Planning a winter trip to Montreal? Good choice!
Montreal feels magical this time of year. The historic streets look even prettier with a dusting of snow, and the city has this cozy energy that makes winter feel fun rather than freezing. And I love the fact that the locals don’t hide away inside. They bundle up, get a coffee, and keep on moving – and you should do the same!
Yes, you’ll want warm layers, but the good news is Montreal is built for winter. Between the metro, buses, and the underground city, getting around is easy, and you can warm up whenever you need to. So with that in mind, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary that highlights the best of Montreal in winter.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Montreal city tour! This made it easy to see the top city sights and learn along the way, and we cruised around in a van, so sightseeing was nice and warm in the winter!
Itinerary Overview
We love visiting Montreal in winter for its warm and cozy energy. At this time of year, the city really transforms, hosting lots of seasonal events to brighten the dark nights. Yes, it does get very cold, but Montrealers handle winter like pros, and the city is designed so you can do the same.
You won’t need a rental car for this itinerary. The metro and buses run frequently, Uber is reliable, and the underground city gives you a comfortable way to walk between key downtown spots. Everything connects surprisingly well, even in the cold – in fact, especially in the cold!
🏰Day 1: Cozy Bus Sightseeing Tour & Lumino Winter Festival
Start with a full-day sightseeing tour that covers Montreal’s top neighborhoods and landmarks, then spend the evening exploring Lumino before winding down with dinner at Jardin Nelson.
🥯Day 2: Mile End Food Tour, Helicopter Ride & Live Music
Taste your way through Mile End on a winter-friendly food tour, wander the Old Port, take a helicopter tour for city views, and finish with dinner and live jazz.
🚲Day 3: E-Bike or Underground City Tour & Museums
Choose between a fat-tire e-bike ride up Mount Royal or a guided tour of the underground city, visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and end the day with dinner and a nightcap.
Day 1
Full-day – See Montreal’s top sights with a guide
Joining this full-day small-group tour is the best way to get a feel for the city on your first day here, because it hits all of the key landmarks. You would never be able to fit this many neighborhoods and viewpoints in on your own! It also includes some yummy food, so keep breakfast light this morning.
The tour starts at 9:30 am and wraps up around 4:30 pm, so it’s a full day. Best of all, you’ll travel from site to site in a van, avoiding the cold as much as possible!
You’ll start with two of Montreal’s most iconic viewpoints: Saint Joseph’s Oratory and Mount Royal Park. Both places offer sweeping views of the snowy city and give you a sense of just how big Montreal really is.
From there, the tour crosses the Jacques Cartier Bridge to Saint Helen’s Island, where you’ll explore Jean-Drapeau Park and learn a bit about its Expo history. This contrasts nicely with older parts of the city you’ll see later on, like Mile End, Little Italy, and Le Plateau.
But what sets this tour apart from other sightseeing options is that food is a big part of the experience! There’s a stop at Jean-Talon Market, which is one of the largest farmers’ markets in North America. You’ll also get to enjoy a classic Montreal-style bagel for lunch, which is denser and sweeter than the New York variety – and yummier, in my opinion!
The pace is relaxed and never rushed, and hotel pickup and drop-off make everything simple. It’s an ideal winter activity because you get to experience Montreal’s beauty without spending long stretches outdoors. It’s a great introduction to the city and a fantastic way to see the top sights in a single day.
Evening – Lumino
After your city tour, head out to explore Lumino. This city-wide light and art festival really brightens up the long winter nights. The lights come on at dusk and stay on until 11 pm. During that time, you’ll get to see illuminated artworks and interactive installations dotted around the downtown area. It basically becomes one big open-air gallery – it’s so cool!
Some pieces are outside, while others are tucked indoors, so you will get a chance to warm up along the way! Lumino usually runs from mid-January to March, so it’s a perfect winter activity for a cool night. We love to just wander at our own pace and stop whenever a piece catches our eye! It’s a lovely way to experience Montreal’s creative side.
If you’re visiting outside of that timeframe, check out the Montreal Great Christmas Market from November to January instead!
Dinner – Jardin Nelson
If you’re ready for a dinner that checks all the boxes, head to Jardin Nelson. I still think about this place, as the cozy ambiance and live jazz music truly took this experience to the next level!
The food was just as notable as the ambiance. I went with the seafood mac and cheese, which I’d highly recommend, and everything that I saw come out of the kitchen looked tasty. They also specialize in fruity martinis, which went down a little too easily!
The only downside is that we aren’t the only people who know how good this restaurant is. They don’t take reservations, so there might be a line when you arrive. However, it’s a big restaurant, and the line moved very quickly when we arrived around 8 pm. We were seated within 5 minutes!
