Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal

Updated Aug 25, 2026
Fact checked by
Audrey Voisine
Audrey Voisine Audrey Voisine
Audrey, co-founder of Milesopedia, is a dedicated entrepreneur, avid traveler, and mother of two children. She shares valuable tips and recommendations for families and frequent travellers alike, helping everyone get the most from points and rewards programs. As Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, she is committed to guiding Milesopedia readers toward more accessible, practical, and memorable journeys.
All posts by Audrey Voisine
Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - montreal
To the point From cultural, family and foodie outings to sporty ones, here are our winter suggestions for things to do in Montreal.

Shows and Treats Downtown

It’s the not-to-be-missed event of the winter. The Quartier des spectacles hosts the 25th edition of Montréal en lumière for about ten days.

Winter in Montreal also means hockey. To plan a night at the Bell Centre or scout other fan destinations, check out our 8 great cities to enjoy NHL ambience.

As always, there is no shortage of things to do downtown, including multiple culinary experiences, a Luminothérapie circuit of works from here and abroad, a variety of indoor shows, a skating path at the Esplanade Tranquille, a Ferris wheel, and electrifying evenings like the Nuit Blanche.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - MTL en lumiere

On the foodie side, the festival puts international chefs and artisans in the spotlight. As part of the Bonnes Tables Air France, about twenty chefs are hosted in several Montreal restaurants, including Emmanuel Pilon, Julien Royer, Glenn Viel and Caterina Ceraudo.

Do you have the American Express Cobalt® Card to pay for your meal? This card is a favourite among points enthusiasts, since it earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on purchases categorized as restaurants.

The Quartier Gourmand, located at the Maison du Festival, offers culinary demonstrations, tastings, round tables and happy hours.

Several special events are also on the program, including the Air France 90th Anniversary Dinner on February 23 and 24 at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ).

  • Quartier des spectacles
  • From February 29 to March 10, 2024
  • The foodie program kicks off on February 22, 2024
  • For the festival program, it’s here

The Best of Electro in the Old Port

Pull out your best ski suit: the Igloofest Montréal electronic music festival, the coldest in the world, is back. Diplo, The Blaze, REZZ, Eric Prydz, Armin van Buuren, Marc Rebillet, Partiboi69 and many other artists take part in this 16th edition. The Old Port hosts four weekends of electro music starting January 18, 2024.

About twenty après-ski evenings are also on the menu in Old Montreal, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Artists include Fabrikate, Coco & Breezy, Luke Alessi, lNVōKER and Surf Gang.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - Igloofest

As for families, they can take part in the free Igloofête activities on Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Jacques-Cartier Pier, Old Port of Montreal
  • From January 18 to February 10, 2024
  • For the festival program, it’s here

Free Skating Activities

The first 2022-2023 season of the Esplanade Tranquille skating rink was a real success! Located in the heart of downtown, this 1,500 m2 facility welcomed more than 250,000 skaters, according to the City of Montreal.

Haven’t had time to try it yet? Lace up your skates and enjoy: the rink is open Sunday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - skating rink

Starting December 16, Disco Fever returns on Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. It’s the go-to activity for those who love skating and dancing to disco.

A counter located at the Repaire in the pavilion offers skate rentals.

  • Until April 13, 2024
  • Esplanade Tranquille
  • For the activity program, it’s over here

Art Comes to the Cinema, and to Your Home

The International Festival of Films on Art (FIFA) is a great opportunity to discover the work of artists in film, video and the visual arts.

This 42nd edition, showcasing the latest films on art and art films from about forty countries, takes place in theatres and online (from March 22 to 31, 2024) on the ARTS.FILM streaming platform.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - FIFA

Available year-round, this virtual space offers hundreds of films, often exclusive to Canada. From the comfort of your living room, you can choose between documentaries, fiction, biographical films and discussions.

  • Several venues and online
  • From March 12 to 24, 2024
  • For the festival program, it’s over here

A Journey Through Asian Cultural Heritage

The immersive experience Dreaming of Asia should delight those who love the cultural heritage of China and Japan.

