Like many Canadian cities, Montreal looks magical during the wintertime!
Still, this winter wonderland offers more than just pretty landscapes to admire. There are tons of fun and exciting things to do in Montreal, from renowned skiing experiences to world-class festivals!
So, if you’re thinking of waiting until the summer to visit this Canadian city, think again! Plan your trip now with this guide on what to do in Montreal in winter.
Visiting Montreal In Winter
If visiting Montreal in the winter, expect freezing weather with sub-zero temperatures and plenty of snow.
Here’s how it differs from month to month.
Montreal In December
Winter officially starts in December as this is the month when the temperature drops to sub-zero temperatures. Though, if you’re not used to cold climates, November will likely feel like winter too!
However, mid-December also marks the beginning of the ski season, as this is the month the snow starts to fall. Average day temperatures are around -1°, and at night it drops to about -8°.
Come this month if you’re keen to spend your trip in Montreal doing some winter sports and want to be one of the first on the slopes.
However, like many Canadian cities, Montreal gets busy around Christmas and New Year. This is wonderful if you like the festivities but not so lovely if you want to avoid the crowds.
Montreal In January
January is the coldest month of the year in Montreal, and not for the faint-hearted. During the day, temperatures don’t creep above -4°; at night, it can be as cold as -12°.
Still, if you can brace the chill in the air, January can be a great month to visit the city. It’s generally quiet, but there’s still lots going on, including fantastic festivals like the Igloofest Music Festival and Montreal Snow Festival.
Of course, there is plenty of snow in the region, too, so winter sports are abundant in January.
Montreal In February
February is more or less the same as January temperature-wise, with average daily temperatures of -3° and nighttime temperatures of around -11°.
That being said, the weather can be fickle, especially towards the end of the month, with some expected warmish days among the usual cold ones.
February is also a great time to take advantage of the low accommodation and flight prices and nab a low-cost winter break.
If you’re here at the end of the month, you’ll also catch Montreal en Lumière, a magnificent all-night arts festival.
Montreal In March
March is a transitional season where the weather starts to warm up, yet there is still plenty of snow on the ground.
During the day, the temperature will be around 2°, but nights are still freezing at approximately -6°. Like February, you may also have some warmer than usual days.
Because the ski season runs until mid-April, March is a great time to visit Montreal for the nearby slopes.
Moreover, by March, many of the bars, theatres, and music venues that closed for winter are starting to reopen. Thus, March can be a low-cost yet lively time to visit.
Things To Do In Montreal In Winter
Whether you’re an adventurer, history buff, or party animal, you’ll find yourself constantly occupied with these awesome things to do in Montreal in winter.
Wander Around Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the city’s historic district and a must-visit regardless of the season you are in town.
It has buildings that date back to the 1600s, cute winding cobbled streets, fascinating museums, and lively plazas.
One of the most visited sights in Old Montreal is Notre Dame Basilica, a Gothic Revival masterpiece built between 1824 and 1829.
However, it’s not just the building’s architecture that is special; every winter, the basilica comes alive with multi-media light shows at “The Aura Experience.”
Don’t leave Old Montreal without taking a stroll down Rue Saint-Paul, the city’s oldest and most iconic street. Rue Saint-Paul is one mile long with over 2,400 years of history and many incredible historical sites.
One of these is Place Jacques-Cartier, a bustling plaza that houses a beautiful Christmas Market during the winter.
Lastly, ice fishing is a unique winter activity in Old Montreal. You can try it at the Pêche Blanche Ice Fishing Village.
Hit The Slopes
Did you know there are over 20 skiable areas within a few hours’ drive from Montreal? So, it’s super easy to combine a city break with a winter sports adventure!
Mont Tremblant is one of the most well-known resorts in the region and is a 90-minute drive from Montreal. It is also accessible by bus if you don’t have a car, and there are numerous slopes for both beginners and intermediates.
Another closeby ski resort is Mont Sutton, best known for glade skiing, where you can ski between the trees instead of on open runs.
Mont Blanc, also 90 minutes from Montreal, is another excellent option. The elevation is lower than Mont Tremblant, but tickets are much more affordable!
Go Snow-Shoeing
If you’re looking for a snow adventure without leaving the city, head to Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park and check out the self-guided snowshoe trails.
Or, if you’re not confident enough to do the trails on your own, head to Mount Royal instead. They offer 90-minute to 2-hour guided tours on their routes, and snowshoes are included in the price.
Guided trails are both fun and educational as you’ll learn cool things like how the fauna and flora of the mountain adapt to winter, as well as the history of snowshoeing.
Go Ice Skating
Ice Skating is one of the most common winter activities in all Canadian cities.
Still, it is even more prevalent in Montreal, with around 150 public ice skating rinks! In addition, you can skate on public ponds in parks (where you can also rent skates) or visit one of the many ice rinks throughout the city.
Still, one of the prettiest settings to get your skate on is at Parc La Fontaine. The frozen pond is lined with trees draped with sparkling fairy lights, creating a stunning festive appearance.
If you have your own skates, you can skate for free; otherwise, you can rent some for a small fee. There is also a restaurant in the park where you can head after to warm up with a mug of hot chocolate.
Attend A Festival
You may associate festivals with summer, but Montreal has events all year long, with many of its biggest celebrations in the winter.
Montreal Snow Festival (Fête Des Neiges De Montréal) is the city’s ultimate winter festival, taking place on several weekends in January and February.
You can join every type of winter sport, like snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, and ice hockey. There is also tons of entertainment like light shows and fun activities like snow-sculpting.
Igloofest is another of the most popular festivals in Montreal in winter. This immense outdoor electronic music festival takes place at the Old Port between January and February, attracting tens of thousands of music lovers each year.
Lastly, Montreal en Lumiere is the city’s epic 18-day light festival that runs every February, lighting up the town amidst the dark winter.
Here you’ll find a spectacular array of live performances, innovative art installations, food events, and free all-night activities.
Warm Up At The Floating Spa
A spa day is always an excellent way to warm up during a winter trip. Still, Montreal offers a super cool and unique spa experience – on a boat!
‘Bota Bota’ is a historic river ferry turned upscale “floating spa,” which is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates pampering and self-care. Here you can indulge in a wide range of spa treatments and packages.
Here you can also check out the “water circuit,” a hydrotherapy experience with saunas, steam baths, cold baths, and more designed to completely rejuvenate your body and mind.
Tour A Sugar Shack
Finally, suppose you’re in Montreal in February or March. In that case, you’ll be lucky enough to experience Quebec’s huge maple syrup tradition by visiting an authentic sugar shack farm.
Several sugar shacks that offer tours and tastings are within an hour or so drive from the city center.
Sucrerie de la Montagne and L’Hermine Cabane à Sucre are two traditional family-run sugar shacks about one hour from town.
Here you can try all sorts of sweet delights made with their syrup, such as candies, fudges, caramels, toffees, and pies.
Final Thoughts On What To Do In Montreal In Winter
Montreal is undoubtedly a special place to be in the winter, with many iconic and unique activities.
Whichever month you visit, the experience will be so incredible that dealing with the cold weather is worth it.
So now you know what to do in Montreal in winter, what are you waiting for? Getting planning your trip today!
