The best winter activities in Montreal make for the ideal winter playground, whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or a big night out.
Montrealers know how to make the best of the cold season, magical outdoor lights and enchanted alleys with Christmas trains included. There’s tons of skiing near Montreal and ice skating, sure, but there’s also tons of festivals that rival the city’s summer counterparts, a ton of nightlife events, and comforting eats in the city’s best restaurants and New Year's Eve parties. Bundle up and don’t let the season pass you by.
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Après-ski themed drinks? A heated terrasse with fireplaces and faux fur? A raclette menu and Kogos?
Welcome to the ultimate winter wonderland, tucked away in the heart of downtown Montreal, located on the 3rd floor of the Marriott Château Champlain. The terrasse of Le Belvu Hors Piste, (one of our favourite summer rooftop bars), is inspired by the Alps, and the whole family is invited.
All aboard the best family-friendly holiday activity in Montreal!
This famous, secret alleyway on rue Wellington, named one of the coolest streets in the world, just got even cooler. The only catch? You have to know where to find it.
Winters in the city doesn’t have to stop us from enjoying all kinds of frosty activities. From choice Montreal skiing options, ice skating to trips to the city's best apres-ski spot there's a lot to enjoy during the coldest season. There's cross-country skiing on the island itself, and no shortage of ski hills beyond city limits, no matter which compass direction you take. Take your pick: There are short and steep groomers in the Laurentians to enjoy after staying in a chalet near Montreal, to powdery glades in the Eastern Townships, and weekend getaways in Vermont. A day or three on the slopes is almost enough to justify delaying spring for just a smidge longer.
You won't believe the way Montreal lights up the city for the wintertime holidays—especially with all the free programming leading up to the New Years Eve fireworks—and this is your essential guide. The city transforms into a festive place with glittering decorations around every corner, and it makes for one of the best things to do on Christmas. So bundle up and for a stroll after a full dinner at one of the city’s stellar new restaurants, and enjoy some dazzling discoveries that rival our favourite Montreal attractions.
Ready for some magical holiday shopping at one of Montreal's many Christmas markets? This list has got you covered, especially if you're downtown. If you’re looking for that perfect, unique gift for family or friends with (or take it up a notch as your office's Secret Santa), you’re in luck: November and December are busy with markets that display the best work from the best artisans in town, and from Mile End to Downtown Montreal, and it’s one of the best cheap things to do when you’re looking for ideas. Some feature luxury goods, some offer kitchy items for that ugly sweater wearer in your crew.
Sun or snow, Montreal is always on fire with tons of things to do. In addition to its reputation as being a party town with lively nightlife, the city is insanely busy with festivals and events no matter the time of year. Thanks in part to Expo 67, the International and Universal Exposition, in the swinging sixties, sites like Quartier des Spectacles and Parc Jean-Drapeau were designed to receive a heavy rotation of world-class festivals.
Dating in Montreal is a breeze—that is, if you're making reservations at the most romantic restaurants (or swoon-worthy café!) in Montreal. Some do brunch, some do dinner, and some doubly feature as some of the city’s best cocktail bars to enjoy before or after an unforgettable meal. From spots with romantic histories that take you and your date back to another place and time, to those that offer modern spaces and menus to inspire romance, Montreal has it all.
Heavy rubber. Nipple tassels. Shibari and wearable rope bondage. This year’s Fire & Ice theme also includes aerial, circus, fire and burlesque performances—all inside a former church.
Bonus: Did we mention that there’s an open bar?
From incredible coffee to next-level donuts, Montreal has it all. Farine & Cacao, winner of the La Liste Pastry Discovery Gem Award—an international award for little-known or hard-to-find bakeries worth going the extra mile for—is now a jewel in the city’s crown.
When you need little break from the bright lights of the city, go for a walk—Montreal's secret gardens included. Hiking is the easiest thing to do in and around Montreal after biking: There are fantastic park trails and beaches to be enjoyed within the city itself, and if you’re willing to drive, there are road trips from Montreal are easily done within a day or a weekend. Need the rest before your drive back? These accessible hikes range anywhere from 1 to 4 hours from the city (with a secret beach and hiking trails here if you're willing to go a little further).
We did our homework (and have the hangovers to prove it), having explored the city’s bar scene to find the best drinking establishments in Montreal. One look and you’ll find a distilled collection of the city’s speakeasy bars, nightlife hotspots, romantic nooks and anything else you might be thirsty for. Consider this your essential guide from local watering holes to high-end lounges, whether they serve brews, bubbles, double down as one of the city's best restaurants or are located in one of the country's best hotels. You can’t go wrong when picking your poison here.
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Welcome to Time Out's handpicked selection of the best restaurants in Montreal, one of the top 20 cities in the world to eat right now. This list is intended to put your finger on Montreal's pulse—it's all about what's best at the moment, whether it's the hottest new restaurant, a weekend brunch, something iconic, or a stellar cheap eats; these are the places you'll want to eat at again and again and again.
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A restaurant helmed by Marcus Samelsson that overlooks the city skyline? A luxurious hidden spa that’s one of Montreal’s best kept secrets? This hotel located in the heart of downtown Montreal is all of this and more.
