At one point my eyelashes and hair froze. 26 Wonderful Things to do in Montreal in Winter Montreal is one of the best Canadian cities to visit in the winter. Classics include the world-renowned Radio City Rockettes in their Christmas Spectacular, or Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet at the Lincoln Center. Expect ice slides and mazes, parades, snow cultures, and delicious food. We recommend a stroll through this city's historic district before visiting Trois-Riviere's iconic monastery, as well as the adjoining Musee des Ursulines (Museum of the Nuns). Heres all the things you need to eat in Montreal before you leave (seriously like, print this out and make a checklist). Stuff Your Face with Montreal Specialties, 10 Things to do in Quebec City in the Winter, Pointe--Callire Cit darchologie et dhistoire de Montral, Beyond the Basilica: A Walking Tour of Montreal. Former Montrealer here. Its one of the best Montreal winter activities. In 2016 we quit our jobs, put our stuff in storage, and took off on a (disastrous) year-long honeymoon. Montreal is one of the best place to visit in Canada. Heres how it works: first, take a taxi, Lyft or Uber to Mont Royal. Why you should visit: This road trip offers two things that no other road trip on this list does: the first is a stop at the Sucrrie de la Montagne, where you can learn how Canada's famous maple syrup gets produced. This part of Qubec is celebrated for its many art and cultural creators, so there's no better place to check out some unique and beautiful artworks. Here are a few of our favorites: Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal) is considered one of the best-preserved old town centres in North America, with buildings dating back to the 1600s. 21 Best Things to Do in Montreal in Winter to Get You Outside - Time Out Its been running for over 70 years, with decorated floats, marching bands and performers working their way through downtown Montreal. Get outside and play in Montral this winter | Tourisme Montral Softly falling snow. the famous Disney Santa Parade), Disney's Magic Kingdom offers an after-hours Christmas event called Mickey's Verry Merry Christmas Party, featuring live singers and gingerbread cookie bars. In a city known for its epicnightlifethink bestbars, hidden drinking dens andspeakeasiesand downtownpre-gamespotsthis ice bar by theLachine Canalis the perfect addition. City Trips Montreal Winter Sports Winter Travel. Where to find the best things to do in Montreal in winter, Rue Wellington in Montreal was named coolest street in the world according to this years Time Out Index, Photograph: Jo Gorsky | Cirque de Boudoir, Hosted in a former bathhouse, this kinky costume party has a very strict dress code, helpful Pinterest reference board and some no-nonsense rules. How to get there: Taking the Samuel de Champlain Bridge, cross the St Lawrence River and exit the city of Montreal. Featuring electronic music from the best DJs, liveburlesque, gogo dancers, circus performances, a dungeon, and a special midnight countdown with host Plastik Patrik, this party is going to be off the hook. 12 Things To Do In Montreal That You Have To Add To Your Winter Bucket Then, follow Autoroute 15 all the way to the US-Canada border; once in New York State, take the I-87 straight to New York City. Also taking place in the later winter months is the world-famous Qubec Winter Carnival, the largest carnival of its kind in the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its one of the most fun indoor activities in Montreal right now! Bethlehem especially is known for its wonderful German-inspired Christmas Market, Christmas City Village. If skiing isn't your thing, you can always cozy up in one of Mont Sutton's four chalet-style restaurants for a delicious dinner. We had no idea that Montreal is actually an island 5 times larger than Manhattan, or that its second only to Las Vegas in hosting bachelor and bachelorette parties in the world (the legal drinking age is 18 the lowest in North America). Bonus: There's no way to miss the majestic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac Hotel, a fully functioning hotel and historic site that holds the Guinness World Record for the most photographed hotel in the world. Our highlights: While passing through Qubec City, make sure to stop at the German Christmas Market, taking place every December. Our travel tips: Remember that the Smithsonian Museum in Washington is free to visit. If you happen to visit Montreal in late November, you might catch a glimpse of the iconic Santa Claus Parade. You'll be amazed at how everything in the hotel, from barstools to beds, are made from ice. Are you looking for an escape from Montreal's famously frosty winters? The beauty of winter travel is that 99% of the time, all anyone is going to see is the very outer layer of your clothing. Take a walk and explore Boston's snow-dusted historic district, truly at it's best during the colder months. Visiting Mount Royal Park is one of the main things to do in Montreal during winter if you like fun activities in the snow and outdoor winter sports! It definitely wasnt sailing anywhere soon! 2. There are few cities in