Whether you're planning a romantic date night or a festive outing with your besties, there are several enchanting light trails near Montreal just waiting to be explored this winter.
From mesmerizing city strolls to immersive forest footpaths, here are eight dazzling displays near Montreal that you can discover in the next month or two. What's more, they're all within a 2.5-hour road trip of Montreal — and some of them may even be taking place in your own neighbourhood.
These stunning sites are perfect for making magical memories this season. So, bundle up and head out on your next adventure!
After all, you know what they say: glow big or glow home!
Ice Trails at Domaine Enchanteur
Price: $24 per adult
When: Opens around December 15
Address: Le Domaine Enchanteur – 1180, rang Saint-Félix E., Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, QC
Why You Need To Go: How does skating through winding forest ice-trails, surrounded by twinkling lights, sound to you? Domaine Enchanteur, located two and a half hours away from Montreal, lives up to its name (Enchanting Estate in English) with its site becoming as colourful as it is sparkly in the evenings. With 15 km of trails, two-thirds of which are lit up, you can skate for a long time before completing the course.
Fantasy Land at Parc Safari
Price: $30 per car or $10 per person
When: Fridays to Sundays, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., until January 5
Address: Parc Safari – 242, rang Roxham, Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, QC
Why You Need To Go: Less than an hour from Montreal, Parc Safari feels like stepping into a fairytale until January 5. Visitors can expect to see giant illuminated animals forming a grandiose trail of glittering lights. Christmas music, decorated trees, and Santa Claus are also part of the experience. Plus, those still shopping for Christmas gifts can find an array of beautiful options at the on-site Christmas Market until December 22.
Parc Safari Website
Light Magic in Laval
Price: Free
When: Nightly until December 20, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: Trévi Laval – 1805, autoroute Jean-Noël-Lavoie, Laval, QC
Why You Need To Go: On Montreal’s North Shore, Trévi’s Féérie de lumières invites you to stroll along a trail adorned with a dozen brightly-shining sculptures — and best of all it's totally free! On weekends, you can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate as well as Christmas music while basking in the presence of Santa Claus, setting the ultimate holiday ambiance. This event is also an opportunity to support Moisson Laval’s Christmas basket campaign so check your pantry and bring non-perishable food items to donate to the food bank.
Onhwa' Lumina
Price: $31.50 per adult
When: Year-round, depending on available time slots
Address: Onhwa' Lumina - 110, rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake, QC
Why You Need To Go: Designed by Moment Factory, this luminous trail near Quebec City takes you on an immersive 1.2 km night walk celebrating the culture of the Huron-Wendat Nation. Under the starry skies, you'll encounter captivating multimedia projections, transcendent installations and the ancestral rhythm of stories and song, as you're transported on a collective adventure "rich with emotion" and connection, as per the Onhwa' Lumina website.
Boulevard Monk Light Trail
Price: Free
When: Until January 10
Address:
- Parc Garneau – Rue du Parc-Garneau, Montreal, QC
- Parvis De Biencourt – Rue De Biencourt, between Monk Boulevard and Briand Street, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Accessible by Metro, this urban trail of lights lets you experience a little bit of holiday magic right, without leaving the city, thanks to illuminated parks located close to Monk station. Don't forget to bring a camera and your favourite people so you snap stunning shots with the folks who matter most. Grab a hot chocolate and go for a stroll — this is your chance to dive full-force into the festive season!
Holiday Light Stroll at Saunders Farm
Price: $25 per person
When: Weekends until December 30 (inclusive)
Address: Saunders Farm – 7893 Bleeks Street, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Saunders Farm transforms into a true Christmas village until December 30. As you wander through illuminated tunnels, a candy cane world, an ice grotto and other breathtaking settings, you'll feel like you've travelled to another planet, making it well worth the two-and-a-half-hour road trip.
Saunders Farm Website
Illuminated Village at Village Québécois d’Antan
Price: $35 per adult; $20 per child (ages 3–7)
When: December 7, 14, 20–24, and 26–31 (closed December 25), 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Address: Village Québécois d’Antan – 1425, rue Montplaisir, Drummondville, QC
Why You Need To Go: Until the end of the year, Village Québécois d’Antan in Drummondville invites you to discover its snowy streets adorned with twinkling lights and thousands of garlands jazzing up the surrounding trees, houses, and buildings. In addition to exploring the site and shopping at the Christmas market, you'll meet mythical characters, dance to traditional music and — for the brave among you — even join in a snowball fight.
Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village
Price: $17 per person (ages 13+)
When: Until January 4 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., depending on available time slots
Address: Upper Canada Village – 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON
Why You Need To Go: Over a million tiny bulbs light up the night, creating a vibrant display that enhances this charming heritage village. Here, you can soak up the holiday spirit by enjoying festive stories, playing themed games, watching a captivating sound and light show, riding a miniature train, and singing Christmas carols. Best of all, it's just a two-hour drive from Montreal.
This story was adapted from the article "8 parcours lumineux absolument magiques qui valent le road trip à 2h30 ou moins de Montréal," which was originally published on Narcity Québec by Noémi Lincourt.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
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