Prepare to be teleported to an intergalactic space jungle. Picture a hidden galaxy-inspired staircase leading up to a glamorous, jungle-themed oasis with a polished marble bar, glass ceiling and mind-blowing cocktails served in disco balls and you’ve got Milky Way.
With so many incredible free things to do in Montreal, hanging out in one of the city's many urban hiking trails or beaches is at the top of the list—including Montreal's secret gardens. They are where Montrealers go year-round, but it’s during the hot summer months that they really come alive. We’re talking tons of Montreal festivals and events, where to get a tan before drinking at the best bars and rooftops or where to go after long date nights or pick up a picnic for a casual bite to eat. Here are the best parks in and around Montreal.
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Montreal is a playground for kids of all ages—especially during this magical season. The city is full of attractions for young children (and the young at heart), stellar free museums and excellent places to eat that are easy on the budget. Every borough has its own family-forward fun—not to mention illuminated trampoline parks—with easy access via public transportation (5 year-olds and under ride for free!).
Serena Van Der Woodsen was spotted eating and drinking her way across Montreal's Mile End and her picks are all worth the hype. From a donut shop with a cult following to the home of Montreal's famous viral pink drink, Serena van Der Woodsen is spilling all the gossip XOXO. Don't miss Mile End's hottest new restaurant, ranked one of the best global openings in 2024.
1930s luxury liner vibes? A sumptuous cocktail bar and lavishly appointed grand salle with next-level acoustics?
Hidden from view for 25 years, this stunning 1930s Art Deco space—complete with original, larger-than-life vertical murals by Natacha Carlu and magnificent white alabaster vases—is finally open, and our jaw is on the ground.
The glamorous ground floor elevators alone are worth the visit.
And don’t even get us started on the stunning bathrooms with staggering views of the downtown skyline.
The space, originally conceived by architect Jacques Carlu to evoke the experience of travelling on a luxury liner in the 1930s, is unlike anything else in Canada—with original materials restored using best practices (check out the oak and walnut floors, the marble pillars and walls, for starters).
With extensive renovation work completed by a team of specialized artisans, professionals from the Quebec Ministère de la Culture and more, Le 9e—the landmark ninth-floor restaurant atop the Centre Eaton de Montréal originally opened in 1931—has been injected with new life, yet still remains one of the first examples of the Streamline Moderne (also known as style paquebot) Art Deco style in North America.
The iconic, impeccable Art Deco space (designated as a heritage property under Quebec’s Cultural Heritage Act in August 2000) has been meticulously restored in homage to the restaurant’s original layout while preserving its heritage value.
Owned by Ivanhoé Cambridge—who develop and invest in high-quality real estate properties, projects and companies like Time Out Market Montréal that shape the urban fabric in dynamic cities around the world—the property will be helmed by a group of Montreal entrepreneurs including Jeff Baikowitz, Marco Gucciardi, Andy Nulman, Madeleine Kojakian, and the creative collective 7 Doigts.
The Île de France restaurant will offer a fine dining experience inspired by the original menu under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Liam Hopkins (Hopkins, McKiernan, Park) and Culinary Director Derek Dammann (Maison Publique, McKiernan, Fifteen).
Andrew Whibley (Cloakroom Bar, Dominion Bar) will helm the cocktail bar Le French Line, while Dominique Jacques (MELK) will join as the café manager.
The grand opening of the 120-seat restaurant is Friday, May 17, 2024, and reservations can be made here.
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The woman originally behind this epic project is Lady Flora McCrea Eaton (John Craig Eaton’s widow), who fell in love with the Art Deco interior of the S.S. Île-de-France ocean liner during an Atlantic crossing in the late 1920s.
When she returned to Canada, Lady Eaton collaborated with French architect Jacques Carlu to oversee the design of Eaton's Montreal space, and the rest is history.
From the arrival of the best smash burgers in the city to the best cocktails in town, there’s something for everyone at Time Out Market Montréal on the second floor of the Montreal Eaton Centre.
Home to some of the best chefs and and restaurants in the city under one roof, the Market is also home to a revolving door of next-level activities—including one of the best cooking classes in the city.
Satisfy your spring food craving, and wash it all down with some next-level mocktails, a stellar local beer or a glass (or two) of wine from our newest wine bar.
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Wander through someof the most beautiful gardens of Montreal, filled with blossoms, horticultural variety or just sheer, unabashed beauty. Unlike the greatest parks in and around Montreal, or the greatest green spots for day trips, these beautiful gardens are all central and accessible by metro—often also conveniently located next to the city’s top cafés and sandwich shops, so you can pick up a picnic on the way.
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If you know, you know: the coolest streets in the world have been revealed, and Montreal has topped the list again. Which streets around the world stand out right now? To answer this question, Time Out consulted our expert team of local editors and contributors worldwide. The best part? Montreal made the top 30.
