7 Best Things to do in Montreal During the Winter

Looking for some of the best things to do in Montreal?

There’s something wildly romantic about visiting Montreal in the winter. Maybe it’s the snow-dusted cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, or the way cozy cafés and warm bowls of ramen feel extra special when the temperature dips below freezing. Either way, when my husband and I chose this city for our honeymoon, we had no idea just how magical it would be.

From sipping hot chocolate in historic squares to watching light dance across cathedral walls, winter in Montreal feels like stepping into a snow globe. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or a solo adventure, this list of Montreal winter experiences will help you make the most of your visit—complete with food, festivals, and a few first-hand stories.

When To Go

Montreal transforms into a winter wonderland from late November through early March, but the sweet spot for holiday charm and seasonal events is December to early February.

December brings festive lights and Christmas markets, while January and February usher in snowy landscapes and some of the city’s biggest winter festivals, such as Montréal en Lumière and Igloofest. If you’re after that quintessential snowy romance, this is the time to go.

How To Get There

Most visitors fly into Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), which is just 20 minutes from downtown. From the airport, you can hop on the 747 bus line or grab an Uber to your hotel. Montreal is a walkable city with an efficient metro system, so you don’t need to rent a car unless you’re planning to head out of town.

Where To Stay

We stayed in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and loved being within walking distance to cafes, restaurants, shops, and historic architecture.

If it’s your first visit (or you’re planning something romantic), Old Montreal offers the perfect blend of charm and convenience. Downtown is another solid option, close to the metro and modern comforts, while still offering easy access to the main sights.

Here are some of my top recommendations based on the area!

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re looking to be in the heart of winter activity. The proximity is fantastic because you can walk almost anywhere.

If you’re on a budget, I wouldn’t look in this area as it tends to be a little spendier. What you don’t save in money, you get in old historic charm and beautiful rooms with incredible access.

Downtown

If you’re looking for a more modern hotel right in the heart of the city, staying downtown is the move. You’ll be able to get to most areas on foot and there are some great options to keep you comfortable for the entirety of your stay.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

There aren’t many hotels in the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal area because it’s more of a neighborhood. This is why we loved staying here, and I can’t recommend it enough.

I’ve picked a few great apartments you can rent, varying in size depending on how many people are traveling in your group!

What To Pack for a Winter Trip to Montreal

Montreal winters are no joke—temperatures often dip well below freezing. The key is layering smart:

• A warm parka
• Insulated waterproof boots
• Thermal base layers
• Wool socks, hats, and gloves
• A scarf that covers your face if it’s windy

We were thankful for our layers every day, especially when walking through Old Montreal or standing in line at the Christmas markets. Bonus tip: pack hand warmers if you get cold easily—they came in handy more than once.

Things To Do

Indulge in Montreal’s Winter Food Scene

Call me biased, but eating is one of my favorite pastimes. On my honeymoon, I quickly learned that Montreal is one of the best places to do it.

Given its location, the city is just as much of a melting pot as the United States. Influences from all over the world exist, so you can have your pick of cuisine depending on what you fancy.

From bagels to hot chocolate, ramen to Mediterranean, there is something for everyone. And I promise you, it does not disappoint.

My absolute favorite meal in the city was a delicious bowl of ramen that we found in the Mile End neighborhood. We were craving something that would warm us up (20°F never feels great), so we searched near our Airbnb and found this gem.

It was so good we went back twice!! The restaurant is small and cozy, just the sort of vibe to fill you up.

My other top pick from the trip is near the Notre-Dame Basilica. The food is drool-worthy, and the inside has a Boho-Chic vibe. The sweet potato fries are to die for, and I couldn’t stop raving about my Indian Power Bowl.

Needless to say, we were smitten kittens and will most definitely visit again the next time we’re in Montreal. Below is a list of other great places to satisfy your hunger.

Go Shopping

I’m guilty of loving a good boutique hop when I’m in a new city. I love seeing what’s available in each town and finding unique things wherever I visit.

Montreal has great boutique shopping in the Mile End neighborhood. A stroll down St. Laurent Blvd will provide you with numerous shops to pop into.

Down in Old Montreal, the streets are paved in cobblestone, and the shops are very romantic. Just a walk down the street is enough to make you feel like you’re in France, and the storefronts during the winter are decorated with garland and lights.

The shops in this area are just as good as those in Mile End, although the closer you are to Notre-Dame, the more “touristy” they become. We ventured down Saint-Paul St W and found Maison Pepin. This store has some of the best aesthetics I’ve ever witnessed, and it was my favorite place to peruse.

