The Perfect Itinerary for Montreal in the Winter
I know what you’re thinking…Montreal? Canada? In the winter? HELL NO. Well let me do my best to prove why a winter weekend getaway to Montreal, Canada in the dead of winter can be one of the best trips to book right away!
Day 1:
Eat at Cafe Tommy (pictured above), highly recommended by Vogue. Need I say more?
Walk through Old Montreal and see Notre Dame (pictured below).
If you’re feeling brave, stop by the Old Port of Montreal and go ice skating. I hadn’t been in YEARS, but it’s much easier than it looks I swear.
Explore Place Jacques Cartier and take a break at La Champagnerie,
Make a reservation at the famous Joe Beef. You’ve been warned, this is a place for the adventurous eater so leave your dietaries at the door and eat something new!
Hit the bars after dinner - well, one bar in particular, Atwater cocktail bar. This is one of my favorite bars on EARTH! Yes, that’s right. The vibe, the staff, the cocktails and the fact that it’s complete hidden down an alley. Good luck finding it!
Day 2:
Brunch it up at L’gros luxe.
Walk off those mimosas at Mount Royal Park. Even though it’s freezing, you can can still get a beautiful view of the city at the top of the park.
Celebrate surviving the cold and have a local beer at Siboire.
Walk around Mile End for as long as you can before heading to St. Viateur for a famously delicious Montreal bagel. Believe the hype!,
Wander through the art galleries at Fonderie darling
Make a reservation at Le serpent for dinner. Don’t worry, it’s in Fonderie Darling so you don’t need to go back into the cold.
Day 3:
Head out on an early bus to Quebec City - don’t worry they have heat.
Arrive at Hotel de Glace - an Ice Hotel in Quebec City. This is one of 2 ice hotels in the entire world. Everything there is made of ice - the cups, beds, doors, EVERYTHING. Check it out here.
If you’re not phased by the cold, enjoy the rest of your time by Hotel de Glace by tobagganing or skiing. If you’re like me, you’ve frozen by now and it’s time to get a bus back to Montreal.
It wouldn’t be Canada without a dinner of poutine and fries - stop by La Banquise and warm up before heading to bed.
Day 4:
Brunch at Perles et Paddock
Relax at Bota Bota Spa - an incredible spa on a boat! It’s the best way to relax after a long weekend in the cold.
Make a reservation at Foiegwa for dinner. It’s not easy to get a rec here so don’t sleep on it. It’s worth the wait!