9 Things To Do In And Around Montreal That Prove Winter Really Is The Coolest Season
Montreal is known for many things – amazing food, a thriving arts scene, and its unique culture. But there's something else that sets this city apart: its winters. While most might prefer to stay cozy indoors, Montrealers are out there, making the most of the cold.
From annual festivals to favourite winter activities, it's safe to say that winter is definitely when the fun is just starting to heat up.
Here are some things to do in and around Montreal that show winter here isn't just bearable – it's downright exciting:
Dance the cold off at Igloofest
When: Every weekend from January 18 to February 10
Where: Jacques-Cartier Pier, rue de la Commune Est
Why You Need To Go: Montreal's nightlife is iconic… and for good reason. How many other cities in the world host one of the most anticipated outdoor musical festivals in the dead of winter? The main festival grounds are complete with everything you'd expect from a summer festival, like lights, activations, and vendors from your favourite Montreal spots. Plus the added ambiance of a seasonal spectacular as the snow falls as you dance the night away. Along with the main event in the Old Port, a variety of après-ski-style events are taking place at some of the hottest venues in the city, including Soubois and New City Gas
Get a light show at Luminothérapie
When: Until March 10
Where: Quartier des Spectacles
Why You Need To Go: Even those who love winter can admit that one of the hardest parts of the season is less sunshine. Fortunately, Quartier des Spectacles has been helping bring light to the darkest months with Luminothérapie installations that offer a little TLC: tender light and care.
More at quartierdesspectacles.com
Walk on the wild side of Parc Omega
Where: 399, QC-323, Montebello, QC
Why You Need To Go: Less than a two-hour drive from Montreal, Parc Omega is a safari park where visitors can see some of Quebec's incredible wildlife, including deer, moose, elk, bison, wolves, and more. The park and its team are committed to conservation and education when it comes to showcasing the beautifully wild side of the province. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can stay overnight and wake up to floor-to-ceiling windows where you can see the bears and wolves up close and personal as they wish you a friendly good morning.
Get in the après-ski spirit at Terrasse Belvu Hors-Piste
Where: Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain, 1050, rue de la Gauchetière Ouest
Why You Need To Go: It's the Marriott's new terrasse's first chilly season, and Terrasse Belvu is deep in the winter spirit with its aprés-ski-themed vibes. Complete with twinkling lights and winter village decor, cozy blankets and pillows, and a menu with mulled wine and truffle grilled cheese, it's the perfect place for a 5 à 7 or a dinner with friends. It's first come first served and has 60 spots, so you'll want to get there early.
Have a meal in a Terrasse William Gray Dome
Where: Hotel William Gray, 421, rue Saint-Vincent
Why You Need To Go: One of the newer but cooler things to do in the winter in Montreal is dine in one of the geometric domes at Terrasse William Gray. The iconic rooftop restaurant and bar offer stunning views of the city and the dome experience has become a cold weather favourite since it came on the scene in 2023. Offering brunch on the weekends and dinner every night of the week, it's the same exceptional cooking and hospitality with a cool new twist.
Soak away stress at Strom Spa
Where: See website for various locations
Why You Need To Go: Most people think being outside in the cold is the is incredibly stressful… but Montrealers know that there's something relaxing and invigorating about having a spa day outside in the winter. While Scandinavian spas were obviously created outside Montreal, they have become something of a way of life in the city. Water circuits, going from heat to cold dips (including outside in the snow) to relaxation, have been shown to have a variety of benefits, including improved circulation and decreased stress. Strom Spa is one of many options and is known especially for its stunning settings surrounded by nature, which is particularly beautiful when covered in snow.
Try outdoor ice skating
Where: Various locations throughout Montreal
Why You Need To Go: Nothing says winter quite like lacing up your skates and hitting the ice. And while you could go indoors, there really is something extra special about outdoor skating. Montreal is home to multiple spots for classic winter activity, including Beaver Lake, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and Esplanade Tranquille downtown. Skate your way through the city's neighbourhoods and soak in the views and the ambiance Lots of rinks offer rentals for the day.
Get a sugar rush at a cabane à sucre
When: February to April
Where: Various locations throughout Montreal and Quebec
Why You Need To Go: The world may think of Canada when it comes to maple, but Canada thinks of Quebec, the nation's unofficial maple capital. Technically at the end of winter in that sweet spot before spring, nature allows Canadians to tap into our greatest export. Quebecers celebrate the season with festivals and traditions that feature nature's sugar. You should visit cabane à sucres (sugar shacks) throughout Quebec and Montreal's public markets to indulge in special menus from local restaurants and check out Cabane Panache in Verdun in March.
Hike Up Mount Royal
Where: Mount Royal
Why You Need To Go: There aren't many places in the world where you can hike a mountain just a few kilometres from a city business district. Mount Royal, the very mountain after which the city is named and around which our way of life literally revolves, is an absolute haven for winter fun. Whether you want to cross-country ski, snowshoe or simply go for a brisk winter walk up to the iconic lookout, the mountain is the perfect example of how we approach every season in Montreal with style.
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The iceberg by Félix Dagenais et Louis-Xavier Gagnon-Lebrun.
Experience "Au bord du lac Tranquille" by Normal Studio et Mirari.Ulysse Lemerise OSA