An Experience of a Lifetime: 36 Hours in Montreal's Winter Wonderland
With winter just about to make its grand entrance, Montrealers are well-equipped to face the frosty, zero-degree-Fahrenheit weather head-on. Resourcefulness is their middle name, witnessing some seeking solace in the city's invigorating Nordic spas, bolstered by the welcoming warmth of atmospheric bars serving comfort in a glass. But there are those intrepid souls who fling themselves into the winter joyously, skiing and ice-skating in public parks. They cheer with unabashed proud for their homegrown Canadiens hockey team and savor robust meals in the eateries teeming with forest and lodge-inspired embellishments.
If you are looking to join these winter festivities and require a cozy place to retreat afterwards, there are numerous Quebec Hotels at quebechotels.info. These hotels offer warm, comfortable accommodations perfect for retreat after a day of indulging in the frigid season’s adventures.
People make the most of the frigid season, indulging in winter festivities like the electrifying Igloofest, a captivating outdoor electronic-music jamboree, or the Montréal en Lumière, a gourmet food and entertainment jamboree. Not to forget, the sugar shack revelry during the maple-syrup season offers a special treat in this near-Arctic environment. Montreal, Quebec's illustrious city, ensures a range of exhilarating experiences for every winter enthusiast, be it someone craving a creative indoor retreat or an aficionado of winter celebrations.
Traveling to this city brims with options suited for its signature season. Book your accommodations in advance to ensure a smooth visit. Find and book accommodation at tophtotels.com and prepare yourself for a unique winter experience in Montreal, Quebec. Don a thick coat though!
1. Embrace the Winter Magic, 5 p.m.
The frosty charm of winter unfurls itself at Montreal's Parc du Mont-Royal, a vast hillock park that partly endorses the mountain said to have coined the city's name. This expansive winter wonderland is alive with a multitude of snow and ice-induced activities. Between the months of December and March, you can embark on a thrilling winter journey, be it skating, skiing or sledding, courtesy of Le Pavillon du Lac aux Castors. They offer skate rentals for just 9 Canadian dollars ($7 considering 1.30 Canadian to the U.S. dollar, for a span of two hours), cross-country skis for a minimum of 12 dollars per hour, and inner tubes from 5 to 9 dollars, depending on age, for the entire day. These winter essentials prime you for an adventure on the adjoining outdoor rinks, trails, and slopes unravelling enchanting vistas of Montreal.
2. Enchanted Forest, 8 p.m.
Reheat in the stylish confines of the new SouBois restaurant and nightclub. The underground space suggests a magical woodlands where avant-garde sculptural trees hover over a dining room of plank floors, shingled walls, raw-wood tables and Scandinavian-style chairs. The chef, Guillaume Daly, conjures magic too, metamorphosing rustic Canadian ingredients into innovative treats. The poutine is a gorgeously gloppy stack of greasy thick fries — piled like logs in a fire, and drenched with velvety warm Cheddar sauce, pungent mushrooms and an unctuous block of foie gras — while veal steak gets a funky crunch from spiced popcorn. For dessert, revisit campfire memories courtesy of deconstructed s’mores, replete with cubed marshmallows, jagged chocolate fragments and crumbled cookies. A three-course dinner for two costs about 110 dollars. Make reservations.
3. Indulge in Canadian Beverage Rituals, 10 p.m.
At the cozy, traditionally British-styled Burgundy Lion pub, an extensive array of whiskies awaits. Its list of exquisite drinks ventures far beyond local borders, boasting brews from Taiwan, Sweden, France, and Switzerland. A notable highlight within the Canadian entries is Wiser’s Red Letter (for only 12 dollars), a smooth concoction that boasts a delicate aftertaste of toasted nut. A short walk will place you at La Drinkerie Ste. Cunégonde, an intimate venue bathed in the warm glow of candles. Here, you can sample a variety of uniquely Canadian beers, such as Les Trois Lettres IPA for just 5.50 dollars. This alluringly aromatic ale imparts floral notes dipped in undertones of clove and nutmeg. Furthermore, the pub experience in Montreal offers more than just parties— it's about exploring unique flavours, engaging in spirited conversations, and loving the city's vibrant nightlife.
4. From Tropical Jungles to Starry Cosmos, 9 a.m.
Feel the chill? Find solace in the perpetual summer of the Biodôme. Housed under an expansive glass canopy, this natural sanctuary offers a tour through a multitude of climates. Marvel at iguanas, bats, snakes, sloths, frogs, and more as you navigate through intricate vegetation, babbling brooks, and mystical stone grottos. Continue your voyage through diverse environments such as woodlands, mountain regions, the Atlantic coastline, and frosty subarctic zones that even accommodate playful penguins.
