23 Essential Things to Do in Montreal in Winter (My Favorite City in North America)

From a Texan who thought 40°F was freezing – here’s how to embrace Montreal’s winter like a local

When I first arrived in Canada from Texas, I’ll admit – the idea of winter tourism seemed insane. Why would anyone choose to go outside when it’s -20°C? But here’s what I’ve learned during my time in Montreal: this city doesn’t just survive winter, it celebrates it. And trust me, if this Texas girl can fall in love with Montreal in winter, so can you.

Warm Up with Montreal’s Legendary Food Scene

Let’s start where any good Montreal winter adventure should begin: with food that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Schwartz’s Deli – This iconic spot has been serving Montreal smoked meat since 1928. The line might wrap around the block (even in winter!), but it moves fast, and those steaming platters of smoked meat sandwiches are worth every frozen minute of waiting.

Authentic Montreal Poutine – Forget everything you think you know about fries and gravy. Real Quebec poutine features fresh cheese curds that squeak when you bite them, perfectly crispy fries, and rich brown gravy. It’s the ultimate winter comfort food.

Montreal Bagels – St-Viateur and Fairmount are the famous names, but honestly? Both are incredible. These aren’t your typical bagels – they’re smaller, sweeter, denser, and baked in wood-fired ovens. Get them fresh and warm.

Tourtière (Meat Pie) – This traditional French-Canadian spiced meat pie is Christmas dinner comfort in pastry form. Try it at any traditional Quebecois restaurant.

Explore Underground Montreal

Here’s where Montreal gets genius: when it’s too cold outside, they built an entire city underground.

The RESO (Underground City) – Over 33 kilometers of underground passages connect metro stations, shopping centers, universities, hotels, and office buildings. You can literally spend an entire day shopping, eating, and exploring without ever stepping outside. It’s like a massive climate-controlled maze, and it’s completely free to wander.

Explore the Metro System – Montreal’s metro isn’t just transportation – it’s an architectural experience. Each station has its own unique design and character. Champ-de-Mars, Place-d’Armes, and Square-Victoria-OACI are particularly stunning.

Must-See Cultural Attractions

Notre-Dame Basilica – This Gothic Revival masterpiece will take your breath away. The interior features deep blue vaulted ceilings with golden stars, intricate wooden carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. Don’t miss the AURA light and sound show – it transforms the basilica into something magical. Pro tip: the basilica is especially cozy in winter!

Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology Museum – Perfect for warming up while learning about Montreal’s fascinating history. The museum is built on the actual archaeological remains of the city’s founding site.

Habitat 67 – This iconic brutalist apartment complex designed for Expo 67 looks like a stack of concrete Lego blocks. It’s an architectural marvel and makes for incredible photos against Montreal’s winter skyline.

Outdoor Winter Activities (Yes, Really!)

Now here’s where Montreal surprised this Texas girl the most – outdoor activities in winter are actually fun.

Mount Royal Park – Think Central Park, but designed by the same landscape architect (Frederick Law Olmsted) and with better winter activities. You can:

  • Ice skate on Beaver Lake
  • Cross-country ski through snowy forests
  • Snowshoe along scenic trails
  • Sled down the hills
  • Take in panoramic views of the city from the Kondiaronk Belvedere

Skating at Natrel Rink (Old Port) – This isn’t your typical ice rink. There’s a main skating area PLUS a refrigerated trail that loops under a bridge and closer to Old Montreal. At sunset with the pink sky reflecting off the snow and the old buildings glowing? Pure magic.

Glissades Gamelin – FREE winter slides right in downtown! Open until March 2025, this slide park features three different slopes:

  • The Mollo Slope (gentle and relaxing)
  • The Yolo Slope (for speed demons)
  • The Fomo Slope (four lanes for racing your friends)

They provide free sleds, snow scooters, and helmets. No excuses!

Parc Jean-Drapeau – Includes ice skating, cross-country skiing, free sledding hills, and even ice climbing on a converted climbing wall. Plus, birdwatching! The park sets up feeders to attract chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.

Winter Festivals & Events

Montreal doesn’t just tolerate winter – it throws parties to celebrate it.

LUMINO (November-March) – The Quartier des Spectacles transforms into an outdoor art gallery with over 30 interactive light installations. It’s free and absolutely stunning after dark.

Igloofest (January-February) – An outdoor electronic music festival where you dance in the snow wearing your best one-piece snowsuit. Seriously. It’s held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at the Old Port, and it’s as fun as it sounds.

Montreal en Lumière (Late February-Early March) – One of the world’s largest winter festivals featuring:

  • Gourmet food events
  • Outdoor activities
  • The Skating Loop
  • Nuit Blanche (all-night art and culture celebration)
  • Live performances

The Great Christmas Market (November-early January) – Place des Festivals becomes a festive village with 40+ wooden chalets selling local artisan goods, hot mulled wine, and holiday treats.

Cozy Indoor Escapes

Bota Bota Spa – A converted ferry on the St. Lawrence River offering a water circuit experience. Alternate between hot saunas and cold plunge pools (including one that opens to the frozen river for the brave!). There are also rooftop Jacuzzis where your hair might actually freeze – in the best way possible.

Putting Edge Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf – When you need a break from the cold, this 18-hole UV-lit crazy golf course is pure fun. Everything glows, from flamingos to dragons to palm trees.

Cloakroom Bar – An intimate cocktail bar that only fits 25 people. Romantic, cozy, and perfect for warming up with craft cocktails. No reservations – just show up and hope for a spot.

Pro Tips from a Winter Convert

  1. Layer, layer, layer – I cannot stress this enough. Base layers, mid-layers, and a good winter coat are essential.
  2. Invest in good boots – Waterproof, insulated, with good traction. Your feet will thank you.
  3. The cold is dry – Bring serious moisturizer and lip balm.
  4. Embrace it – Montrealers don’t hibernate. They bundle up and go out anyway. When in Montreal…
  5. Download the STM app – Makes navigating the metro and planning your underground routes so much easier.
  6. Peak times matter – Visit popular spots like Mount Royal on weekdays if possible. Weekends get crowded, especially during festivals.

Final Thoughts

As someone who grew up thinking “winter” meant maybe wearing a light jacket, Montreal has completely changed my perspective. This city has mastered the art of not just surviving winter, but making it one of the best times to visit. Between the cozy food culture, the incredible underground city, the sparkling festivals, and outdoor activities I never imagined I’d enjoy, Montreal in winter is pure magic.

Yes, it’s cold. Sometimes it’s really cold. But that’s part of what makes it special. There’s something about sipping hot chocolate after skating in Old Montreal, or warming up in a cozy café after exploring snow-covered Mount Royal, that you just can’t experience anywhere else.

So bundle up, embrace the cold, and discover why Montreal might just be North America’s best winter city.

Have you visited Montreal in winter? What was your favorite experience? Let me know in the comments!