Canada that are as beautiful in the winter as Qubec City. It's only possible to skate on the Rideau Canal once it freezes enough to ensure visitors' safety. Downtown Montreals holiday shopping circuit goes out of its way to keep things festive with the likes of the legendary high-end window displays at Ogilvys, as well as decorations, music performances, and multiples of Santas Village. We think that Niagara Falls may be at its most beautiful in the winter, when parts of the falls freeze over, creating a layer of crystalline ice over the majestic falls. We get it weve heard wonderful things about Montreal in the spring and summer. From Frankenmuth, the surrounding Great Bay Region cities are all nearby. We got a lot of skeptical looks when we announced our plan to visit Montreal in the winter. There's little more magical than Disney World during Christmas. While I imagine Bota Bota is a lovely place to visit all year around, theres something particularly special about getting cosy in a sauna and looking out at the snowy landscapes around. The best things to do in Montreal in winter [a local's guide] Sometimes, the best things are the ones closest to homeread on to discover four winter road trips you can make in a day (or two)! Nearby you'll also find the TORONTO sign, perfect for a photo-op; once you've had your fill of skating, head on over to Toronto's famous Eaton Center where you can enjoy some holiday shopping. The rest are for snow rafting, where the runs can reach speeds of up to 100 km/hour on, especially cold days. This outdoor spa offers Finnish sauna baths, outdoor hot tubs, Nordic bathes, and massage therapy set in the Saint Sauveur Valley along the Simon River. As youve gathered, this is a seriously arty city, so dont miss a trip to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Our travel tips: Boston's proximity to the water means that while it can get quite snowy, it typically won't get terribly cold (especially in the earlier winter months). On your way to New York, you can stop in Stockbridge where you can get a taste of small-town New England before driving into the big city. It became iconic of Montreal, and it got an update in 1924: the cross is now made of steel and lit up at night to the delight of visitors. Expect small town coziness, quaint boutiques, and historic sites in North Hatley, which is known as one of the most beautiful small towns of Qubec. Snowshoeing has been an important mode of transportation for the indigenous peoples on the island of Montreal long before the arrival of the first European settlers, and that tradition lives on today. Things to Do in Montral in the Winter. Why you should visit: Wintertime may be the best time to visit National Parks in the US and Canada, as crowds tend to significantly dwindle, allowing you to enjoy these picturesque natural attractions completely solo. There are over 150 public ice skating rinks in Montreal alone! There's no better place than this lake to bundle up and experience this sport typical of the area. At the warmest part of the day, the temperature is often below freezing and at night it drops even more. Bota Bota offers a range of treatments, plus theres a small restaurant on board perfect if you want to spend a whole day there. If youre visiting Montreal in February, youre in for a treat! We've compiled some of our favourite winter stops in Canada and the United States, ranging from cozy Christmas villages and snowy National Parks to luxurious ski resorts and historic holiday cities. Hike up to Mont Royal Park. Alternately, Beaver Lake offers free admission as well as rentals on site, and is probably the quintessential Montreal outdoor skate with its location on the summit of Mount Royal. Something thats really unique, and only for the bold, is the small opening to the frozen river, which you can access as one of the cold plunge activities. La Cabane Sucre Handfield is an estate that dates back to 1850 and is also thoroughly committed to traditional sugar shack farethe difference with Handfield is that they offer menu adjustments to accommodate low fat, low sodium, vegetarianand gluten-free diets to ensure you can bring the whole family along. For the animal-lovers, we highly recommend checking out Adventuraid, a sanctuary and reserve that offers visitors the opportunity to interact and play with arctic wolves. For example, you could visit L'Auberge La Chocolaterie, a 19th-century icehouse that has since been converted into an inn and boutique, offering local sweets as well as scrumptious gourmet eats. Enjoy a classic winter activity on Mont Royal. December is an ideal month to visit Montreal if youre planning a winter trip. The National Park is just 30 minutes of this small town, close to the US-Canada border. Mount Royal is one of our favorite places to visit in Montreal and is known as the go-to if you are looking for a gorgeous view of the city. Our highlights: Saguenay derives its name from the Innu word Saki-nip, which roughly translates to where the water flows out. Bundle up and dont let the season pass you by. For a light afternoon hike near Montreal, try Rougemont. We havent the slightest clue! Weve been under Level 4Maximum