Day 2
Breakfast – Visit one of the best bakeries in town
La Cave à Manger is one of the top bakeries in all of Montreal and is a necessary addition to your itinerary! Located in Old Montreal, this is an easy stop if you’re staying here (it opens at 7 am).
They have everything from sandwiches to bagels, croissants, and other baked goods. The espresso is also really good, which pairs perfectly with all the sweets we were getting. I wouldn’t recommend eating too much, though, as we have a food tour coming up! It’s a casual atmosphere, like an underground grab-and-go spot with very few seats, but everyone was so nice when we visited!
Since the food tour doesn’t start until 11 am, you can get here whenever you feel like it, and if you have extra time, head to Mile End early. Part of this area’s charm is checking out its local businesses. We had so much fun strolling and stopping at vintage shops (check out Le Ninety) or Librairie Le Port de tête, an awesome used bookstore.
Mid-day – Taste your way around Mile End
One of our favorite things about visiting Montreal is enjoying the city’s legendary food scene, and there’s no better way to do that than with this walking food tour! Take it easy this morning and enjoy some chill time, then book this tour for 11 am. It lasts for 3 hours, so this will be your lunch today.
If you’ve only got a few days in Montreal, you really don’t want to risk eating at subpar spots. It’s worth it to have a local guide lead the way and show you the best spots only Montrealers know about! Plus, doing this tour in the winter is great because you won’t be outside for long stretches. The route is designed with frequent indoor stops, and the hearty food will surely warm you up.
Mile End is undoubtedly the coolest part of Montreal, and we loved eating our way around this area. It has a super interesting, Bohemian history and remains a hipster hotspot to this day. Plus, our guide, Dominique, made it feel like we were exploring the city with a friend who knew the best spots.
We tried everything from flaky Alsatian tarts to poutine (of course!) and decadent hand-piped cannoli. We also loved the “secret dish” at the end, but we won’t spoil the surprise for you. Still, we left absolutely stuffed and full of local food knowledge we wouldn’t have picked up on our own.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Afternoon – Explore the Old Port
The food tour wraps up at 2 pm, so if you have some extra time between activities, the Old Port is the perfect place to wander. The cobblestone streets feel especially charming in winter, and the area has plenty of shops and cafés to check out, plus scenic viewpoints where you can snap photos. It’s an easy place to explore at your own pace, and the mix of historic buildings and snowy streets gives it that classic Montreal feel.
Since today’s activities are flexible, you can swap things around as needed. Whether you’re waiting for your next tour or just want a break, the Old Port is a relaxed and scenic spot to fill the afternoon.
Late Afternoon – See the city from above on a helicopter tour
Seeing Montreal from a helicopter flight is one of the most memorable ways to experience the city, especially in the winter when the landscape is covered in snow! The flight gives you a perspective that you simply can’t get on the ground, and it’s a fun way to understand how the city fits together.
Book it for 4:30 or 5:30 pm, depending on how much time you’d like to wander the Old Port. It’s a 20-minute drive from Old Montreal, and Uber is definitely the easiest way to get here. Be sure to book this tour well in advance to get your preferred times!
The flight lasts for around 25 minutes, and you can choose between two routes! The Montreal tour takes you over Old Montreal, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal, while the Saint-Laurent Circuit gives you sweeping views of Jean-Drapeau Park and the St. Lawrence River. Both options offer incredible scenery, so you can’t go wrong – it just depends on what you’re most interested in seeing.
The whole experience feels smooth and personal from the moment you arrive. Your pilot walks you through what to expect and points out landmarks along the way. Plus, the flight is private, so you’ll get plenty of space and uninterrupted views the entire time!
Winter makes the city look even more beautiful from above. You get striking contrasts between the white snow and the dark river. If the weather is shifting, the operators often do their best to adjust the timing so you can still get into the air safely. That’s why we’ve built lots of free time into today!
Dinner – Le Majestique Montréal
Back on solid ground, Le Majestique is a lively, easygoing spot that works well after a full day out. The energy is fun without feeling too busy, and they’re known for a great happy hour if you arrive a little earlier. Seafood is the highlight here, but the menu has plenty of variety if you want something different. It’s a good place to settle in with a drink and share a couple of plates as you enjoy the upbeat vibe – cheers!
Evening – Head out on the town (Live Jazz or Speakeasy)
After a full day of exploring and full bellies to match, it’s time to unwind in style!
If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere and live jazz, Diese Onze was the perfect spot. Tucked into a stylish basement on Rue Saint-Denis, this intimate jazz bar offers live performances every night and stays open late (until 1 am), making it an ideal post-dinner hangout. This is just a quick 10-minute walk from dinner.
