There’s much to see in Montreal, one of Canada’s most fascinating cities. Located in the province of Quebec, it boasts a countless number of unique attractions and activities. Moreover, Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city. From delicious eats, a vibrant local culture, fascinating architecture, trendy bars, and lively nightlife, visitors will never get enough of the uniqueness of Montreal. The city is famous for its marvelous markets, including the one in Little Italy, Jean-Talon, and Atwater located by the Lachine Canal.
Moreover, visitors flock to the city for its yummy food, mesmerizing architecture, and fabulous festivals. However, the most fantastic action happens in Montreal during the holidays, where the town turns into a dream come true.
What To Do In Montreal During The Winter Months
Cross-country skiing and ice skating are some of the most popular activities in Montreal during the winter months. People can practice their skiing hobby in several parks, including Parc Du Mont-Royal, Parc Nature De L’île De La Visitation, and Parc Maisonneuve. Additionally, ice skating lovers can practice the sport at an indoor rink called 1000 de la Gauchetière. The rink is located in one of Montreal’s tallest buildings. Moreover, people love to explore the city by walking the oldest and most iconic street in Montreal, Rue Saint-Paul.
They can witness there the beauty of Montreal’s oldest chapel, Notre Dame De Bon Secours, visit Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, and wander in the Marché Bonsecours. One of the best Montreal winter activities is to relax in a Nordic spa by jumping into a freezing cold fjord from a sauna. People staying for an extended vacation can take a day trip from Montreal to the Laurentians Mountains for some winter fun, Mont Tremblant for Snow Sports, and Quebec’s Eastern Townships for delicious food and booze. When in Montreal, staying at a hotel or facility near Old Town is recommended, the city’s most picturesque area. Moreover, people enjoy discovering Montreal starting from the Old Town.
- Recommended: Staying at Gingerbread Manor Boutique Hotel when in Montreal.
- Cost: A Deluxe Queen room for 2 adults at Gingerbread Manor costs $100 per night.
Nothing Feels More Perfect Than Visiting Montreal During This Time Of The Year
Montreal is beautiful to visit all year round. The city welcomes more than 11 million tourists that flock to Montreal to witness its majestic uniqueness and marvelousness every year. However, the perfect and most special timing to visit Montreal is during the holidays. This is when all the magic happens, and Montreal is turned into a fairytale city. From its fairytale Christmas markets, the Montreal Christmas Village, the fabulous Marché des Fêtes, the unique Santa Claus Parade, the fascinating fireworks in Old Montreal, and the magical candlelit walks, Montreal is the city to be during Christmas.
People will also enjoy Merry Montreal in Jacques Cartier Square, the lighted-up Park at Mont-Royal, ice skating in Parc La Fontaine, and the shopping spree at Nutcracker Market. And it doesn’t end there. Visitors to Montreal during Christmas will also behold the beauty and uniqueness of the Luminotherapie, one of the most famous holiday events in the city. People can also spice things up during Christmas and head to the Montreal Casino, and enjoy a night of drinking at Miracle Montreal.
- How to get there: To attend Montreal’s Luminotherapie event, head to Place des Festivals, a quadrilateral bordered by Sainte-Catherine, Jeanne-Mance, Balmoral and De Maisonneuve Streets, Montréal, QC.
How To Spend The December Holidays In Montreal
Starting a day in Montreal during December by savoring a world-class brunch or breakfast at the Golden Square Mile’s Le Renoir is the best thing to do. Taking a walk and shopping at Ste-Catherine street will make one’s day more fabulous. Cafe Birks is a good place for lunch, and hitting the Place des Festivals later to enjoy the Luminotherapie event. Those looking for fast bites instead of a sit-in lunch can have a quick eat at Brasserie T or the F Bar. The underground city at McGill College Avenue is suitable for a walk when dusk comes, where people can witness the giant Christmas tree at Place Ville-Marie.
Moreover, during December, the magic of Christmas in Montreal will not be fully experienced without taking a carriage ride in Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets. For Christmas Eve Mass, it is a must to go to Notre-Dame Basilica and then visit Noel Eternel boutique for souvenir ornaments. Ending the day is best at Baxo, which serves seasonal Quebec food, or at Restaurant Europea, which offers a local gastronomic experience in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
- Recommended: Enjoy the Old Montreal Extravaganza and witness the unique Christmas village and fireworks on New Year’s eve.