Best indoor things to do in Montreal when it rains

With the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Archaeology and History, the McCord Museum, and more, Montreal’s finest cultural institutions offer an inspiring and educational shelter. Admire the city’s range of exhibitions, from contemporary art to prehistoric artifacts, solo or with friends and family. Either way, you’ll leave relaxed, informed, and ready to weather any storm.

Cozy up in front of the big screen with a bucket of popcorn at one of Montreal’s many independent cinemas. Curating a careful mix of new and re-releases, with intimate theatre spaces and comfortable lounge chairs, spots like Cinema Moderne, Cinema du Parc, and Cinema du Musee are where to enjoy a nice two hours inside.

Treating yourself at the spa might just be the best way to take advantage of a day inside. Whether it’s a facial, massage, or water circuit, the pattering of rain will only add to the calming experience. Some of Montreal’s best include: Bota Bota, Scandinave Les Bains, and Spa William Gray.

Boasting nearly 150 species of animals and 800 kinds of plants, Montreal’s Biodome is the city-bound, nature-lover’s dream. If the rain has you missing a warm summer’s day or even the frigid winter climate, the Biodome replicates five different ecosystems, from a tropical rainforest (try to spot the two-toed sloth) to the sub-antarctic islands (watch four species of penguins swim around).

Montreal is a city of festivals. And, while the events really pick up in the summer, you can find several programs throughout the year, many of which are protected from the elements. Beyond the summer’s Just for Laughs and Jazz Fest, hit up POP Montreal and Festival du Nouveau in the fall, and head to Expozine and Art Souterrain in the winter.

Right in Place des Arts rests Les Grands Ballets, Quebec’s first professional ballet company. Typically showcasing six productions (each with many performances) within their nine-month season, there’s ample opportunity to catch a show. And, if watching a performance awakens the ballerina inside you, Studios GB offers classes to dancers of all levels.

If you’re downtown and have an itch to spend some money—or to window shop—the complexes that are part of Montreal’s underground city host plenty of chain stores and boutiques alike. Walk through the Eaton Centre, Desjardins Complex, PVM, and more, all while staying dry.

If you want to flex your artistic side and have a bite to eat while you’re at it, head to one of many Ceramic Cafe locations (or Time Out Market Montréal!). Grab a mug, figurine, candlestick, or another of their over 2000 ceramic options, order a tea and panini, and let the creative juices flow.

Whether you prefer new or used, roaming Montreal’s bookstores rarely gets old. Walk the stacks, peruse classic works, international bestsellers, and local favourites, or ask a bookseller for a personal recommendation catered to your taste. It’s hard to find a bookstore that doesn’t have a cafe nearby, so after you make your pick, grab a coffee, sit down, and enjoy the story.

If you’re less of a rainy day relaxation-type, strap (or tie) on a pair of two-toned shoes, bring a friend or two, and knock down some pins. Stop by Notre Dames des Quilles on Thursdays through Saturdays to enjoy a live DJ, head to Club 300 for bowling and karaoke, or bask in the neon lights on a glow-in-the-dark night at Quilles G Plus Le Forum.