What to Do in Winter in Montreal: 16 Must-Try Activities

Winter in Montreal is something else!

Even though the temperatures can get really cold, there’s always something to do, whether indoors or outdoors. Visiting Montreal in winter is always a great idea, as it offers a completely different lifestyle from what you might be used to in Europe!

In this article, you’ll first find a list of things to do in Montreal during winter, followed by a FAQ answering the most common questions I get asked.

• 16 things to do in winter in Montreal
• How to dress for winter in Montreal?
• When does winter start in Montreal?
• What are the winter temperatures in Montreal?

16 Must-Do Activities in Winter in Montreal

There’s no shortage of activities in Montreal during the winter. Whether you’re looking for indoor options to escape the cold or eager to experience the true essence of a Quebec winter, I’ve compiled all the must-try activities to make the most of your winter in Montreal.

Attend an Event

Even though it gets cold in winter, Montreal remains as festive as ever! Throughout the season, events are held across the city.

>> I encourage you to check out my dedicated article on festivals and events in Montreal, particularly the December–February section, for all the details on what’s happening in the city.

But to give you a taste, here are a few must-see events during winter in Montreal:

• Atwater and Place des Arts Christmas Markets
• LUMINO (formerly Luminothérapie)
• Igloofest
• Poutine Week
• Montreal en Lumières
• La Nuit Blanche
• Le Happening Gourmand

Go Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing in a Park

Montreal is home to many beautiful parks. During winter, several of the largest parks offer specially groomed trails for cross-country skiing. If you prefer hiking, snowshoeing is a fantastic option to explore the snowy landscapes at your own pace.

The most well-known park for these kinds of activities is probably Mount Royal, located at the center of the island, but Parc Maisonneuve is also particularly large. Parc Frédéric-Back is also well-suited for winter sports, as is Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Practical information: You can rent snowshoes or cross-country skis at the Beaver Lake Pavilion, Parc La Fontaine, and Parc Jean-Drapeau. Parc Frédéric-Back offers free cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals on weekends.

Snow Tubing

Mount Royal is a small hill—or a “little mountain,” as Montrealers like to call it. Near its Beaver Lake area, you can enjoy snow tubing.

This is a super fun activity that appeals to both kids and adults. While there aren’t many runs, there are enough to have a blast and enjoy a few exciting descents.

Try Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is a quintessentially Quebecois activity, and it’s perfect for winter! There are several places in Montreal where you can try it, but I particularly recommend the Rage location.

Each session lasts about an hour. It starts with a brief lesson and safety instructions, followed by plenty of time to have fun throwing axes at various targets.

I highly recommend it if you’re looking to try a unique and out-of-the-ordinary activity!

Ice Skating

During winter, several ice rinks are set up throughout the city.

The first one is located at the base of the Grande Roue in the Old Port. It’s open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM (until 10 PM from Thursday to Sunday) through January 5, 2025.

Practical info: Admission is $14.95 for ages 13 and up, and $7 for children aged 6 to 12. Skate rentals are $14.95 for adults and $10.50 for kids under 13.

The second rink is at Place des Arts in the Quartier des Spectacles. It’s open until April 6, 2025, from 9 AM to 9 PM (until 10 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays).

Practical info: Access to the ice is free. Skate rentals are $14.95 for adults and $10.50 for kids under 13.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also skate on one of Montreal’s natural rinks. The artificial lakes in various parks freeze over, allowing for skating! Keep in mind that this is natural ice, which isn’t smoothed, so there may be imperfections—stay cautious to avoid falls.

There are many natural rinks throughout the city, but I recommend starting with these:

• Parc La Fontaine Rink
• Lac-aux-Castors Rink
• Parc Jean-Drapeau Rink

You can also stroll along the ice trails set up in some parks, such as Parc Maisonneuve, Parc Laurier, or Parc Jarry.

My tip: Check the ice conditions for the various rinks on the city’s website before heading out!

Relax at the Spa

I’m a big fan of spas, and visiting one in winter is even better! There’s nothing like soaking in hot baths while the temperatures around you are below freezing—it’s pure bliss.