Alert (red) for, it seems like, forever. Once out of Montreal, take the Trans-Canada Highway before exiting on 312N to Autoroute 73 N toward Qubec City. Sticky maple taffy. This looks absolutely charming. All in all, it makes a great substitution for shorter daylight hours. The top 10 attractions in Montreal | Destination Canada There are ten Indigenous nations in the state of Quebec: The Cree, Miqmaq, Naskapi, Algonquin, Montagnais, Abenaki, Mohawk, Attikamekw, Huron and Malecite. The crunching snow er, slush beneath our winter boots only enhanced our Christmas cheer. Montreal's winters are very, very cold. At least, I would imagine. We recommend Atelier Par, a museum and shop that is celebrated for its wood sculptures. Montreal is a city of neighbourhoods, much like New York, every neighbourhood feels like its own little city. While January is the coldest month in Montreal with lows around -14C / 7F, its a great time to visit for a winter break. How to get there: Cross the St Lawrence River via the Samuel de Champlain bridge to exit Montreal; then, take the Trans-Canada highway before exiting on 312N to Autoroute 73 N toward Qubec City. It also includes transit on the 747 Airport bus. There are lots of places in Quebec that you can go ice fishing, but if this is your first time trying this classic winter activity, Id suggest booking a tour. Yall: we learned so much. Bonus: St Augustine is the oldest city in North America, having been established by Spanish settlers in 1565. The budget-friendly 747 bus line runs 24/7 from the Montreal airport into the city center and includes unlimited travel on public transport for 1 day within Montreal. We love taking food tours because we love to eat and we love to learn! Next time I return, Ill head straight to the ironically-named Upstairs a basement jazz bar with an excellent reputation. Epic all-nighter arts and culture event Nuit . Why you should visit: Often looked over during the wintertime, the Great Lakes Bay Region is a wonderful road-trip destination any time of year. 29 Things to Do in Montreal in Winter - Must Do Canada Tucked in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant is unlike any other ski resort in Qubec, boasting unmatched luxury and a wide range of activities. This article was updated on December 1, 2022. You can reach Mont Tremblant and Ottawa in under 2 hours from Montreal; and Quebec City, Saguenay Fjord and Boston if you take a weekend. While you can catch this ceremony on your TV, there's nothing quite like experiencing it in person. Skiing is a popular and easy-to-learn winter sport for all ages, and Montreal is home to a whole host of excellent cross-county skiing venues equipped with chalets, rental services and facilities to go along with its 200km of well-maintained trails. The citys most popular spots include the easygoing novice trails of Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Botanical Gardens or the Lachine Canal, intermediate trails in the enormous Cap-Saint-Jacques park, and advanced trails with challenging inclines on Mount Royal, right in the middle of the city. The coldest month in Montreal is January with lows around -14C / 7F and highs of -4C / 25F. Our travel tips: Out of all the towns in the Great Bay Region, Frankenmuth is the city most celebrated for its winter and holiday appeal, and this is where you'll probably find the most indoor holiday activities. Thats the basis of a Nordic spa cycle, which is something Ive come to associate with cold destinations ever since jumping into a freezing cold fjord from a sauna in Norway. Aura is immersive and beautiful, and is a great addition to any Montreal winter itinerary. The street is now home to some of the citys most-known landmarks, cosy cafes, fine dining, hotels, hipster offices, and boutique shopping. About a one-hour drive outside of Montreal, this location is for serious tubers only. Our travel tips: Winter in New York City tends to be on the wetter and snowier sidemake sure to pack plenty of layers and waterproof clothing. Theres up and coming Saint-Henri, trendy The Plateau, foodie mecca Little Burgundy, hipster Mile End and mural-covered Saint-Laurent Boulevard. We won't send you spam. Here are our suggestions for where to explore: Listen: Montreal is a foodie city. Our waitress let us taste a few options before we decided on a bottle of red. Nothing signals the holidays more than that first skate of the season, and there are loads of municipally-run outdoor rinks open from mid-December to mid-March to choose from. Youll learn about history and local culture, find secret spots youd never discover on your own, and get to see the city all at the same time. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Its the combination of both new and old that make this such a fun neighbourhood anattractionworth visiting on a day trip or a night out. Its a time when the city comes to life with winter festivals, snow and ice activities, street markets and illuminations. Plus, the scenery outside as the train wound through the Hudson Valley was stunning! If you prefer to rent a car, the trip should take around 90 minutes. There was an error submitting your subscription. Our travel tips: Mont Tremblant is such a popular winter destination that we really suggest you book accommodations well in advance to avoid any disappointment. While you may be tempted to book the first flight out to some tropical paradise, we think there's no time like the wintertime to hop in the car, enjoy your road trip playlist, and explore nearby hidden holiday gems. 