Best Winter Activities to Enjoy in Montreal and Beyond for 2024/2025

Montreal undergoes a breathtaking transformation into a winter wonderland from December to March. The festive season, from Christmas to New Year’s, brings an extra layer of excitement, offering everything from skiing and snow tubing to outdoor festivals and warming up at Nordic spas. Montreal truly has something for everyone once the snow falls. Here are my picks for the best winter activities in and around Montreal for 2024/2025.

Visit the Great Montreal Christmas Market

Experience the magic of the Great Montreal Christmas Market at Place des Festivals, right in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles on Sainte-Catherine Street. Running from November 25 to December 30, 2024, this beloved market brings together over 30 cozy chalets filled with unique finds from local artisans, indulgent holiday treats, and free holiday activities. The best part? Admission is completely free! With more than 80 artisans and over 150 events, it’s a cozy and festive way to enjoy the holiday season without breaking the bank. 

When: November 22 – December 25, 2024
Admission: Free. Additional experiences & goodies available for purchase at individual vendor booths
Official Website: https://noelmontreal.ca/grandmarchedenoel/en/the-great-christmas-market/

Hit the Slopes at Saint Bruno

Just a 20-minute drive from Montreal, Mont Saint-Bruno is the perfect spot to get your ski or snowboard fix, or to learn something new. With 8 slopes, a snowboarding park, and cross-country skiing trails, there’s something for everyone. The mountain’s family-friendly atmosphere is complemented by ski schools, equipment rentals, and après-ski options to keep everyone entertained and comfortable. With adult lift tickets starting at just $42, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options around!

When: Consult their website for opening day
Admission: Vary depend on hours. 2 hours at $43, 6 hours are 68
Official Website: https://noelmontreal.ca/grandmarchedenoel/en/the-great-christmas-market/

Party at the Coolest Music Festival in the World

Igloofest is one of Montreal’s coolest winter events, turning the Old Port into an amazing outdoor music festival. Running from January 16 to February 18, 2024, this winter tradition celebrates its 16th year with an impressive lineup featuring artists like Zedds Dead, Michael Bibi, Apashe, Skepta, Bladee, Four Tet, and more. Co-produced by Piknic Electronik and the Quays of the Old Port, the festival has become a go-to spot for music lovers. With two stages, incredible visuals, and the iconic Igloo Village, it’s the perfect winter outing for those looking to enjoy Montreal’s winter energy. Just don your warmest gear and enjoy the music!

Admission: Tickets start from $45 upwards
When: January 16 to February 8, 2025
Official Website: https://igloofest.ca/en

Visit Parc Omega

If you’re looking to escape the city for a truly unique winter adventure, Parc Omega is the perfect destination. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Montreal, this expansive wildlife park offers a self-drive safari experience where you can spot over 500 North American animals in their natural habitats. In winter, the snow-covered landscape adds a magical touch as you drive through forests and prairies, encountering animals like wolves, bison, and elk. Don’t forget to stop at the Land of the Pioneers to enjoy seasonal activities like snow tubing, snowshoeing, and even a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Check out my full review and guide here! 

When: Year Round
Admission: $44.15 for Adult Day Passes
Official Website: https://www.parcomega.ca/en/

Glide into Winter and go Ice Skating

Embrace the enchantment of winter in Montreal by lacing up your skates and twirling onto the city’s most magical ice rinks. From December to early March, the Old Port Ice Skating Rink transforms into a winter village with a plethora of activities, from cardio-on-ice workouts, live music, ice dancing and Christmaas, New Years & Valentine’s themed events. The Esplanade Tranquille at Quartier des spectacles offers a refrigerated, glamorous expanse that can accommodate up to 400 skaters. Admission is free and there is a pavilion equipped with lockers and rentals and the Galaxie Brasserie for post-skating snacks. For a scenic skating option, head to Beaver Lake Skating Rink atop Mount Royal Park. This 2,500 square-meter rink offers a picturesque experience from December to March. Warm up inside the Beaver Lake Pavilion, where skates are available for rent, and Café des Amis serves steaming hot drinks and snacks.

Old Port Ice Skating Rink 
Official Website: https://oldportskatingrink.com/
General Admission: $10.00

Esplanade Tranquille
Official Website: https://www.quartierdesspectacles.com/en/event/332/esplanade-tranquille-skating-rink/
General Admission: Free 

Beaver Lake Skating Rink
Official Website: https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/evenements/detail/ice-skating/8880
General Admission: Free

Take a Day Trip or Weekend to Saint-Sauveur

Just a 45-minute drive from Montreal, Saint-Sauveur is the perfect winter getaway for both adventure and relaxation. Skiing and snowboarding at Sommet Saint-Sauveur includes 43 trails for all skill levels, with night skiing to extend the fun after dark. To unwind after, head to Strøm Spa and soak in the Nordic thermal baths surrounded by a beautiful winter landscape. For a fun family activity, snow tubing at Versant Avila park is a great option, while the nearby mountains offer scenic spots for winter hiking and walks. Check out my blog post here for more details! 