There are two outdoor spas in Montreal: Strom Spa on Nuns’ Island and Bota Bota in the Old Port.

I’ve tried both, but I must say I prefer Bota Bota. Not only is it more accessible if you don’t have a car, but it also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Montreal! Part of the spa is located on a boat floating on the St. Lawrence River, which makes the experience even more charming.

Warm Up in a Tea Room

What’s better than a hot chocolate or a warm tea when it’s freezing outside? Luckily, Montreal is home to many cozy tea rooms where you can relax in comfort when the cold becomes too much.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• La Taverne de Noël: During winter, Le P’tit Dep transforms completely into a festive Christmas-themed spot.
• Paparmane: This tea room offers a true assortment of pastries and savory bites, reminiscent of the finest English establishments.
• Crew Collective Café: Originally a coworking space, it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a coffee. The venue is housed in the grand former Royal Bank of Canada building, making it a truly majestic setting.

Attend a Hockey Game

Hockey season is in full swing during the winter in Montreal. If you want to experience Canada’s iconic sport, make sure to catch a game of the famous Montreal Canadiens, who regularly play at the Bell Centre.

However, be aware that ticket prices can rise quickly, so don’t wait too long if you’re interested.

You can also opt for the women’s team, the Montreal Force, which is entirely made up of women. This team only started playing in November 2024, so you might find cheaper tickets.

Another more affordable option is to see the Laval Rocket, who play in Laval. Their arena is easily accessible by taking the orange metro line to the Montmorency terminus.

Take a Stroll at the Botanical Garden

This suggestion might seem surprising in winter, but I’m mentioning it because it’s a great idea!

The Botanical Garden is free to visit during the winter! You can wander through the park’s paths and admire the snowy landscape—perfect for outdoor stroll enthusiasts.

You can also explore the Botanical Garden’s greenhouses, which are heated! There, you’ll discover a wide variety of tropical plants, which is also quite enjoyable!

Explore the Underground City

People often joke about Montreal’s “underground city,” but its underground network is actually quite extensive! In fact, it’s the largest in the world, with nearly 32 kilometers of corridors.

It may mostly resemble a vast underground shopping mall, but I can assure you that when temperatures dip to -15°C, you’ll be glad to take a walk in the warmth.

Note that the underground network is only present in downtown Montreal.

Visit a Museum

Of course, visiting a museum is a must during winter in Montreal. I’ve had the chance to visit several since moving here, and there’s truly a wide variety of options.

Here are some of the museums you might enjoy:

• Biodome: An indoor animal park where you can discover Canadian wildlife and flora through 4 ecosystems. A big hit with kids!
• Museum of Contemporary Art: To be honest, I haven’t visited this one because I’m not a big fan of contemporary art. But I’ve only heard positive feedback if you enjoy this type of art.
• Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM): The MBAM is really large. Expect to spend several hours if you want to visit it fully. Don’t hesitate to check out the ongoing exhibitions as they change regularly.
• Science Centre: If you’re traveling with younger kids, the Science Centre is a great option to keep them entertained!
• Pointe-à-Callières: This museum focuses on the history of Montreal’s construction from the time of colonization. It’s very much focused on history.

Take a ride on the Ferris wheel

A few years ago, a Ferris wheel was installed at the Old Port of Montreal. You can spot it from afar, especially if you’re coming down Saint-Denis Street, as it’s nearly 60 meters tall!

I’m a bit afraid of heights, but strangely, I didn’t feel too much of it on the Montreal Ferris wheel. The cabins are spacious and heated! If you go on a clear day, you could see the surroundings for over 20 kilometers.

The ride lasts about twenty minutes, giving you plenty of time to admire the city.

Visiting Notre-Dame Basilica & Seeing Aura

Notre-Dame Basilica is a must-see in Montreal. It’s an architectural masterpiece that you absolutely must visit, whether you’re religious or not.

You can do a classic tour of the basilica, but if you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing the Aura show. It’s a light and sound show held twice a day that will really blow your mind.

I’ve seen it four times and loved it every time!