Adjacent to it is the futuristic Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. Built to resemble a pair of gleaming telescopes directed towards the heavens, it houses within two dome-shaped cinemas that offer an immersive outer space experience. Spectacular shows such as “Dark Universe,” delving into the enigmatic concepts of dark matter and energy, and “Aurorae,” exploring ethereal Northern Lights, transport you across the universe. Access to this paralleled diversity - terrestrial and celestial - is priced at 33.50 dollars. For show timings, visit the website (espacepourlavie.ca).
5. Midday Maple Delight, Noon
When you're in the mood for a sweet and savory brunch but can't make it to an authentic sugar shack, Eggspectation on the trendy Rue Laurier Ouest, offers an ample substitute with its "Sugar Shack" sampler. Priced at 11.95 dollars, this is a bountiful feast packed with homestyle favorites such as light and airy scrambled eggs, succulent slices of ham, rustic baked beans, crispy fried potato slices, and delicate sweet crepes, all generously accompanied by rich, gooey maple syrup. But the gastronomic adventure doesn't end there. The restaurant's extensive menu that goes beyond breakfast and brunch, also includes mouthwatering delicacies like lobster macaroni and cheese (18.95 dollars) and an impressive assortment of roughly 10 variations of eggs Benedict.
6. Embrace Canadian Style, 1:30 p.m.
After that gastronomical extravaganza, you may feel a bit more substantial. Fear not! The stylish shops of Rue Laurier Ouest have you covered with top-quality, Canadian-crafted attire tailored to suit your newly indulged figure. At La Canadienne, discover elegance meets functionality in the form of weather-resistant, knee-high suede boots (450 dollars), and luxe quilted silver jackets, complete with fur-lined hoods (1,125 dollars)—an upscale answer to the winter chill. For beneath that haute outerwear, the eponymous fashion house of Montreal style maven François Beauregard offers an array of stylish basics. Snag one of the autumn-hued stretch jersey tees (50 dollars) or a timeless and sultry dark blue 1940s-inspired trench coat dress (189 dollars). Once you're dressed to the nines, flaunt your new purchases at Juliette & Chocolat, a charming café famous for its extensive selection of 20 luscious hot chocolates, each served with specific tasting notes (6.75 to 8.50 dollars, approximately). You'll be the epitome of Canadian chic while indulging in yet another delicious Montreal treat.
7. A Riot of Colors and Culture, 3 p.m.
The Musée des Beaux Arts de Montreal, with its vibrant array of art pieces and historical treasures, acts as a beacon of light, even on the dreariest of Montreal days. It is especially true for its ground level galleries housing creations from the 19th and 20th centuries. One can almost feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, smell the salty sea and hear the swishing palm trees - all brilliantly captured in Matisse’s 1922 masterpiece “Seated Woman, Back Turned to the Open Window,” set in the picturesque Riviera city of Nice. Merely a few steps away, Picasso’s sensual and raw “Embrace” (1971) radiates a heat of a different magnitude. In addition to these, the design pavilion offers an aesthetic journey through time with its eclectic collection of iconic furnishings. From the rich mahogany of Arne Jacobsen’s “Egg” chair to the dazzling arrangement of Ettore Sottsass bookshelves in pastel hues, down to the Victor Company’s retro red televisions dating back to the 70s. Among this collection sits a vintage 1961 Ski-Doo snowmobile, its sleek yellow body almost pleading for a nostalgic ride. Depending on the exhibition, the entrance fee varies between 12 and 20 dollars.
8. North Stars, 7 p.m.
Canadian pride suffuses the friendly, lively new Manitoba restaurant. Animal furs and raw logs decorate the industrial concrete room, and indigenous ingredients from the Great White North fill the chalkboard menus. Among starters, the plump baseball-size dumpling spills out shredded, succulent pork tongue and flank into a tangy broth floating with crunchy daikon for a Canadian-Chinese mash-up. For mains, thick deer steak gets a zesty drench of red wine sauce infused with Labrador tea and crunch from root vegetables like candied carrot and smoked onion. Maple syrup-smoked bone marrow is topped with berries, onion and Japanese mushrooms for a sublime hunter-gatherer hybrid. A three-course meal for two is about 100 dollars.
9. Journey to the Liquor Wonderland, at 10 p.m.
Hidden in the vicinity of Parc La Fontaine (renowned as a delightful ice-skating destination), you'll stumble upon Lab. Enveloped in low light, this enchanting speakeasy effortlessly mingles brick and dark wood, setting the stage for some serious liquor creativity. Spearheaded by the ingenious mixologist extraordinaire, Fabien Maillard, and his squad of dedicated 'labtenders', they tirelessly go about concocting innovative antidotes to the standard realm of drinks. Among their madly ingenious creations is the heartier-than-hearty Jerky Lab Jack (priced at 14 dollars). This audacious blend of Jack Daniels whisky, Curaçao, cane sugar, and bitters, gets a unique twist that leaves you guessing - a dash of barbecue sauce! This all-American southern libation is flambeaued with a blowtorch and presented with a playful mini clothesline adorned with slivers of beef jerky.
