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A local guide to local rituals, routines, and pleasures big and small that make the season a good one.
Things to do in Montreal in winter don't need to always get framed as something to endure or gamify like you're running through a checklist of ways to survive the cold. In this city, winter is something you learn to live with, then slowly lean into. It's a time of year when everything tightens up, slows down, and recalibrates. Plans get looser and meals get heavier as the nights stretch longer. Somewhere between the first real snowfall and that is-it-spring-or-isn't-it moment of optimism in March, Montreal reveals a version of itself that’s got its own quirks.
Cold and dark at times, winter isn't easy in Montreal, but it’s also the season when rituals matter: people return to the same haunts and indulgences, whether they're cafés and bars or skating rinks and walks. Why? They do the trick. Small pleasures can carry real weight.
What follows is a local read on how Montrealers move through winter: where we gather when we don’t want to be outside, where we brave the cold on purpose, and what makes the long stretch between January and early spring tolerable if not compelling.
Chez Tousignant evokes a sense of nostalgic comfort with its vintage diner decor designed by Zébulon Perron. This eatery conceived by chefs Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione along with chef Yann Turcotte offers a delightful throwback to the classic casse-croûtes of the 1950s and 60s. Here, everything from the tiles to the seating invites you into a different era. The menu celebrates simplicity perfected, boasting homemade delights such as the city's best smash burgers, exquisite hot dogs, and top-tier poutine, all crafted with a dedication to freshness and quality. Chez Tousignant stands out for its genuine charm and the exceptional skill behind each dish, combining culinary nostalgia with contemporary panache.
With roots stretching back to 1860, the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal or Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is more than an art institution—it’s a cultural cornerstone, seamlessly blending the visual arts with history, science, and a sense of community. The MMFA’s vast collection of 47,000 works moves from Quebec and Indigenous heritage to Renaissance paintings and multimedia installations, all with a distinctly progressive lens.
Located in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, this museum doesn’t just exhibit art; it fosters dialogue, art therapy, and educational initiatives. Five interconnected pavilions house everything from European masterpieces to striking sculptures, while a concert hall and outdoor installations extend its creative reach. Inclusive and unafraid to innovate, the MMFA shapes an art experience that’s as transformative as it is welcoming, inviting everyone to engage with art’s ever-evolving narrative.
The Bell Centre is Montreal’s pressure cooker, where 21,000 fans can make it feel like the loudest room in hockey. Opened in 1996 to replace the old Forum, the building was designed with size and spectacle in mind, built to accommodate everything from NHL games to international concerts and political rallies. For the Canadiens, it’s home ice and a shrine to a century of hockey history, with banners and retired numbers hanging over the rink as reminders of what’s at stake. Off the ice, it doubles as the city’s biggest stage, hosting touring acts, UFC bouts, and even e-sports. Some criticize it for lacking the character of its predecessor, but the Bell Centre represents Montreal’s shift into a new era—where tradition collides with modern spectacle, and the city’s identity is projected under a roof of concrete, steel, and relentless noise.
Spanning two islands in the Saint Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a landmark rich with history, culture, and year-round activity. Comprised of Île Sainte-Hélène and the man-made Île Notre-Dame, this expansive green space was home to Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics, and today remains a hub for festivals, outdoor adventures, and architectural relics and modern-day wonders.
The park’s attractions are as varied as its history. Music lovers flock to massive events like Osheaga and Piknic Électronik, while thrill-seekers can enjoy La Ronde, the Six Flags amusement park. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve draws Formula 1 fans for the Canadian Grand Prix, while serene spots like the Jean-Doré Beach or the lush flower gardens of Île Notre-Dame offer peaceful escapes. History buffs can explore the Victorian-era fort on Île Sainte-Hélène or admire Expo relics like the Biosphere, once the U.S. pavilion, and the monumental sculpture L’Homme by Alexander Calder.
With 25 kilometres of walking, biking, and skiing trails, the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and the landscape is alive with public art and views of the St. Lawrence. In winter, the Fête des Neiges transforms the park into a snowy wonderland of family-friendly fun. Named after visionary mayor Jean Drapeau, who spearheaded Expo 67, the park is a testament to Montreal’s ability to blend innovation, recreation, and natural beauty.
Anchored on the St. Lawrence River, Bota Bota is what happens when an old ferryboat swaps passengers for pure indulgence. This floating spa in the Old Port blends maritime charm with minimalist design across five decks packed with everything you’d expect from a top-tier wellness spot. Think eucalyptus steam baths, saunas, hot whirlpools with skyline views, and cold plunges that’ll shock your system awake. The hydrotherapy circuit is the star here—hot, cold, relax—offering a rhythm that’s as rejuvenating as the riverside breeze. For a quieter escape, lounge in hammocks, hit the floating sauna, or explore the lush garden tethered to the boat. Don’t skip the onboard restaurant, where local ingredients elevate the spa-day snack game.
