Blue car covered in snow in front of historic building Montreal winter things to do

Quebecers know how to winter, and there’s plenty to see in do when the snow falls in Montreal. Winter festivals full of colour and music come alive, the arts and culinary scene heat up, and the city’s historic buildings and cozy bistros become even more quaint under a blanket of white snow. If you’re planning a visit to Montreal this winter, don’t miss these cool winter activities in the city.

1. Montreal en Lumières

February 27 – March 7, 2026

Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles lights up late February into early March every year with the fabulous Montreal en Lumières winter festival. Downtown comes alive with beautifully lit art installations, outdoor activities and culinary events taking place throughout the neighbourhood.

Skate on the Loto-Québec Skating Loop at the Place des Festivals, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, warm up to DJ beats on an outdoor patio, and eat to your heart’s content at local restaurants with menus created specifically for the festival. If you’re a creative, don’t miss cool arts, music, and dance performances throughout the festival, as well as the Nuit Blanche all-night event on February 28th, 2026 at locations throughout the city.

2. Play in the Snow at Mont Royal

Parc du Mont-Royal is a must-see for anyone visiting Montreal, and winter is no exception. As the unofficial hub for outdoor winter activities in the city, it’s the spot to go if you’re looking to play in the snow.

Go for a skate on the refrigerated Beaver Lake Skating rink (lac-aux-Castors), race down the slopes in a snow tube, practice your cross-country skiing or snowshoeing skills on numerous scenic winter trails of varying difficulty, or go for a relaxing stroll and snap some epic winter pics from viewpoints overlooking downtown Montreal.

Skates, cross-country skis, innertubes and snowshoes are available for rent by Les Amis de la montagne, so all you need are your snowpants and an excited winter spirit.

3. Dance in Snow Pants at Igloofest

January 15- February 7, 2026

Hailed as the world’s coldest music festival, Igloofest is a one-of-a-kind winter music festival heating up Montreal’s Old Port each winter. Kicking off the weekend of January 15-17, 2026, Igloofest spans 3 wonderful winter weekends, and features some of the world’s most prominent DJs, spinning the best in electronic music. Put on your most stylish parka with matching toque and scarf, and dance the night away with thousands of your fellow winter revelers in this giant frozen outdoor party.

4. Sightsee in Montreal’s Old Port

No trip to Quebec’s biggest city is complete without a winter wander around Montreal’s Old Port. Stroll past historic buildings and stunning architecture of the city’s most iconic buildings like Notre-Dame Basilica, and le Marché Bonsecours, and venture down side streets and find a cozy bistro hidden behind historic stone façade.

For a cool bird’s eye view of the city, take a spin on la Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's tallest observation wheel. Hop in one of it’s 42 toasty climate-controlled cabins, get a lay of the land with 360-degree views of Montreal’s skyline, catch the sun set over a wash of white, or watch the city’s night lights twinkle.

5. Relax and Unwind at Bota Bota Spa

Housed on an unassuming converted river ferry in Montreal’s Old Port, Bota Bota Spa is a one-of-a-kind spa, and the place to go to treat yourself to some serious winter pampering. Release much needed endorphins with their Nordic water circuit combining saunas, steam bath, cool rain showers, cold plunge, and whimsical hanging indoor and outdoor hammocks. Complete your day of relaxation with a massage, or a specialty body treatment like the tantalizing full body sugar exfoliation, or seaside facial.

6. Eat Your Heart out at Time Out Market Montreal

You can’t come to Montreal without devouring the city’s amazing culinary scene, and Time Out Montreal is the perfect spot to dive into the city’s specialties. Covering 40,000 square feet, with 15 eateries, and 7 bars in a contemporary food hall setting, this destination is home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city, all under one roof.

Chow down on authentic Japanese ramen from Ramusan, juicy smash burgers from Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine, or classic Montréal smoked meat from Americas BBQ. Bring a group of friends for a classic Montreal 5 à 7 (the Quebec “cocktail hour”), and sample specialties from Québec microbreweries, sip on top shelf cocktails, local wines, or try a non-boozy option from their mocktail and soda bars.

7. Ice skate in the Heart of Downtown

Outdoor firepit with chairs around skating rink lit blue background Montreal winter

Montreal’s largest and most well-known ice-skating rink is the place to go if you’re looking for an iconic winter skate. Esplanade Tranquille, located right in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, is open both day and night, with evening DJ sets on select nights if you’re looking for some tunes while you glide.

Skate rentals are available onsite from Patin Patin , and the rink side Esplanade Tranquille Pavilion gives you a warm place to change into skates, watch skaters from the upper balconies overlooking the rink (complete with heated floors and complimentary blankets), or grab a hot chocolate or sweet treat at Café Tranquille.

8. Check off your Winter Bucket List at Parc Jean-Drapeau

A mecca for winter activity in Montreal, you can do almost every winter activity in the heart of the city at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Located in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is made up of Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands, and is a true gem in the city.

Take a twirl down the twisty ice-skating trail, or go tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking or hiking around numerous trails on the islands. If you want to test your winter skills or try something new, don’t miss their cool ice climbing wall, the perfect height for beginners wanting to try this unique winter sport. The park also has special Slide and groove evenings throughout the winter season with guest DJs creating an energetic winter soundtrack as you skate and slide through the night.

9. Shop Local at Marché Jean-Talon

One of the oldest public markets in Montreal dating back to 1933, Marché Jean-Talon is a historic spot to do some local shopping. Open year-round, 7 days a week, the market is an oasis from the cold outdoors, bursting with flavours and colours. Pick up fresh fruits and vegetable to ward off winter colds, authentic Quebec maple syrup, local cheeses and meats, home-baked goods, seafood, and fresh flowers. The market is also a great spot for photography and people watching, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

10. Keep Warm and Get Artsy at a Montreal Art Gallery

When you need a break from the cold, as well as some mid-winter inspiration, Montreal’s amazing art galleries are ready for you. Contemplate quirky, complex and colourful modern art the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, or dive into the classics at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Both galleries are located in close proximity to each other, so you can check the entire art spectrum off your list easily.

10 Fun Things to do in Montreal This Winter