Winter Weekend Guide: Top Things to Do in Montréal, Canada

Planning a winter weekend in Montréal, Canada?

Here’s how we made the most of a few chilly days in February 2020, just weeks before global lockdowns began.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please view my disclosure page for details.

Traveling off-season can be colder, but it often means lower prices and fewer crowds. That’s a travel hack Dylan and I use regularly to save money. In our case, our February trip turned out to be the last international getaway for quite some time.

We almost didn’t make it out of the US.

We had booked a private room in a hostel weeks earlier. As early reports about the coronavirus spread online, we hesitated. Information was limited, so we went ahead with the trip.

Unfortunately, karma intervened.

About 30 minutes south of Burlington, Vermont — roughly an hour from the Canadian border — my car gave out.

The timing belt failed.

We called a tow truck, found an Airbnb in Burlington for the night, and rented a car to continue. Despite the rough start, we reached Montréal and enjoyed some brisk winter days before everything changed worldwide.

Here’s a practical guide to spending a winter weekend in Montréal, Quebec.

A Winter Weekend in Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Getting To Montréal

From the Boston area, the drive to Montréal takes roughly five hours, depending on traffic and border wait times. Bring your passport and any required vaccine documentation. Entry requirements have changed over time, so check current rules and systems like ArriveCAN before you travel. Make sure you understand testing, vaccination, and documentation requirements so your border crossing is smooth.

Where To Stay in Montréal

Montréal has many lodging options: hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs. We chose M Montreal Hostel for its central location and convenient price. If you prefer privacy, an Airbnb or apartment rental is a good choice. For hotel travelers, consider loyalty programs or travel-hacking strategies to save on stays.

Things to Do in Montréal, Canada

Montréal has a wealth of winter activities. Below are highlights from our trip that work well for a short winter visit.

Old Montréal & Old Port

Old Montréal feels like a slice of Europe with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and charming shops. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll, window shopping, and watching the St. Lawrence River from the Old Port.

Mount Royal Park

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Mount Royal Park offers sweeping city views, trails, gardens, and outdoor activities. In winter you’ll see locals cross-country skiing and enjoying the snowy scenery — it’s a perfect spot for fresh air and photos.

Underground City of Montréal

Montréal’s Underground City is a vast network of covered walkways linked to Metro stations, shops, and restaurants. It’s an excellent refuge from bitter cold and a convenient way to explore without spending too much time outside.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

The Basilica is a breathtaking space with ornate interiors. Self-guided tours are available, and attending mass is an option. Note that capacity rules may apply at times, so reserve tickets in advance when necessary.

Mile End Neighborhood

• 

• 

Mile End is a creative, food-forward neighborhood with coffee shops, galleries, and vibrant street art. It’s great for wandering, warming up in a café, and discovering independent boutiques.

Montréal En Lumiere

Montréal en Lumière is a major winter festival with food trucks, outdoor fire pits, live music, and family-friendly activities. We spent an evening here and loved the atmosphere — dress warmly, but don’t miss it. Many events are free or low-cost.

Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde

Mary Queen of the World Cathedral is an impressive, large-scale church inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica. The architecture and scale are striking; admission is typically free but be mindful of service times.

Museum of Fine Arts of Montréal

If you need a warm indoor activity, the Museum of Fine Arts is a solid choice. Exhibits and admission fees vary; check current hours and ticketing. It’s usually closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Gluten-Free Food in Montréal, Canada

Bring a Gluten-Free Restaurant Card in French

If you don’t speak French fluently, a translated gluten-free dining card is invaluable. I used a French card from Legal Nomads that explains dietary restrictions and cross-contact precautions in clear, native-level French. It made dining out much easier and safer.

Stay Somewhere With A Kitchen

Having access to a kitchen gives you control over meals, especially when you have dietary needs. Our hostel kitchen let us prepare simple dinners and breakfasts, shop for fresh ingredients nearby, and store snacks in a shared fridge.

100% Gluten-Free: Boulangerie Le Marquis

• 

• 

• 

Le Marquis is a dedicated gluten-free bakery with standout pastries — croissants and pain au chocolat that impressed me more than any I’ve had elsewhere. If you’re gluten-free and enjoy pastries, this is a must-visit for a memorable treat.

100% Gluten-Free: Arepera

Arepera is a fully gluten-free restaurant serving Venezuelan cuisine. Their arepas were delicious and offered a satisfying sit-down option beyond bakeries. It felt like a special lunch and a nice change of pace.

Final Thoughts On Montréal, Canada

Despite the car trouble and the cold, our short Montréal trip was delightful. It was the last getaway before major changes in travel, and I appreciated experiencing the city in winter. I’d love to return in warmer months to explore more outdoor activities and festivals.

Have you ever spent a winter weekend in Montréal?

Do you have plans to visit soon?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!