Winter delights in Montréal: A three-day itinerary
Winter
In the winter months, Montréal offers cozy and warm opportunities to discover food and culture. In this three-day itinerary, you can some of the best local eats, see incredible museums, and even head outside to play in the winter wonderland. Enjoy!
Day 1: Stroll through picturesque Old Montréal
Walking through Old Montréal on a wintery day is like strolling inside a snow globe. With its postcard-perfect setting, you’ll love the beautiful, snow-dusted streets. Start your day with a coffee in the sumptuous surroundings of Crew Collective & Café, located in the former Royal Bank of Canada building. Next, pick up a light breakfast — pastries, scones, sandwiches — from Olive + Gourmando, one of Old Montréal’s most beloved sandwich shops.
Back outside, it’s time to discover some of Montréal’s best shopping. Browse designer fashions, curated multi-brand boutiques and tasteful art galleries along Saint-Paul Street. Maison Pepin and SSENSE are two amazing concept boutiques that offer an indelible a feast for the eyes. Be sure to stop by Sarah Pacini and Philippe Dubuc: the crème de la crème of Québécois designers.
For those who love art and history, check out the new exhibitions on at the cutting-edge exhibitions at PHI Centre, visit the Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology and Museum Complex, fall under the spell of the AURA multimedia show at the Notre-Dame Basilica (created by renowned Montréal studio Moment Factory), or delve into the city’s past with our guide to Montréal's French roots.
As the afternoon settles in, head to the Old Port and gaze out over the city from 60-metres above ground on Canada’s biggest Ferris Wheel: the Grande Roue de Montréal. Back on the earth, lace up your ice skates for a twirl around the outdoor skating rink in the Old Port, set to the backdrop of twinkling lights and music. In the mood for some pampering? The chic Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, anchored in the St. Lawrence River, takes self-care to whole new levels with its restorative and reinvigorating water circuits. And while you’re there, have a nibble at La Traversée restaurant. The Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal is another superb spa option, offering you soothing treatments, sublime design, and all the serenity you crave.
For dinner, it’s best to make reservations. Try one of the neighbourhood’s signature restaurants: Le Serpent, Monarque, L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Le Club Chasse et Pêche Restaurant Bar Salon or Graziella. Take a peek at the menus of Babacool, Bazart, Pincette, Buvette Pastek and Sauvage, brand-new hotspots where the on-trend crowd collects.
For a truly winter experience, book one of the heated domes perched on the roof of the Hôtel William Gray hotel and savour exquisite culinary creations or a delicious brunch while enjoying a panoramic view of Place Jacques-Cartier and the St Lawrence River. Or dance your evening away under the stars at Igloofest, each winter in late January.
Once the night revelry is over, tuck into bed at your hotel, a luxe cocoon amidst old stone walls. Enjoy the chic and cozy comforts of Hôtel William Gray, Hôtel Gault, Hôtel Place d’Armes or Le Petit Hôtel, some Old Montréal gems.
Day 2: Discover delightful downtown
Montréal is a creative city. Artistic-inclined visitors will relish the multiple museums and galleries, home to both historic and modern works. Get your culture fix by reserving tickets for exhibitions at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the McCord Stewart Museum, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, or the Musée d’art contemporain. Check out the immersive experiences on current themes at OASIS immersion at the Palais des congrès de Montréal and the Société des arts technologiques. Be sure to pop by Place des Arts which features an ever-evolving program of dance, theatre, opera, and music throughout the winter.
For travellers craving retail therapy, set your shopping radar to the renovated Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, and revel in the luxurious finds. Escape any cold weather by heading underground. Montréal’s underground pedestrian network offers access to such shopping gems as Centre Eaton, Place Montréal Trust, Cours Mont-Royal, Place Ville Marie, and Complexe Desjardins.
Emerge into the open air for a selfie at The Ring. The unmistakable symbol of the city’s landscape represents the historic built heritage along an important axis in Montréal’s downtown core, linking — in a visual line — the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel, the Esplanade PVM, McGill University, and Mount Royal.
When it’s time for a bite to eat or a glass of wine, indulge in the delectable menus at Renoir, the gorgeous interior of Bar George or Henri, the delicious French-style brasserie Le Pois Penché, or high above the city at the oh-so chic restaurant, Hiatus restaurant and bar (at the top of Place Ville Marie). Alternatively, the trendy Time Out Market and Le Cathcart Restaurants et Biergarten are next-level food courts, offering a wide selection of some of Montréal’s best culinary options. Bon appétit!
Whatever you do, don’t hide inside all day. Do as the locals do and celebrate the outdoors, even in the cold months. Beginner or experienced skaters alike can glide around the outdoor Esplanade Tranquille ice skating, and will cost you only the price of skate rentals. (Alternatively, if the weather is a bit too frosty, you can stay indoors at the Atrium Le 1000 skating rink.)
And speaking of being outside, if you time your travels for late February, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE brightens the winter season. One of the largest winter festivals in the world, the annual celebration honours the joy of Montréal’s winter through a unique program combining performing arts, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities, and an all-nighter.
Finally, for a truly magical winter experience, dine upon the boreal flavours imagined by Chef Xavier Dahan under the stars in a heated dome at the Refuges du Bivouac facing the Place des Festivals.
Day 3: Explore the outdoors (or opt for eating)
On this third day of your itinerary, you have two options: head to one of Montréal’s most celebrated parks or eat your way through Little Italy. (Or do both if you’re feeling ambitious.)
Straddling two islands in the St. Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is just a five-minute jaunt from downtown on the metro (subway). The park provides a backdrop for sports enthusiasts, nature buffs, and winter lovers to explore 25 kilometres of multipurpose trails. Options includ to skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fatbiking. Wander along paths dotted with some of the city’s most celebrated artworks, including Calder’s Man stabile. Also, download free podcast documentaries on the mobile app Portrait Sonore to learn more about 15 public artworks around Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame. Punctuate your visit with a meal at the Casino de Montréal. Not just for games and cabaret shows, the Casino offers several dining options including stunning views of the city at Le Montréal and quick eats at L’instant.
Alternatively, take a stroll and see for yourself why so many visitors and locals love Little Italy. Discoveries include the sumptuous Jean-Talon Market, which is festooned in cheery lights during the holiday season. Grab a coffee and wander dreamily among colourful stands that will make you want to scoop up everything. One of the best ways to discover any city is through its culinary culture. Several companies offer food tours of Montréal, including the Jean-Talon Market. This is an ideal way to spend a few hours walking and tasting some delicious bites and learning about local lore. After eating, check out the recently revamped Plaza St-Hubert for its refreshing mix of on-trend and traditional boutiques that changes up the shopping experience.
For dinner, discover local favourites like Vin Mon Lapin, Pumpui, Impasto,Lou (Gus), Mesón, and Tapeo. For after-dinner cocktails or glasses of beer, head to Taverne Atlantic, Vices & Versa or Bar Cicchetti — three sweet hangouts where you’ll likely have an opportunity to chat with locals. For evening entertainment, check out the events at the charming Casa d'Italia or the über-hip Bar Le Ritz PDB.
Daniel Baylis
Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.
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