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montreal winter activities

Looking for some winter adventures? This snow-filled destination near Montreal is brimming with frosty thrills and it's worth a road trip.

Nestled between mountains and valleys, the attraction is home to cozy chalets, sparkling slopes and cold-weather fun. It's actually been named the "largest snowsliding centre in the world" according to Bonjour Québec, making it a great spot to enjoy the outdoors this winter.

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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.

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As the city enters its chilliest month, don't just brace for the cold, embrace it. Despite recent holiday spending and inflation challenges, the city's lineup of events is wallet-friendly and rich in variety. From eye-catching public installations to the electrifying atmosphere of Igloofest, there's an unstoppable energy that defies the freeze.

As you don your toque and fill your pockets with hand-warmers, here are some ways to turn this time of the year into the coolest season to explore:

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Parc Jean-Drapeau is introducing a flurry of free winter activities this season, including a riverside ice skating trail with panoramic views of downtown Montreal. The city's third largest park, spanning Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, is also getting an ice climbing wall, a fat bike cycling route, a dedicated sledding hill, and two cross-country ski paths. You'll be able to sample all of the snow- and ice-based diversions as of December 23.

The ice skating path will be accessible to novice skaters with nearly 500 metres to explore along the Saint Lawrence River. The skaters' trail is refrigerated and mechanically maintained all winter long to keep it in optimal skating condition. You'll be able to skate daily, including after dark when the path will light up.

Skates cost $15 for a two-hour rental for adults (and are free for Montrealers aged 17 and under with an adult purchase). Cross-country skis ($30/two hours), snowshoes ($12/two hours), and fat bikes (35/hour) will also be available. A cycling course along the river will let cyclists take in stunning views without worrying about vehicle traction.

The two cross-country ski trails (800m on Île Sainte-Hélène and 5.7km on Île Notre-Dame) will cater to both all skill levels. Newbies can sign up for free introductory clinics from Ski de fond Montréal, while veterans will have access to indoor space to wax their gear.

Nearby, the Parc Jean-Drapeau climbing wall will turn into a wall of ice. Free intro courses will be offered for the unique experience, while FQME-certified climbers will be able to rappel at their leisure. For those who prefer to slide down, not scale up, the park promises that its sledding hill will be easy to climb.

All activities will be accessible by metro, near the Jean Drapeau station, and you'll be able to take breaks at warm-up stations in the Aquatic Complex, Tunisia Pavilion and Bistro Sainte-Hélène, which will have a furnished terrace. Get ready to make the most of the chilly winter in store for Montreal!

Parc Jean Drapeau Winter Activities

When: Opens December 23 (closed December 25 and January 1)

Where: Parc Jean Drapeau, 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

More at parcjeandrapeau.com

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Montreal has much to be proud of after being ranked as one of the best cities in the world to travel to in 2024. Lonely Planet released its annual list of the best cities to travel to and Montreal didn't just make the cut, but it was the only Canadian city to appear on the ranking.

Lonely Planet listed 10 of the most sought-after destinations, which include travel hotspots such as Paris, Jakarta, Nairobi, Prague, Manaus, and of course…Montreal.

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For those looking for things to do this winter season, a road trip to Ontario's Upper Canada Village is the ideal destination to get in the holiday spirit. Located only 90 minutes from Montreal, Upper Canada Village transforms into a magical Christmas village adorned with lights, horse-drawn carriages and Santa's workshop — making for quite the winter wonderland.

As fall withers away with the remainder of the autumn leaves, winter's chill is right around the corner, and while the season doesn't officially start until December 21, 2023, we all know winter loves to make an early arrival.

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Brace yourselves Montrealers, we've got an action-packed weekend coming our way, thanks to our city's famous Nuit Blanche happening on Saturday, February 26.

You can spend your upcoming Saturday evening embracing all that Montréal en Lumière's most iconic night has to offer, including wandering through museums, checking out outdoor light shows, riding on the colourful Loto-Québec Ferris Wheel, or going glow-in-the-dark rock climbing!

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Feeling like it's time for a little winter getaway with your loved one? Well, this stunning Airbnb accommodation is only an hour and a half from Montreal and is the perfect spot to relax with your partner and immerse yourselves in nature.

The Airbnb, called "L'Hirondelle", is located on Lac Vase Road in Sainte-Émélie-de-l'Énergie where it's surrounded by trees and within close proximity to a small lake.

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Calling all night owls! Montreal's famous Nuit Blanche is happening this February and you're going to want to make sure your calendars are free that night.

On Saturday, February 26, 2022, a wide range of activities are being offered throughout the city to help you rediscover the beauty of Montreal in a whole new light.

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The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

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Looking for an adventure that will get your adrenaline rushing? Abraska is offering a treetop adventure course only 30 minutes from Montreal at their Mont Saint-Grégoire park. The aerial activity is a sure way to get in loads of laughs and thrills and will have you zip-lining away from your winter blues.

Abraska describes the activity as the "ultimate forest adventure," and considering you'll be navigating through zip lines, suspension bridges, lianas, swings, and climbing nets, an ultimate adventure it's bound to be.

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Old Montreal is easily one of the most beautiful spots the city has to offer, and the charm factor is certainly turned up high during the winter. Now, you have an opportunity to explore it all. You can embark on a scavenger hunt organized by Guidatour and SDC Vieux-Montréal through the stunning streets of Old Montreal, and the best part of it all, it's totally free!

Those who wish to participate are encouraged to layer on their jackets, toques and scarves as they explore the historic district in a walking circuit that includes a "questionnaire, games, and fun challenges," says Guidatour.

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