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Montrealers may not walk the streets with a pair on, but theres lots to ground to cover beyond trips to the dpanneur. Then, ask them to circle Summit Avenue and Summit Lookout youre looking for this spot. I should also add, this is one of my top free things to do in Montreal. Nearby Lac Saint-Jean, which feeds into the Saguenay River, is known for its ice-fishing offerings. <3, Your email address will not be published. Our highlights: Get ready for jaw-dropping ice sculptures at Zehnder's Snowfest, one of the major draws for this area during the winter season. During our visit, we had no trouble finding English speakers, even though we heard otherwise before our trip. Itmay be small, but it has mega-swagger: With its restaurant rows, swank hangouts and a strongreputationfor live entertainment in the city, the best things to do in the Mile End of Montreal are as many as they are varied. This street has over 2,400 years of history some of its cobblestones pre-date the entire United States! 6 hours 50 minutes from Montreal (670 km). You can also simply walk along this frozen UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is dotted with shacks where you can enjoy hot chocolate or poutine, Canada's most famous dish. After stopping in Bernville, New Hope and Bethlehem, you can easily continue to Washington DC via the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Its best winter trail is a 3.6 km (2.2 miles) loop on the orchard-lined grounds of Cidrerie Michel Jodoin. Montreals Notre-Dame Basilica is already one of the citys major attractionsfor good reason, but during the winter months? eh?!?! Thank you for sharing such a useful information, So much has changed since October. One of my favourite things to do in winter in Montreal? Mont St-Grgoire Photo credit: @pizza_cote. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. The food was divine too. Theres no way to sugar-coat this (get it? You can learn about this and other local history, including First Nations people, at the Centre DHistoire de Montreal. 7. How to get there: First, you'll cross the St. Lawrence River via the Samuel de Champlain bridge to get out of Montreal. Are you ready to throw on your cosiest layers, eat delicious French food and feel all European (without actually going to Europe)? See the famous Aura light show. The outside is quite plain, so its surprising to walk inside and see the incredible painted roof, ornate architecture and beautiful decorations. Tremblant also has lots of other experiences to offer, including luxury spas and the opportunity to explore the gorgeous Mont Tremblant Village. In addition to its usual Christmas activities (i.e. Our highlights: North Hatley is filled with cute and accessible activities that are sure to make your experience incredibly memorable. How to get there: Exit Montreal via the Samuel de Champlain Bridge before continuing along the Trans-Canada Highway all the way to Qubec City. For example, merino wool is super warm, incredibly soft (no, its not itchy!) Why you should visit: This road trip takes you through Canada's largest city, Toronto, before visiting the country's most recognizable natural wonder, Niagara Falls. For specific dates and more information, click here. Things To Do 12 Things To Do In Montreal That You Have To Add To Your Winter Bucket List The coolest time of year and not just because of the weather. Our travel tips: While there are many Bar Harbor attractions that stay open during the winter months, some hotels and restaurants will close during the off-season. Located right at the base of the mountain, these eateries are sure to serve up some comforting classics to warm you up. Even more Nordic spas (yes, were obsessed). It might sound unreal but it's true - take yours or rented equipment and go cross-country skiing, skating, or sliding. Here are our recommendations for tours in Montreal. Then, taking the A-10 Towards Sherbrooke, traverse the US-Canada border into Maine. Itll also give you a great introduction to Montreals food scene. This nickname also refers to this region's deep agricultural routes. Unsubscribe at any time. And while we knew Montreal-style bagels were a thing, we didnt realize how good they are. at Gaylord Palms, a unique ice sculpture experience interactive exhibits and the opportunity to meet Santa. Visit Montral's major parks Mount-Royal Park, Parc La Fontaine and Jarry Park to go ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding or simply for a snowy stroll. For more winter travel packing tips, head over to our Cold Weather Packing Guide. Stockbridge is truly the quintessential New England town, coming alive during the winter months; expect picturesque village views and lots of opportunities for outdoor winter sports. There are two sides to