Seasonal City: Your Winter Guide to Montreal

Seasonal City: Your Winter Guide to Montreal

Canada's second-largest city has a lot going for it no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. However, this part of Canada certainly knows how to embrace the winter season and the frigid temperatures that go along with it in the best way possible. Below is our round-up of what to do in Montreal this time of the year.

 

Winter Sports

 

Sandwiched between the lights of Old Montreal and the St Lawrence River, the Old Port Skating Rink makes for an ideal place to strap on some skates and enjoy some of the best views the city has to offer.

 

For those looking to trade in the skates for skis, Mont Saint-Bruno is located in the suburbs of Montreal - only a 30-minute drive from the city. The skill hill is also located right next to a provincial park that also offers cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 

 

On February 16, 2020, brave souls will compete in a race called the Hypothermic Half. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like it is. Twenty-one kilometers, in the freezing cold.

 

 

Barbegazi is a winter action sports festival that takes place in both Banff and Montreal. This season's event takes place at the Olympic Park Esplanade March 7th and 8th, 2020 and runs on both days from 12-4pm. 

 

Architecture

Montreal is known for its European-like charm and has the architecture to show for it. That being said, there are also plenty of appealing builds around the city that don't fall under the ultra-historical category.

 

Notre-Dame Basilica

The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is the first church of the gothic revival style that was built in Canada and is one of Montreal's most popular attractions.

 

Opened in 1976, Montreal's Olympic Stadium has the tallest inclined towers in the world. For those who do well with heights, visitors can take a 2-minute ride to the top via a glass-encased funicular. 

 

Montreal's Biosphère Environment Museum is North America's only museum dedicated solely to the environment. Designed by well-known American architect Buckminster Fuller, it is located in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

  

One of Montreal's lesser mentioned architectural staples, Habitat 67 is a residential complex designed by Moshe Safdie as part of Expo 67. Guided Tours aren't available during the winter months unfortunately but it's still worth driving by to view the exterior.

 

Winter-themed Festivals and Events

Montreal is a city that always has a lot on the go, no matter the season. That being said, they have a surprisingly large amount of winter and holiday-themed festivals and events, considering the chilly weather.

 

 

The fourth edition of Montreal's Christmas Market (or Village de Nöel de Montréal) is set up at the Atwater Market and runs until December 22nd. The market is a traditional family-friendly affair complete with vendors, concerts, and a sugar shack. 

 

 

 

On until January 5, 2020, Illumi is the largest multimedia and light show on the planet. The display is by the same creators behind Cavalia and also includes a Christmas market. 

 

 

 

Fêtes de neiges de Montréal, the city's "snow festival", is scheduled for weekends from January 18, 2020 - February 9, 2020. The features change each year and in the past have featured ziplining, a ferris wheel, ice sculptures and more. 

 

 

The 10th edition of Cabane Panache et Bois Rond takes place March 19 - 22, 2020 and provides an entertaining way to see the winter season out. A gathering of more than 100,000 lumberjacks at Promenade Wellington makes for a wonderful maple syrup-filled Canadian experience. 

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