter.

Website

Take a tour of the world's first commercial rooftop greenhouse

Lufa Farms

Where: Lufa Farms, #201-1400, rue Antonio-Barbeau, Montreal, QC

Why You Should Go: You can some colour to a grey day by roaming through a greenhouse.

Website

Check out murals around the city

Where: All across Montreal

Why You Should Go: Our city is filled with beautiful murals, why not go out and admire them?

Check out these ones

Admire these ephemeral artworks 

When: Until January 9, 2022

Address: 463, rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, QC

Why you should go: Three similar interactive works, titled Les Diamants, will spend the holiday season on the front lawn of St. James United Church. You spin them around to enjoy a little light and sound show.

Website

Take a nature walk

Where: All across the city and its surrounding areas

Why You Should Go: We could all use a little dose of fresh air right now, and Montreal is filled with great spots for a winter hike!

Grab your sled and glide down snow hills around the city

When: On a snow day, of course

Where: Check out these spots

Why You Should Go: To feel like a child again!

Find a hill near you

Test your knowledge at "The Quiz Master Brian Show"

Trivia Night with Quiz Master Brian

When: Mondays at 9 p.m.

Where: Online

Why You Should Go: To finally put all those random fun facts you have floating around in your head to good use.

Website


  • Alanna Moore
  • Contributing Writer

    Alanna Moore is a Contributing Writer for MTL Blog. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies & cultural studies from McGill University in 2019. With over three years experience in editing and writing, she has developed a real passion for words and the people who speak them. You can contact her at alanna@mtlblog.com.

Dunkin' is scouting different Quebec cities for new locations

Montreal isn't the only city in the province getting in on the chain.

We compared SAQ and LCBO prices on popular bottles and some gaps are big

A handful of well-known bottles cost noticeably less in Ontario.

Rent prices have fallen across Canada, but not in Montreal — Here's why

Rents in Vancouver and Toronto went down last year.

Quebec has 5 of Canada's 10 best hotels for 2026, but a BC spot reigned supreme

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is the Montreal's highest finisher, landing in fourth place.