10 reasons to visit Montréal this winter

To put it simply, it takes more than a little snow to keep Montrealers from engaging with their city and its unique cultural offerings. And if you think that as one of the world’s leading festival cities we take a break during the winter, you’d be wrong! Each year, festivals like the chill outdoor dance party of Igloofest, the eye-popping interactive lighting installations of Lumino and the packed programming of MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE keeps spirits high.

You haven’t seen Montréal until you’ve seen it in its winter wardrobe, a pillowy blanket of snow that we think of as a blank canvas for unlimited fun. Take in the classic charms of Saint-Paul and de la Commune streets in Old Montréal, or get your shop on on Mont-Royal Avenue in the Plateau quartier. The parks are filled with families making snowpeople and sledding. And it’s all so picturesque your social media will never look better (tagged #mtlmoments, of course).

Montréal loves a good skate, and throughout the winter there’s prime ice skating to be had all over the city, from neighbourhood parks to large-scale public rinks like the Esplanade Tranquille right in the heart of the city, equipped with a warming café on-site. From the stately views of frozen Beaver Lake on Mount Royal to the glowing surroundings of the Old Port of Montréal skating rink, ice skating is the definitive Montréal winter experience. Didn’t bring your skates? Worry not—there’s easily accessible rental spots at many public rinks.

Winter is a time for warming comfort food, and Montréal specializes in hot food for cold days. Better yet, there’s a number of gourmet festivals from November to March including our must-eat MTLàTABLE, the Montréal Vegan Festival for plant-based lovers, La Grande dégustation de Montréal for those who enjoy a tipple, February’s infamous Poutine Week, Old Montréal’s Happening Gourmand in its namesake neighbourhood, and Wellington Street’s March transformation into the winter lumberjack village Cabane Panache just to name a few.

Don’t be surprised when you spot Montréalers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or biking by on the winter streets. And when you’re invited to a night of outdoor dancing to some of the world’s top DJs, we’re serious about that too! There’s an embrace of winter here that’s unlike anywhere else, from the snow-tire equipped BIXI bike share system to Igloofest’s unbeatable roster of dance music talent that’s sure to leave you with not only an unforgettable experience, but an all new love of the colder parts of the year.

Whether you’re traveling as a group or flying solo, Montréal’s charming cafés make for the perfect spot to warm and refuel. Whether indie coffee-centric roasteries, instagrammable hangouts or calming tea houses are your thing, we’ve got you covered. Take in the whimsical charm of Le Petit Dep’s four locations, the epic archways of Crew Collective & Cafe (often name checked as one of the world’s most beautiful) or take a lesson in Japanese tea culture at Cha Do Raku before taking the next step on your winter MTL adventure.

Montréal’s multiple holiday markets take the charm of traditional European Christmas markets and inject a local flavour that’s truly one of a kind. The Great Christmas Market transforms the Quartier des spectacles into a buzzing hive of activity and good cheer, while Montréal’s Christmas Village at Atwater Market feels like wandering at the North Pole. Jean-Talon Market’s holiday programming (complete with Christmas tree vendors) are a seasonal must-see, and you’re sure to find the perfect artisanal gift at happenings like the Marché artisanal Montréal, the Japanese Holiday Market, Le Marché des Artisans Récupérateurs, the Indigenous Winter Market, the Vegan Christmas Market, Pop Montréal’s Puces POP or order online (and avoid carrying anything home) from Québec-based creators via the virtual marketplace  Idée Cadeau Québec.

Winter also marks a time of cultural consumption in Montréal, from blockbuster museum openings to a packed line-up of musical and theatrical performances at the city’s arts venues. Make new discoveries and reacquaint yourself with some old masters at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, keep it contemporary at the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (MAC for short), dive into the converted shipyard space Arsenal Contemporary Art Montréal or visit the sibling modern art spaces PHI Centre and PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art. Cheer for the home team the Montréal Canadiens at a packed game or take in a performance from one of the city’s world-class indie bands at one of the local underground venues. And while the winter weather may be cold, Montréal’s culture scenes stay unseasonably hot!

When it comes to self-care and pampering, Montréal is fond of a touch of luxury and relaxation. From top-tier luxe hotel experiences to one-of-a-kind boutique stays, you’ll find your winter dream home away from home. There’s no finer way to warm the bones than at one of Montréal’s best spas, including the iconic Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau docked in Old Montréal and the meditative Strøm Nordic Spa on Nun’s Island easily accessible by the REM light rail system. And Tourisme Montréal’s Passeport MTL offers special savings on attractions and relaxation updated seasonally. You deserve it!

Montréaler’s sense of warmth and joie de vivre shine bright all winter long, with a seasonal surprise around every corner. And with an embrace of sustainable travel (recently earning the title as the most sustainable destination in North America, no less) and a focus on fun (just one of the reasons why Montréal is one of the world’s happiest cities), we’re ready to welcome you for a winter getaway you’ll never forget!