If you’re up for something with a little more mystery, The Coldroom is a speakeasy that’s actually hidden and honestly the coolest speakeasy I’ve ever been to. The Google Maps location is approximate, so you’ll need to wander around a bit and find a large, unmarked black door. Above the door is an exit sign that has a small duck on it. When you find it, ring the bell and wait for them to come and get you. Fun right!?
The cocktails are inventive, and the atmosphere is fun, making for a fantastic end to the day! The Coldroom is located in Old Montreal, so you’ll have to grab an Uber after dinner.
Day 3
Breakfast – Creperie Maison Bagatelle
Crepes and Montreal go hand in hand, and Creperie Maison Bagatelle was a yummy way to kick off our day of exploration. We loved this place for a few reasons, from the Victorian-style decor to the quick service, which is ideal if you’re eager to get going.
You order at the counter, and they quickly bring out your food. They serve sweet and savory crepes, so of course we had to get one of each, for research purposes. The “strawberry love” had strawberries and Nutella, and the savory one had turkey and cheese. They were both delicious and balanced each other out well!
This place opens daily at 8 am and is conveniently located in Old Montreal.
Morning Option 1 – Fat tire e-bike up Mount Royal
Exploring Mount Royal on this fat e-bike tour is such a fun way to experience Montreal in the winter. Most people don’t realize you can even do a bike tour once the snow arrives, but these electric fat-tire bikes are built precisely for it!
The tour starts at 10:30 am and meets in the city near Mount Royal Park. We think it’s a great option for those who like to be a little more active, but the cycling itself is easy. It wraps up around 12:30 pm, just in time for lunch.
The wide tires grip snowy paths, and the powered assist takes the effort out of the hills. That way, you can enjoy the park without feeling cold or worn out. It’s a great option for beginners because the tour moves at a relaxed pace and the bikes do most of the work for you.
The tour covers Mount Royal Park, which is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Montréalers call it their “mountain,” even though it’s technically a forested hill, and it’s beautiful year-round. The ride takes you up to the summit lookout, where you get one of the best skyline views in Montreal. Seeing the city from above, with everything covered in white, is pretty special.
Along the way, your guide shares stories about Montreal’s architecture, history, and neighborhoods. You’ll move between bike lanes and easy paths, so it’s a safe and straightforward ride even if you’re new to winter riding.
All in all, you want a fun winter adventure that mixes fresh air with incredible city views. This fat e-bike tour is a fantastic choice. It’s a really fun outdoor adventure, and we love that the bikes make cycling so easy, even when there’s snow on the ground!
Morning Option 2 – Explore Montreal’s Underground City
If you’d rather stay warm indoors, we recommend opting for this Underground City tour instead! It begins at 10 am and lasts for 2 hours, and it shows you around the unique network of tunnels, shops, and passageways that connect much of downtown Montreal. It’s one of the best winter-friendly activities in the city because you can cover so much ground without ever stepping outside.
Your guide will lead you through some of the most interesting sections, pointing out art installations and sharing stories about how this unique system came to be. It’s a fantastic introduction, as knowing your way around the Underground City will certainly come in handy throughout the rest of your visit!
There are a few stops above ground, too, such as Saint-Catherine Street and Dorchester Square, which is home to many of Montreal’s most recognizable buildings. Still, for the most part, you’ll be protected from the elements and moving around Montreal like a local.
And since this is a private tour, you’ll get so much more out of your guide! You’ll be able to ask as many questions as you want and gain a unique insider insight into the Underground City. Plus, you can focus more on the elements of the tour that interest you the most. What’s not to love?
Lunch – Café Parvis
After surfacing from your underground adventure or wrapping up your e-bike adventure, head to Café Parvis for lunch. The menu here is seasonal, so in winter you can expect warming, hearty dishes. We loved the pizzas and the rustic decor, which feels really cozy at this time of year. Take your time here and relax after an active morning!
Afternoon – Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is about a 4-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from lunch, and it’s one of our favorite places to warm up for a few hours! This is the city’s most popular museum, and it has an impressive collection that spans centuries, from European classics to Canadian works and rotating contemporary exhibits.
It’s open until 5 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore. There’s no need to rush! And winter is a great time to visit because the galleries feel calm and uncrowded, so you can take your time admiring the art and enjoy a break from the cold.
Dinner – Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse
After your morning exploring the gardens and biodome, catch a 20-minute Uber back towards downtown Montreal. We heard great things about Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse with their expert smoked meats. We were pretty excited, as we were hungry by that point!