Place des Festivals is the civic stage for Montreal. Since opening in 2009, the plaza has anchored the rhythm of the Quartier des Spectacles, functioning as both everyday public square and high-capacity outdoor venue. Four light towers frame the space, while the ground plane is engineered to host everything from full-scale concert stages to pop-up performances that spill into the crowd.
When festivals take over—think Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Francos de Montréal, or Montréal en Lumière—the plaza becomes a focal point for free, city-defining shows. Outside event season, it shifts gears. The 235-jet interactive fountain—designed by Daoust Lestage—draws kids, adults, and anyone willing to linger downtown a little longer. In winter, light installations keep the place active.
Quai Jacques-Cartier is the Old Port’s front porch, the stretch where Montréal’s riverfront feels most alive. The pier sits below Place Jacques-Cartier and opens directly onto the St. Lawrence, giving it a steady mix of walkers, cyclists, and people drifting between festivals, concerts, and the marina. It’s where major events land first—winter light shows, summer music programming, and the big-top seasons that turn the waterfront into a temporary village. Sightseeing cruises and the Bateau-Mouche depart from here, sending visitors along the river toward Parc Jean-Drapeau or the islands. Even on quiet days, the long promenade offers an easy vantage point on the city’s skyline and its industrial edges.
Pho Tay Ho is a beloved Vietnamese restaurant located on Saint-Denis Street, celebrated for its comforting and flavorful northern Vietnamese cuisine, especially its pho soups. Established decades ago by the Tran family, who immigrated from North Vietnam in the late 1970s, the restaurant offers dishes that reflect a rich culinary heritage. The signature pho ga, a chicken pho with a clear broth, and the traditional Hanoi dish bun cha with grilled pork and vine leaf-wrapped dumplings, are standout offerings. With a welcoming ambiance and a dedication to authenticity, Pho Tay Ho remains a cherished institution in Montreal's Vietnamese dining scene.
Parc Maisonneuve is 63 hectares of wide-open space, a rare expanse of greenery in the heart of the city that shifts with the seasons. Once a golf course—traces of the fairways still visible—it now hosts everything from cross-country skiing and skating in winter to picnics and bike rides in summer. It’s also home to one of Montreal’s more unexpected sights: a small flock of sheep grazing in the park’s northern section, part of an urban eco-grazing project that includes a henhouse, beehives, and vegetable gardens. Just next door, the Botanical Garden, Insectarium, and Olympic Park add layers of discovery. The park also serves as the backdrop for major events, including the city’s Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebrations. Whether you’re here for a quiet morning run or a full day of exploring, Maisonneuve offers plenty of room to roam—and maybe even a few surprises along the way.
Turbo Haüs offers Montrealers a vibrant DIY venue for musicians and community to collide. Evolving from its earlier incarnations, this place balances its own edgy charm with inclusivity, with features including cheap food and drinks alongside a reliable performance space.
It’s also a hub for eclectic events—think live performances, trivia nights, and comedy shows—all curated to appeal to a broad audience. Whether you’re a punk fan, a local student, or someone exploring the city’s cultural offerings, Turbo Haüs provides a welcoming environment for connection and creativity.
For a ramen experience that’s done right, Yokato Yokabai is Montreal’s go-to. Opened in 2015 by Kevin Fung—also the founder of the popular izakaya Imadake—this small, 20-seat ramen house in the Plateau brings authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu to the city. Set in a cozy, wood-panelled space with a rustic feel, Yokato Yokabai focuses solely on quality and flavour.
The secret? A broth simmered from organic pork bones over 12 hours with no MSG, yielding deep, satisfying taste. Freshly made in-house noodles, along with customizable toppings—from green onions to marinated eggs—bring each bowl to life. Try the classic pork or chicken broth, or opt for the vegetarian version. Small plates like gobo salad and karaage make for perfect add-ons. Though small and often bustling, Yokato Yokabai is well worth the wait for this level of ramen craftsmanship.
Dressed in an interior design of black and gold minimalism, the menus of this Griffintown destination sets a high bar for dining in Montreal thanks to its combination of wood-fired and fresh elements.