The world of OASIS immersion, a 2,000 m2 multimedia space, invites you to discover several settings, including China’s most famous painting, Along the River During the Qingming Festival.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - Oasis immersion

To round out this roughly 80-minute visit, you can take part in a tea tasting workshop and a sake tasting workshop on Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Palais des Congrès de Montréal
  • Since December 13, 2023
  • Tickets available for fixed dates and times

This exhibition could give you travel ideas for Asia. Here are a few suggestions to inspire you:

New Poutines to Discover

Poutine Week is back for a 12th edition. During this event, participating restaurants create special poutines, and you can vote for the best one on the official website.

As every year, there is something for everyone: braised beef, fried chicken, duck confit, chorizo, shrimp, and Tex-Mex, Texan or vegan takes.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - poutine

The 2023 edition crowned La Belle Tonki, in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, with its original Tonkiyaki poutine… with octopus, inspired by Japanese street food.

  • From February 1 to 7, 2024
  • At participating restaurants

The Ultimate Event for Bike Lovers

The Montreal Bike Show and the Triathlon Show are the two big annual gatherings for bike fanatics, who flock there every year to discover the latest products and trends. A test track is available to try the bike of your dreams.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - bike

This 22nd edition, with nearly 200 exhibitors, lets you admire superb bikes and gather valuable information to plan your cycling vacation in Quebec or abroad.

Many conferences and demonstrations are also on the program.

  • Palais des congrès de Montréal
  • From February 16 to 18, 2024

Original Puppets in the Spotlight

Rod, pole and hand puppets come to life alongside masks, robotic shapes and other creative objects during the 19th edition of the Festival de Casteliers.

As every year, this performing arts event presents shows for children and adults in several theatres.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - puppets

In Outremont, many puppets made by different artists are displayed in the windows of local businesses.

  • From March 6 to 10, 2024
  • Several venues, including the Outremont theatre

Explore the Nature Parks on Skis and Snowshoes

It would be a shame to miss out! The nature parks offer equipment rentals so you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to (re)discover Montreal’s trails.

Rentals are even free for children 17 and under who live in the Montreal agglomeration (limited-time offer).

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - ski

Reservations for snowshoes and skis are required at the following nature parks:

You can also sign up for ski lessons à la carte for adults (14 and up) and families (6 and up).

  • Saturdays and Sundays
  • From January 6 to February 25
  • Dates and schedules vary by park

Experience the Magic of Disney With Your Family

This immersive exhibition has already won over many cities, including Toronto, Las Vegas and Tokyo. Lighthouse Immersive Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios offer you the chance to travel through images and music into the world of Walt Disney animated films.

Not-to-be-missed winter activities in Montreal - disney

Frozen, The Lion King, Encanto, The Little Mermaid and many other productions are featured in this event, which launched in Montreal on December 15.

With VIP and Premium tickets, you can even wear a bracelet that lights up in different colours as the projections change.

  • Arsenal Contemporary Art Montreal
  • Until February 25, 2024

This exhibition should make you want to book a getaway to Walt Disney World Resort.

Here are our suggestions to plan your trip and earn points:

A Montreal Getaway in an Exceptional Hotel

Montréal en lumière is a beloved winter event, running from February 29 to March 10, 2024. Tempted by a few out-of-the-ordinary nights to discover the various activities? Humaniti Montréal, a Marriott Bonvoy hotel, is one of the festival’s hotel partners.

If you choose this property, you will earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your reservation.

Not familiar with points? The ultimate goal of these rewards is free hotel nights, along with other perks such as free breakfasts.

In Canada, the easiest way to stock up on Marriott Bonvoy points is through credit cards. American Express offers two cards linked to this loyalty program:

Each of these Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offers an attractive welcome bonus and the ability to earn points on all your purchases.

Our ultimate Marriott Bonvoy guide will help you better understand this loyalty program and its benefits.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle, a solo traveler and animal lover, has journeyed through numerous countries. A Scene+ expert and Caribbean travel specialist, she shares insights on maximizing rewards. Her love for the sea, inspired by family vacations in France's Languedoc-Roussillon, led her to spend 8 years in the French Antilles. While the call of the ocean remains, Montreal, her heart's city, is where she truly feels at home.
All posts by Emmanuelle Froment
Region
North America, Canada, Montreal

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