Montréal is a city of seasons, and wintertime is especially magical. It’s an ideal season to wow your attendees with merriment and enchanting snowy side activities. Despite chillier temperatures, adventures and rich cultural offerings happen right downtown, often only steps from your hotel and the Montréal convention centre. Which means the perfect balance of business and cheer.
The charm of Old Montréal
One of the most distinguishing features of Montréal is the historic architecture. On the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Old Montréal is a neighbourhood that offers vintage-chic alleyways and European charm. And it’s even more dreamlike in the winter. While most of the architecture remains unchanged since the 1700s, don’t mistake this neighbourhood as quaint or old fashioned. From fine dining to only-here designer shopping, it’s a hot and happening spot to wander (and shop!) between meetings. (Get the expert guidance of tour specialists Spade & Palacio, for the local low-down.) The Old Port is also home to a lively skating rink, fireworks and outdoor dance parties during winter. And don’t miss Montréal’s massive Ferris wheel, where the views are fantastic (and the cabins are heated)!
The majestic Mount Royal
Montréal’s pride and joy, Mount Royal is a beautiful snow-blanketed bump directly in the heart of the city. Both residents and visitors take advantage of its natural bounty through activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, winter hikes and skating on the twinkly Beaver Lake, near the top. Or simply tuck into one of the restaurants, such as the Chalet at the top of the mountain, to cradle a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Book an activity with Fitz & Follwell and you can rent additional winter gear like toques, mittens, boots and parkas.
The incredible festivals
Festivals are a Montréal expertise! There isn’t a week of the year that isn’t animated with street happenings, light shows, feasts and fun. At the end of February and into March, MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE is one of the largest winter festivals in the world, with unique programming that runs the gamut from performing arts to gastronomy to outdoor ice slides and more. Plus, a full night of original discoveries during Nuit Blanche, when cultural spaces around the downtown stay open all night to offer thousands of visitors incredible (and free) programming. This concept is so popular, it’s begun spreading into other cities across Canada. Other winter festivals include an electronic music festival called Igloofest, an urban downhill skiing and snowboard trick festival called APIK and a wildly popular celebration of light called Luminothérapie.
The comfort food
If there’s something Québec knows through-and-through, it’s hearty winter food. In terms of dining, that translates into a rich restaurant scene with everything from warm comfort foods to meat-loving decadence (here’s looking at you, Au Pied de Cochon) to fine French dining experiences and flavours from around the globe. We also have an abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurant options. Aside from the slew of special food events, there are amazing choices every day of the year around (and within) all major hotels, from downtown to Old Montréal. Other popular neighbourhoods like the Plateau Mont-Royal, Little Burgundy, Little Italy and Mile End are accessible within a 10-minute cab ride from the centre of town.
The underground scene (literally)
Montréal’s famous Underground City is the world’s largest underground complex, making the perfect setting for a warm and comfortable time on those days when winter is maybe too wintry. The underground network — known as the RÉSO — links to 4,000 hotel rooms and several metro stations. Discover its shopping options solo or get a guided tour so you don’t miss a thing.
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