Fire is the operating principle at Foxy. Opened in 2015 and carried forward under new ownership in 2024, the restaurant has stayed remarkably faithful to its original instincts: cook over charcoal and wood, let ingredients speak, and build a room that feels alive without being precious about it. The menu leans toward shared plates shaped by smoke and restraint—vegetables often lead, proteins follow—drawing loosely from Mediterranean habits rather than strict tradition. Think maitake mushrooms lacquered with maple and black garlic, Arctic char kissed by the grill, or Angus beef paired with sharp, grounding sauces. The space mirrors the food: custom-built, warm, and quietly confident, with a front-of-house team that knows when to guide and when to step back.
Nestled atop Montreal’s Mount Royal, Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) is a man-made marvel with a history as rich as its surroundings. Built in 1938 on a former swamp, the lake owes its name to a beaver dam discovered during construction. Shaped like a four-leaf clover and designed by Frederick Todd, this serene basin has been a gathering spot for Montrealers year-round ever since.
In warmer months, the grassy lawns surrounding the lake become a great spot for picnics and barbecues. Paddleboats drift lazily across its waters, mingling with ducks and the occasional swan, while the vibrant fall foliage transforms the area into a postcard-worthy scene. Winter, however, is when Beaver Lake shines as its frozen basin is coated in ice—once a natural skating rink, it’s since been replaced by an adjacent artificial one, and the slopes above it are perfect for tobogganing.
The mid-century modern pavilion nearby, designed by Hazen Sise and Guy Desbarats, houses a café and rental facilities for sleds, snowshoes, and more. Renovated with care, it has earned architectural accolades for preserving its heritage while adding modern functionality.
Esplanade Tranquille is a vibrant public space in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, designed to adapt seamlessly to the rhythm of the seasons. In winter, the esplanade transforms into a bustling hub for skaters of all ages, featuring a refrigerated rink that stays pristine even at temperatures up to 10°C. With room for up to 400 skaters, this 1,500-square-metre ice surface offers free access, making it a welcoming space for seasoned skaters and newcomers alike. Surrounding amenities, including a rental counter operated by Patin Patin and a well-equipped pavilion with lockers and rest areas, ensure a hassle-free experience. Beyond skating, the esplanade’s winter programming features intimate performances and cultural events, adding layers of warmth and creativity to the crisp urban landscape.
During the warmer months, Esplanade Tranquille shifts gears, becoming a lively terrasse and cultural venue. Its multipurpose pavilion, which houses the Galaxie Brasserie and community spaces, remains a focal point year-round, inviting visitors to relax, dine, or browse through its game rental counter and free library. Whether hosting intimate concerts, festivals, or spontaneous gatherings, the esplanade embodies Montreal’s knack for turning public spaces into dynamic cultural hubs.
Mount Royal is the beating heart of Montreal. This Quebec heritage site, shaped by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1876, offers year-round escapades on its 764-foot “mountain”. Divided across three summits—de la Croix, Westmount Summit, and Tiohtià:ke Otsira’kéhne—this iconic destination weaves history, nature, and recreation into an essential urban experience.
In winter, Mount Royal’s slopes transform into thrilling tobogganing trails, while its meandering paths remain accessible for those eager to hike through snow-dappled forests. Summer is when the park truly shines: Beaver Lake is perfect for barbecues and picnics, while the northern side comes alive with Tam-Tams, a weekly Sunday drum circle near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument that has drawn Montrealers for over four decades.
The park’s trails and lookouts cater to all explorers, from leisurely walkers to intrepid hikers seeking ever-changing city views. And for the more rugged adventurer? Stray from the beaten path to discover hidden plateaus and untouched wilderness—where possible, that is, as caretakers don’t want you trampling anything precious.
Whether you’re sledding, biking, jogging, or soaking in the sweeping vistas, Mount Royal remains an evergreen escape—a green lung breathing life into Montreal year after year.
Terrasse Bivouac is where Montréal’s festival energy meets a rooftop escape. Spanning over 3,500 square feet, this elevated perch above the Quartier des Spectacles is more than just a good view—it’s an open-air extension of the city’s pulse. Dotted with greenery and set up for everything from casual apéros to late-night sessions, the space blends urban energy with a laid-back, convivial atmosphere.
The menu leans into Québec’s terroir, offering seasonal dishes alongside a cocktail and wine list built for long summer evenings. And when winter rolls in, Bivouac doesn’t shut down—it adapts. Heated dome tents turn the space into a cozy refuge where you can sip cocktails while watching the snowfall over the festival district. Whether you’re here to soak in the summer buzz or retreat into a winter cocoon, Bivouac delivers a Montréal experience with a front-row seat to the action.
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