- Your search for free things to do in Montreal this winter ends here!
- MTL Blog has made a list of some of the wintry coolest things you can do around the city that won't cost you a dime.
- Take a peek at the list below!
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Fingers crossed (if you're not a winter person), that there are only two more real winter months before spring slowly rears its slushy head. If you haven't had a chance, or yearning, to take advantage of the snowy days you still have some time to pack in all those wintry things in the coming weeks. With the holidays finally over and bank accounts often still suffering, we took a look at things to do in Montreal this winter that won't cost you a dime.ย
Wintry can have different meanings, some people automatically think of pink-cheeked, outdoor activities, while others like the excuse to stay warm and cozy indoors. Don't worry, there is something free in Montreal for everyone.
From axe throwing in Laval and snow yoga on the West Island, to free access to indoor pools and art galleries, this is the list you need when you don't know how to spend your day but want to do a little more than hide under the covers in front of the TV.ย
So whether you're an adventurous sort who needs to be outside or more of an indoor cat, here are 18 free wintry things to do in Montreal.
Musical Evenings Skating At Beaver Lakeย
When: Every Thursday to Sunday in January and February; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 2000 Chemin Remembrance; Beaver Lake
Why skate during the day when you can skate at night to the soundtrack of opera tunes or 70s and 80s music? From Thursday to Sunday, the rink at Lac-aux-Castors will have different music themes to keep you company as you skate under the stars.
Go To Laval En Blanc
When: Now through to March
Where: Varies on activity
Head over to Laval to take part in an abundance of free activities like axe throwing, snow sculpting, dog sledding, and fishing. Or just take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the entertainment and live show.
Go Skiing & Snowshoeing At Frรฉdรฉric-Back Park
TohuWhen: From now until March 8
Where: 2345 rue Jarry E
Not only can you borrow equipment free of charge (cross-country skis, snowshoes and even kites) but every Saturday and Sunday there are also free introductory cross-country skiing sessions, and guided snowshoe hikes. Make sure to register to save your place.
Try Out Snow Yogaย
When: Sundays, January 12 - March 22; 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m
Where: 10905 rue Basile-Routhier; Parcours Gouin
Why not give #yoganeige a try this year? Make sure you dress in warm layers and get ready to stretch in the cold outdoors.
Take Yourself On An Outside Only Art Tourย
When: Anytime
Where: Check out the routes below
Montreal prides itself on its huge art scene - both indoors and out. Not only is it completely free but it's a great way to check out the city and to get a different perspective than the summer months.
Go For A Swim
When: Specific days/times during the week
Where: Multiple locations
If you want to get a little feeling of summer on a cold day, check out the YMCA open swim times which is free for all residents of Montreal.
Check Out Some Dinosaursย
When: Anytime
Where: 859 rue Sherbrooke O
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
You've done the outdoor thing, maybe you need some time indoors with heat. Check out the Redpath museum, because, dinosaurs. Admission is by donation, suggested donation for adults is $10 but if you're a student, no donation is expected.
Winter Hike Through Mount Royalย
Where: Mount Royal
When: Anytime
Mount Royal is just sitting in the middle of the city begging to be hiked, skied, or snowshoed. Bundle up, grab a friend and a thermos and spend a few hours walking the paths of Montreal's most famous mountain.
READ ALSO: 9 Magical Spots You Need To Visit In Quebec Before The Snow Melts Away
Visit Les Jardineries
When: January 18 to March 8; 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: 4141 ave Pierre-de Coubertin; Olympic Park
Get ready to head over to the Olympic Park, which has a ton of free activities from January 18 well into March. Sip a cup of hot chocolate in a chalet, be a kid again and enjoy the mini-slides or just take in all of the action.
Take Part In The Most Fashionable Hockey Game Ever With WRG
When: January 24 - 26
Where: 509 rue Charlevoix
Dress up in your finest 20s era clothing and get ready for a weekend of hockey (make sure to register if you want to play), live music, food trucks, craft cocktails, skating, and more.
Workout With Cardio Raquetteย
When: January 26; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 550 Place de la Fontaine, Verdun
Why not take your workout outdoors? Enjoy a free 60-minute interval training combining muscular and cardiovascular exercises at Parc de la Fontaine. Bring your own snowshoes or there are loans on site.
Take In Some Local Art At The Belgo Building
When: Check the site for more details
Where: 372 rue Sainte-Catherine O
The Belgo is home to over 30 galleries and artist lofts, you could spend the entire day here and not have a chance to visit all of the artists. And if you happen to be there during a gallery opening, which is usually Thursday and Friday nights, you may be able to enjoy a free glass of wine.
Enjoy The Last Night of Luminothรฉrapie - Pop!
When: Now until January 26
Where: Les Rues Jeanne-Mance & Balmoral; Place des Festivals
The art playground at Quartiers des Spectacles is coming to an end before we know it! This is your last chance to call, talk or sing to the five monoliths in order to release a creature who's ready to put on a show for you.
Soak Up The Views at Belvรฉdรจre Kondiaronk
When: Anytime
Where: 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
Take a quiet moment to look out over the city while it's still covered in snow. The view is one of the best for the Montreal skyline but on weekends you may be fighting others for an unobstructed view.
Take A Winter Road Trip
When: Anytime
Where: Anywhere
Why not jump in a car, turn on the music, and just drive. The length is up to you - thirty minutes up to a couple of hours. You get to enjoy the winter scenery but from the comfort of a warm car.
Watch Groundhog Day In French
When: January 31; 7p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: 475 blvd De Maisonneuve E.; BAnQ Grande Bibliothรจque
Movies at a library - why not? What's more wintry than watching the cult favourite "Groundhog Day"? No reservations are required but get there early for your chance for one of the only 25 seats.
What's your favourite way to spend a winter day?