But that's not where these mixologists stop. They take a spirited journey far southward, pulling from the spice and zest of the sun-kissed Caribbean to the fore. You can sample an impressive array of specialty rums, hailing from various island nations such as Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, and even Grenada. For a tropical escape, dive into the Bébé Dragon, an explosion of Barbados rum, house-made ginger syrup, lemon juice, lemon-lime soda, kissed with mango and basil (also priced at 14 dollars). This sunny cocktail harbors the key flavors of a Caribbean holiday. Reserve a table online and embark on this unforgettable journey of flavor.
10. Embark on a Retro Expedition, 10 a.m.
Delve deep into the realm of antiquity at Montreal's very own treasure trove, Marché aux Puces Saint Michel, nestled near the terminus of the Metro's blue line. This vintage paradise is the answer to your quest for eclectic finds such as stag heads, neon signs, antique lace doilies, vintage Lego sets, and everything in between. Make your way through the maze-like expanses of this dusty bazaar, spanning two floors, housing antiques and keepsakes from countless Canadian homesteads. Be sure to pop by booth 216, showcasing an impressive assortment of vinyl records, from the soundtrack of "Valley of the Dolls" to Gainsbourg's celebrated album, "Grandes Chansons de Gainsbourg." If vintage gaming and music tickles your fancy, you'll love Artiques (booth 219; 514-898-2536), home to lovingly preserved pinball machines, jukeboxes, and even pipe organs. Meanwhile, those bracing for the chilly weather should head to La Garette d’Anna (booth 358; facebook.com/LaGaretteDAnna). Here, you'll discover a diverse selection of winter apparel for men, including bomber jackets, unique capes, authoritative police caps, and vibrant pith helmets. Remember, negotiation is key. Don't shy away from a good-humored haggle!
11. Embracing Nordic Wellness, 1 p.m.
It's no secret that the Scandinavian nations of Norway, Sweden, and Finland have become synonymous with sophisticated design and a heartening resilience that combats harsh winters effortlessly. Montreal, in its own unique way, pays a beautiful tribute to these wintry Nordic nations by playing host to an array of Scandinavian-inspired spas that dot the city. Masterfully standing out from the rest is Bota Bota, an erstwhile ferryboat, now transformed into a chic wellness center, debuting its beautiful redesign in the winter of 2010. A quick tour of the remarkable facility uncovers five expansive decks devoted to invigorating the senses and encouraging tranquility. In addition to an extensive selection of massages and facial treatments, Bota Bota's signature experience, aptly named the "water circuit," is well worth the cost range of 35 to 70 dollars. After a stimulating session in their Finnish sauna or hammam, visitors can recharge by taking an invigorating plunge into the cold pools. If it's rest and relaxation you need after, they've got you covered there too with relaxation areas and a restaurant. And while the 678 portholes and numerous floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer breathtaking views of Montreal, the external heated whirlpool bath takes the cake for the best viewing spot – arguably the coziest place to be in frosty Montreal.
The Hotel Le Crystal, with its 131 luxurious suites in the heart of downtown Montreal, ushers in the winter with indulgences like an indoor saltwater pool and a year-round, rooftop hot tub - both granting stunning city views. If you opt for an executive suite or a penthouse, you'll have the added luxury of a functioning fireplace. The room rates start at 199 Canadian dollars. A little further afield, in the vibrant Plateau neighborhood, you'll find the lovely Auberge de la Fontaine. Boasting of a prime location opposite the lush Parc La Fontaine which accommodates an outdoor skating rink, and mere streets away from Lab cocktail bar; some of its 21 comfortable and elegantly furnished rooms provide the added comfort of a whirlpool bath. Room rates start from 122 Canadian dollars.
Hyatt Place Montreal Downtown is a contemporary and welcoming haven in the heart of the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada. This upscale hotel offers a seamless blend of modern design and warm hospitality, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. With stylishly appointed rooms and suites, each featuring thoughtful amenities and spacious layouts, guests can expect a comfortable and relaxing stay. The hotel's central location means that popular attractions like Old Montreal, the bustling shopping districts, and renowned dining options are all within easy reach. Whether you're here for business meetings in the well-equipped conference facilities or exploring the city's cultural treasures, Hyatt Place Montreal Downtown provides a convenient and comfortable base to make the most of your Montreal experience.