Try Typical Quebec Products

Quebec is known for its hearty cuisine, perfect for when it’s cold. So, take advantage of winter in Montreal to indulge in some delicious food!

Here are my favorites and the best places to try them:

• Smoked Meat: A true Quebec tradition, you can enjoy a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz on Saint-Laurent.
• Maple Syrup: In winter, try “tire d’érable”—a kind of lollipop made by pouring hot maple syrup on cold snow and then rolling it on a wooden stick. You can also stock up on maple syrup cans at Jean Talon Market or Atwater Market.
• Poutine: A Quebec classic, poutine is made of fries, gravy, and cheese curds (a type of cheddar). My favorites are made at Chez Claudette on Laurier!
• Beaver Tail: A type of fried waffle topped with your choice of toppings. You’ll need a strong stomach to handle this especially greasy treat!

Ice Fishing on the Saint Lawrence River

In winter, when temperatures are low enough, the Saint Lawrence River freezes over. You can try ice fishing.

I’ve never personally tried this activity, which requires a lot of patience. But make sure you gear up properly if you want to give it a go. You’ll need to spend several hours on the ice and wait patiently to catch fish!

Strolling Through the City

Even though it can get really cold during the winter in Montreal, it’s also a wonderful season to explore the city.

You can see illuminations and discover a different aspect of Montreal’s streets.

The questions you have about winter in Montreal

Here, I answer the most frequently asked questions!

When does winter start in Montreal?

I’m often asked this question. I don’t have a perfect answer because it depends on the year. But I would say you should start getting well-equipped by the beginning of December, or even in November.

It’s more about when winter ends that we should be concerned! Winter in Montreal is long, and you can expect snowstorms until April…

What are the temperatures like in winter in Montreal?

This can also vary, but generally, you should expect temperatures between -5°C and -20°C in winter. January and February are definitely the coldest months.

But Canadian cold is very different from French cold. In Canada, it’s much drier, so the chill feels worse in Europe. For example, I’ll feel colder with 2 or 3°C in France than with -5°C in Quebec.

Pro tip: If it’s a beautiful sunny day, cover up even more! It tends to be much colder in these conditions. And if there’s wind, it’s even worse...

What equipment to choose?

Since it gets really cold, you must equip yourself well before coming to Montreal in winter. However, the city is well-prepared to face the winter season. Even during snowstorms, cars and buses continue to operate, and the underground network helps you stay inside as much as possible when you’re in downtown.

Nevertheless, it is essential to have the right gear to withstand the cold.

• The coat

If you’re only staying for a few days, you can easily get by with a coat bought from Decathlon. To be honest, I bought a coat from Decathlon this year, and so far, I’m really satisfied with it!

Keep in mind that your coat must be warm and waterproof to withstand snowstorms and wind.

If you find one, you can opt for a coat with a hood and (faux) fur trim, as it provides even more protection against the wind. Choose coats with zippers instead of snap buttons, as they protect better against wind. Long coats, which reach the knee, are also a good choice as they help protect your legs.

Some brands to look for: Arc'teryx, North Face, Decathlon, Pajar.

• Boots

For footwear, I’d say you need two types of shoes.

First, a pair of warm hiking boots. In winter, the sidewalks are generally well-cleared, so you don’t necessarily need snow boots all day long, especially since they can get too warm when you’re indoors. The thicker the sole, the less cold you’ll feel.

However, if you plan to do outdoor activities or will have your feet in the snow, I recommend bringing a pair of snow boots.

Some brands to look for: Sorel, Decathlon...

• Gloves

Gloves are essential. I would even recommend mittens if possible, as they keep your fingers together, making it easier to withstand the cold!

• Accessories

Of course, don’t forget a thick hat and scarf. When there’s a blizzard, it’s important to be able to protect your face!

You can also invest in thermal leggings to wear under your pants if it’s particularly cold.

I hope my article will help you prepare for your winter stay in Montreal. It does require a bit more planning, as you need backup plans for heavy blizzards or extremely low temperatures. And you’ll also need a suitcase that can carry all the gear. But believe me, experiencing winter in Montreal is something you have to do at least once because it’s truly an unforgettable experience!