Cozy up at Belvu Terrace

This season, Marriott Château Champlain will transform into a magical winter wonderland, offering an exclusive après-ski retreat right in the heart of Montreal. Located on the third floor, Belvu Hors Piste will be reimagined with alpine-inspired decor—cozy fireplaces, patio heaters, and plush furs to fully embrace the winter ambiance. Chef Kevin Mougin’s menu will feature classic ski lodge favorites, including Mont Blanc Tartiflette and Irish Coffee. With DJs bringing the terrace to life four times a week, it will be the ideal spot to celebrate the holiday season. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind winter escape

When: Check their website for opening day details.
Admission: Free with food & beverages at an additional charge
Website: https://www.terrassebelvu.com/

Relax at a Nordic Spa

One of my favorite ways to spend a snowy day in Montreal is by escaping to a Nordic day spa. Inspired by Scandinavian traditions from countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, Nordic bathing involves alternating between hot and cold experiences to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. The heat from saunas, spas, and steam rooms soothes tired muscles and joints, while the cold plunges and showers help detoxify the body, stimulate circulation, and strengthen the immune system. Montreal is home to some of the best Nordic spas in Canada, including Bota Bota, Strøm Spa, and Scandinave Spa. All three offer thermal circuits, where you can go from hot saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms to icy plunges in Nordic baths, showers, and waterfalls. After your circuit, you can unwind in the spa’s cozy relaxation areas, wrapped in a plush robe. It’s the perfect way to rejuvenate and warm up during the winter months! For my full review and guide to Scandinave Spa, click here, or for Bota Bota, check out my review here.

Scandinave Spa
Admission: $77-$100 for the Thermal Circuit 
Official Website: https://www.scandinave.com/vieux-montreal

Bota Bota
Admission: $75-$90 for the Thermal Circuit 
Official Website: https://botabota.ca/en/

Strøm Spa
Admission: $99-$114 for the Thermal Circuit 
Official Website: https://boutique.stromspa.com/en

Marvel at the Aura Lightshow

The AURA Experience at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a captivating multimedia light and sound spectacle. The immersive presentation showcases the architectural beauty and cultural heritage of the basilica in a truly mesmerizing way. Created by the renowned and award-winning studio Moment Factory, known for their outstanding installations such as Tonga Lumina at Mont-Tremblant, the AURA Experience transforms the basilica’s interior into a visual and musical wonder. Before the main light show, you can take up to 30 minutes to explore the Basilica’s illuminated stations, highlighting its architectural and artwork details. Then, settle into the pews for an awe-inspiring 23-minute multisensory performance. 

Admission: $35 for adult admission
Official Website: https://www.aurabasiliquemontreal.com/en/experience

Take a Day Trip or Weekend to Mont-Tremblant

For a perfect winter getaway, take a day trip or spend the weekend in Mont-Tremblant, just a 90-minute drive from Montreal. The winter season transforms this mountain town into a snowy paradise, offering tons of activities from skiing and snowboarding to dog sledding and snow tubing. With over 100 trails, Mont-Tremblant has slopes for all skill levels and incredible views of the Laurentians from the 875-meter summit. Try something unique like dog sledding through the snow-covered forests or a peaceful snowshoe trek along winding trails. The pedestrian village, styled like a European alpine town, is packed with colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and boutique that is straight out of a story book! Click here for the best things to do in Mont-Tremblant during winter. 

Be Dazzled by Montreal en Lumière

Step into a winter wonderland at Montreal en Lumière, one of the world’s largest winter festivals, drawing over 500,000 festival-goers each year. This event transforms the city into a magical landscape, blending performances, gastronomy, and free outdoor family activities. For the 2026 edition, don’t miss the return of the Skating Trail, where magical light displays and music create an enchanting experience with stunning views of the downtown skyline. Interactive light installations will brighten the outdoor site and the Nuit blanche event adds to the magic, with art installations, performances, and events filling the city late into the night.

When: 27 February – 9 March, 2024
Admission: Free. Additional experiences available for purchase
Official Website: https://www.montrealenlumiere.com/

Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & Snow Tubing at Mont Royal

As winter blankets Mont Royal, this iconic Montreal destination transforms into a playground for both locals and visitors. At Beaver Lake, enjoy free ice skating, or try snow tubing for as little as $9 per day. After your outdoor adventures, warm up at the cozy Café des Amis with a delicious hot chocolate. Mont Royal also offers over 22 km of meticulously groomed cross-country ski trails. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced skier, these trails provide a scenic and peaceful escape. Lessons are available if you want to refine your skills or try skiing for the first time. Snowshoeing is another great option, with guided tours available for around $28.50, offering a unique and educational experience. With free park admission and a wide range of activities available for an additional cost, Mont Royal is one of the best places to enjoy winter in Montreal this holiday season.

Official Website: https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/public-programming 
Admission: Admission Park Free with activities at additional cost

Ready to embrace the magic of winter in Montreal? Whether you’re hitting the slopes, enjoying festive markets, or unwinding at a Nordic spa, Montreal has something exciting for everyone this season. Start planning your adventure today!