Canada, known for its friendly people, picturesque landscapes and delicious Maple Syrup, welcomes roughly 16 million tourists every year.
One of Canada’s most popular destinations is Montreal. Located in the French speaking province of Québec, this city attracts millions of tourists every year for its unique “joie de vivre” atmosphere and spectacular international events during the warm summer months.
However, Montreal, like the rest of Canada, can get quite chilly during the winter, as in -10 degrees chilly. However, experiencing the cold and rugged Canadian winter is truly a unique and authentic traveling experience!
Here are five awesome things to do in Montreal during the winter!
1. IGLOOFEST
Montreal has been a staple of the electronic music scene for a very long time, having its own intricate underground scene for decades. With the successful “Piknic Electronik” events spread out through the summer, the organisers decided to offer Montrealers a unique electronic experience during the winter months. Igloofest is held in Montreal’s Old-Port from January to February. The 2016 edition of Igloofest should be a special one, as the event is celebrating its 10th anniversary!
IGLOOFEST 2015 | CAPSULE OFFICIELLE – OFFICIAL VIDEO from Igloofest on Vimeo.
2. Skate in the Old-Port
Raving in the snow not really your thing? How about skating in the Old Port of Montreal? With scenic views of Old Montreal and a bunch of happy-go-lucky Montrealers relaxing and enjoying themselves around you, this winter activity will make you feel like a true Canadian.
This festival is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. Covering a range of activities from gastronomy to performing arts and plenty other fun things to do. One of the festival’s highlights is the “Nuit Blanche” event. This all-nighter allows Montrealers to explore the city and live unique interactive experiences throughout the entire night! The 2016 edition of the festival runs from February 18th to March 5th
4. Go shred some mountains!
Montreal is surrounded with plenty of fantastic ski resorts located within one or two hours from the city centre. Bromont and Mont Saint-Sauveur are both within an hour from downtown Montreal, while the prestigious Mont-Tremblant resort is located two hours away but well worth the trip!
5. Catch a Montreal Canadiens game with the locals
Montreal’s pro hockey club, the Montreal Canadiens, is a local institution. There are a lot of regular season games during the winter months, so you’ll most probably be in town when they play a game at the Bell Centre. Inside the arena, the atmosphere is electric and the fans are extremely passionate. However, it is to be noted that due to its popularity among locals and tourists alike, ticket prices have considerably increased over the years. Ticket prices range anywhere between $70 and $300.
If you can’t watch the Habs in person at the Bell Centre, here are some of Busbud’s favorite bars to catch the game:
- Peel Pub: Conveniently located in downtown Montreal offering plenty of cheap drinks and grub. Make sure to get there early as the bar gets filled to capacity very quickly!
- Brasserie Laurier: Located in the hipster haven of the Plateau Mont-Royal, this dive bar will make you feel like a true Montrealer within seconds after entering the establishment. Also, the coveted “Chez Claudette” poutine joint is literally right across the street.
- Nacho Libre: Located smack dab in the middle of the island, this “Lucha Libre” themed restaurant offers great drinks, great tacos and a retro Nintendo 64 station if you ever feel like impressing your friends with your Mario Kart skills.
So whether you like to party, experience new artistic or sporting cultures or exercise in snowy conditions, Montreal has everything for everyone…even during winter! Planning on travelling to Ottawa Toronto, New York City or Boston during or after your stay in Montreal? Make sure to use Busbud to search, compare and book your bus tickets to your destination!