Niagara Falls, the American and Canadian sides. So instead, this year, we boarded an Amtrak train in New York City and headed up to Montreal, Canada! To visit Mont Tremblant, you can book the LExpress du Nord coach every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the morning with an included return in the evening. Measuring over 126km long and boasting rocky cliffs that are over 350 meters high, the Saguenay Fjord measures among the longest in the world. The setting is really picturesque, and along with a main rink, theres also a track that goes round in a loop, taking you under a bridge and closer to Old Montreal. Montreal offers several Nordic spa opportunities: If your visit to Montreal falls in December, youll have plenty of Christmas Markets to explore. And Montreal will be on my list of cities to visit. More about this in my food guide to Montreal. The top 10 attractions in Montreal From centuries-old landmarks to festivals featuring the biggest bands in the world today, Montreal is both a modern and classic city that's everything except boring. But visiting a food market in Montreal is a close second! If you're an animal lover, then there's no better experience than a visit to Parc Omega, which allows you to meet and feed local animals from the comfort of your car. 14 Magical Things to Do in Montreal in the Winter By Lia Garcia | Updated on: March 30, 2023 Please double check what's open before your trip and follow all local mask guidelines to keep yourself and others safe! Twice the size of the The Rink at Rockefeller Center, you can expect 70s vibes on Saturday nights thanks to all the musical disco hits (hello, Donna Summer! Finally, ask your driver to take you to St Josephs Oratory. To many the most beautiful piece of architecture in Montreal, L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph is a historic monument of the city's history. Looking for some outdoor fun? You can also snowshoe or cross-country ski through the many national parks in the region and enjoy the stillness of snow-capped forests. Also, make sure to check whether the trains in Mont Mgantic are open for visitors as some trails are only available to enjoy later in the winter. St. Augustine Beach is a highlight on this trip; one of the most beloved beaches on the east coast, this stunning spot is much less crowded in the winter. All rights reserved. Wow I would visit just for the Nordic Spa alone! We get up and out of the house with a list of the best things to do: Theres tons of skiing near Montrealand ice skating, sure, but theres also tons of festivalsthat rival the citys summer counterparts, a ton of nightlifeevents, and comforting eats in the citys best restaurantsand New Year's Eve parties. Our highlights: One of the heritage sites you'll find along the New France Route is the Saint-Anne-de-Beaupr Shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site in Canada and the first in North America. Look no further than the Christmas Market in the historic Distillery District for Toronto's premiere holiday market. We ended up visiting on a Sunday night, craving a simple dinner of wine and cheese. In fact, around 20% of the citys population speaks English at home. Enjoy Mount Royal Park. SNOW TUBING! . And the second is an opportunity to skate along Ottawa's famous Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also be subscribing to our monthly newsletter. To my shock and surprise, I loved it! Subscribe and well send you our FREE 22-page Travel Planning Guide. Approximately one mile long, Rue Saint-Paul was first built in the 1670s and was the center of North American fur trade for decades. One of the best Montreal winter activities? This is especially true if you plan to explore the nearby mountains, or if you're engaging in winter sports while travelling. As you venture down the stairs, youll be surprised to see it gets darker and darker, as everything is illuminated by UV lights. 22 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (2,330 km). This architectural gem is picturesque when covered in a thin (or sometimes, thick) layer of fluffy snow; additionally, Qubec, which boasts a world-famous Christmas Market as well as tons of festivals that are sure to cheer you up during the colder months. 21 Amazing Things To Do In Montreal In Winter, Eat Your Way Around The City On A Montreal Food Tour, Spend The Evening At A Concert in Montreal, Enjoy the displays at Montreal En Lumiere (Montreal Lights Festival), Visit one of Montreals Christmas markets, Dance the night away at Igloofest the worlds coldest music festival, Visit Fte des Neiges de Montral (Montreal Snow Festival ), Questions about visiting Montreal in winter. Not only are there beautiful illuminations all over the Quartier Des Spectacles, theres a festive village with lots of exciting events taking place. Orford, a quick weekend escape near Montreal for nature-lovers. The weekend pass allows you to use public transportation as much as you want from 4 pm on Friday to 5 am on Monday. You'll then take exit 29 and continue along Autoroute 55 S until you reach North Hatley, right on the shores of Lac Massawippi.

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