If more traditional shopping at big retailer stores is your vibe, check out Saint-Catherine St W downtown. The street is lined with great stores like Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Steve Madden, but there are also many Canadian brands I’d never heard of, like Aritzia (one of my all-time favorite places) and Point Zero. Additionally, there is a shopping center downtown called Les Cours Mont-Royal.

Don’t Miss: Place Jacques-Cartier for a postcard-worthy square, and Rue Saint-Paul for charming shops and streetlights that feel like a movie set.

Take a Stroll Through McGill University’s Snowy Campus and Mt Royal

Honestly, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t visit Mont Blanc while in Montreal, regardless of the time of year. The mountain, more of a large hill, sits right next to McGill University. Start by exploring the University, then head up to Mt Royal for a view of the city.

The historic buildings, tree-lined paths, and quiet courtyards take on a serene charm in winter, and it’s just a short walk from downtown.

We visited in the morning and nearly had the place to ourselves. Snow blanketed the lawns, students were tucked inside, and everything felt calm and timeless. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to explore beyond the usual attractions, this is the perfect low-key stop.

Explore the Planetarium

To be transparent, I was not super into this day until we got there. Being married to a guy who’s obsessed with science means you go to things that are super nerdy and may potentially bore you to tears.

I genuinely enjoyed this experience. We spent the entire time at the planetarium and saw a show that was actually super captivating. This is a great place to visit in the winter because it’s all indoors.

The planetarium is near the Montreal Olympic Park and Biodome. We wanted to visit these sites as well, but didn’t plan the day well. Both were closed by the time our show was over.

Aura Light Show at Notre-Dame Basilica

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Montreal during the winter, it’s the Aura light show at Notre-Dame Basilica. This experience totally exceeded our expectations and felt like stepping into a living cathedral of sound and color.

The night before we flew back home, Connor and I went to the light show. The experience lasts about 40 minutes and is nothing like anything you’ve ever seen before.

The production itself is incredible, and its intricate details make it even more stunning. Unfortunately, Connor got the hiccups right before the show started and spent most of the time trying not to make too much noise (lol).

We still thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would HIGHLY recommend. Just ensure to buy your tickets in advance and get there early because it is pretty popular.

Visit the Montreal Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting in December, the Montreal Christmas markets are an absolute must. There’s something undeniably magical about strolling through rows of twinkle-lit stalls while snowflakes drift through the air. The scent of mulled wine, roasted nuts, and fresh pastries is reason enough to stop by, but the festive spirit is what really makes it special.

The big one is the Grand Marché de Noël at Place des Arts, which transforms downtown into a European-style winter village. You’ll find artisan goods, live music, seasonal snacks, and even fire pits to warm up. Smaller markets pop up in neighborhoods like Atwater and Jean-Talon, offering a more local feel.

We picked up a few small gifts and stood in line for hot cider, chatting with other visitors while a folk band played nearby. It felt like the holidays should feel—cozy, joyful, and full of little surprises.

Embrace the City’s Winter Festivals

Montreal knows how to throw a winter party, and if your trip lines up with one of the city’s seasonal festivals, you’re in for a treat. Two of the biggest ones—Montréal en Lumière and Igloofest—light up the city in very different (but equally excellent) ways.

Montréal en Lumière is a celebration of food, art, and light, with installations throughout the Quartier des Spectacles. Think illuminated art trails, pop-up restaurants, and nighttime events that turn the city into a glowing playground. We weren’t in town during the peak of the festival, but even the early light displays were impressive.

On the more high-energy side, Igloofest brings thousands of people outside (yes, in the cold) to dance under the stars to live DJs. Picture a massive outdoor rave in the snow—puffer jackets, toques, and all.

Even if big events aren’t your thing, these festivals make Montreal feel alive during its coldest months.

Tip: Check festival dates before your trip—they vary slightly each year, usually starting in mid-to-late January.

City Transportation

I feel like I would be remiss not to mention transportation, even though it’s not a “top five” thing to do. If you are on a budget or would like to experience the system like a local, take the subway system.

It is super easy to use, clean, and takes you to most of the places you would want to go in Montreal. I would recommend buying a multi-day pass if you are there for a few days, since you’ll use it and won’t have to buy a ticket every time you ride.

Wrap-Up: Montreal Winter

Get out there and explore. Montreal has tons of great places to eat and shop. Act like a local and take the subway. Don’t miss out on the Aura show and take advantage of the cozy vibes and boutique stores.