Reuben’s is known for sandwiches and poutines, all made with the classic Montreal smoked-meat style. I got the French onion soup to start, which was the best I’ve ever had, and Le Philly A ‘ Dean sandwich melt – delicious! I wish I had more room for dessert because they looked amazing, but I was stuffed.
Evening – Go for a nightcap at Bar George
If you’ve got some energy left, end the evening with a nightcap. Bar George is a beautiful bar in a Victorian-style mansion. It’s quite fancy, as you might expect from a restored mansion setting, but the quality and ambiance are totally worth it – at least for one cocktail! Drinks are about $25+ CAD, but we really enjoyed our time here.
But for your last night in Montreal, it’s okay to splash out a little, and this is the place to do it. It’s also just a short 5-minute walk from Rueben’s for dinner, so you won’t get too cold on your way there.
If you have extra time…
Quebec City day trip
If you have an extra day and want to explore more of Quebec, I can highly recommend this day trip to Quebec City! This tour was excellent all around, from the easy organization to the incredible sights we saw.
It’s a three-hour drive from Montreal to Quebec City. We were in a big coach bus, which was comfy enough for the journey.
Our first official stop is Montmorency Falls, which somehow manages to be taller than Niagara but less crowded. You’ll have about an hour here and can enjoy the beautiful scenery and walking paths. If the weather is favorable, you’ll have the option to take the cable car to the bottom of the falls.
Then we made it to Old Quebec City and started off with a 1-hour history tour. This gave us insight into the stunning historic buildings, and it helped us get oriented in the city.
The rest of our time in Quebec was ours, so we spent it wandering through cobbled lanes of Petit Champlain, admiring the Château Frontenac, and browsing quirky little shops that looked like storybook illustrations. After our journey back to Montreal, it was about 8 pm, so while a long day, it was really fulfilling!
Overall, we loved this experience, as it balanced organized tour activities and time to explore on our own. I’d highly recommend it for those who want to experience Old Quebec City’s quaint and historic streets but don’t have the time to spend a few nights here.
Related Read: Looking for more seasonal ideas? Our guide to the best things to do in Montreal in winter covers experiences worth adding to your three-day itinerary.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Montreal is packed with fantastic places to stay, whether you’re after upscale luxury, a comfortable mid-range suite, or a fun, budget-friendly hostel. We’d recommend staying in Old Montreal if it works out! Although there aren’t many budget options there, the Plateau Mont-Royal is another great option.
To make planning easier, we’ve put together our top picks for where to stay in Montreal so you can focus on enjoying the city!
Luxury – $$$
Set across four historic 19th-century buildings right in the heart of Old Montreal, Hotel Place D’Armes absolutely nails that blend of old-world elegance and modern flair. Rooms are spacious and stylish, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and thoughtful touches like plush robes and Nespresso machines.
We love that there’s a rooftop terrace with views over the city, plus an on-site spa and a sleek bar downstairs. The location is also hard to beat, just steps from Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes metro. Expect to pay around $400 to $800 CAD per night, and it can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
For a stay that balances comfort, location, and perks, Hyatt Centric Montreal is a fantastic choice. Located in Old Town, you’re a short walk from the Old Port, Berri Uqam Metro Station, and Clock Tower Beach.
But while you’re not adventuring around Montreal, you can enjoy the rooftop pool (which is heated in the winter!) and terrace for a relaxing afternoon. It’s hard to beat a beautiful day in Montreal! Prices range from about $350 to $500 CAD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Traveling on a budget in Montreal doesn’t mean sacrificing location, and Auberge du Plateau proves it. Set right in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal, this friendly hostel offers a mix of private rooms and dorms, making it a great fit for solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
We love that it includes free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and access to a shared kitchen, which can save a surprising amount on food costs during a longer stay. The rooftop terrace is another standout feature, offering views over the neighborhood and a relaxing place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Rooms typically range from $45 CAD for a dorm bed to $200 CAD per night for private rooms. Check your dates and book it on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of Montreal’s hotels listed here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of Montreal’s best areas and hotels, have a look at our where to stay guide here!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Renting a Car or Camper in Canada
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!
- Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
- Rent a campervan or motorhome – Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!
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Thanks for reading!
Visiting Montreal in the winter is a completely different experience. It’s one of those cities that I actually prefer in the winter, with its charming streets and plenty of snow-friendly activities! Follow our recommendations, and I know that you’ll enjoy Montreal as much as we did.
Before you go, see all of our Canada blogs! We have even more itineraries, where to stay guides, and lists of things to do to help you plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related blogs to help get you started and inspire your next destination. Cheers!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Quebec City in Winter: 3-Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Quebec City, Quebec: 4 Best Areas and Hotels
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Banff in the Winter: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