With all of the city's legendary frigid winters, it’s easy to forget that it can get ridiculously hot on and around the island, but the best water parks in and around Montreal make you forget all about that. Nothing else battles scorching heatwaves and humid temperatures quite like them, especially when it's rising above 30° Celsius and feeling more like 40°C with the humidex. Sure, you could crack some cold ones at the best picnic spots in Montreal or even hit up some Montreal pools, but when you really want to get wet? Enjoy water crashing on splash pads, make a day trip from Montreal to slopes with summer slides, and get ready to get soaked with this deep dive into the best places within and near the 514.
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Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement: A hot, humid air mass has settled in Montreal and it’s going to be punishing through the weekend.
Afternoon humidex values are expected to reach between 35 and 39 Monday and Tuesday.
Evenings will remain warm with lows of 18 degrees Celsius or higher, and Wednesday showers may bring some relief, but the oppressive heat will return on Thursday with humidex values nearing 40. Be prepared for the heat and humidity to persist through Saturday.
Urban areas will experience heightened, uncomfortable heat, with temperatures potentially a few degrees higher than in other regions. Environment Canada cautions that high heat can rapidly deteriorate your health and that of your family and friends.
The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, advises the following measures to protect yourself from the heat:
1. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, even if you're not thirsty. Follow your physician's guidelines if you have specific fluid intake recommendations.
2. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
3. Spend at least 2 hours a day in an air-conditioned or cool place if possible.
4. Take at least one cool shower or bath daily, or cool your skin several times a day with a wet towel.
5. Limit physical activity and wear light clothing.
6. Additionally, never leave a child or baby alone in a vehicle or poorly ventilated room, even for a few minutes.
7. Check on and assist loved ones, especially those who are functionally dependent , physically challenged, suffering from mental illness, or living alone.
Time Out Tip: Don’t forget that pets can also be affected by the heat, so make sure to ensure their safety as well.
Our top 3 ways to stay cool during a Montreal heat wave are:
There’s a slew of outstanding pools of all shapes and sizes across the city.
Want to beat the crowds? From a sexy luxury boutique hotel pool to an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, don’t waste any time diving into these 3 rooftop pools—one of which is home to the city’s coolest new terrasse.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner or a refreshing cocktail at Time Out Market Montréal—home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city in 40,000 square feet of air-conditioned space—or hitting up the largest entertainment centre downtown after some shopping.
With countless spots on and off the island where you can dip your toes in the water, these 4 beaches are easily accessible from downtown via public transit in under an hour.
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With a heat wave in full swing, we’re thanking our lucky stars for Montreal’s public pools, sexy rooftop pools and beaches in and around the city.
Pack your favourite cheap eats, grab a beach chair and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Closest metro: Champ-de-Mars
Situated in the heart of Montreal’s Old Port, this urban beach is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day without straying far from the city centre. It’s a winning combination of bar and a park, replacing the traditional terrasse with sand, plastic chairs, and parasols.
Thanks to the French Riviera vibes, it's a charming slice of the city and a fantastic place to watch the International Fireworks Festival. Free entry unless there’s an event.
Closest metro: De l’Eglise
When it comes to urban beaches, few are as good as this one tucked behind the Verdun Auditorium and just a few steps from one of the coolest streets in the world. By day, families flock here with their kids, while evenings are for pop-up dance parties. The beach is also accessible by bike along the waterfront bicycle path, and access is free of charge.
Closest metro: Jean-Drapeau
Located on Parc Jean-Drapeau (home to Osheaga and Piknic Electronik, for starters), Jean-Doré beach is 15,000 square metres of outdoor space with activities for all ages (paddle board yoga to beach volleyball).
It's also home to Aquazilla, the epic floating water park for kids of all ages.
Time Out Tip: The beach and Aquazilla open at 10 a.m., on June 22, 2024, and you can purchase your tickets online here.
Closest metro: Papineau
Just a short walk from Papineau station, this beach boardwalk is all about great food, drinks and dancing under the stars thanks to the live music all summer long.
Expect food trucks, a beer garden, and activities like a Saturday night spotlight on latin culture.
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From our famous bagels and poutine, to the best eggs benedict and sick stacks of pancakes, welcome to Montreal's must-eat guide to brunch. No matter what you're looking for, this round-up of neighbourhood favourites, Montreal classics and sophisticated spots has got you covered. If you (over)indulged in some Montreal nightlife, or you just want kick off the weekend with a decadent start (or the perfect coffee), this essential list of the best brunches in Montreal is for you. There’s a huge range of choices here, ranging from boozy brunches to classics and innovators.
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When you need little break from the bright lights of the city, go for a walk—especially when it's an unseasonably warm spring. Hiking is the easiest thing to do in and around Montreal after biking: There are fantastic park trails and beaches to be enjoyed within the city itself, and if you’re willing to drive, there are road trips from Montreal are easily done within a day or a weekend. Need the rest before your drive back? These accessible hikes range anywhere from 1 to 4 hours from the city (with a secret beach and hiking trails here if you're willing to go a little further).
We did our homework (and have the hangovers to prove it), having explored the city’s bar scene to find the best drinking establishments in Montreal. One look and you’ll find a distilled collection of the city’s speakeasy bars, nightlife hotspots, romantic nooks and anything else you might be thirsty for. Consider this your essential guide from local watering holes to high-end lounges, whether they serve brews, bubbles, double down as one of the city's best restaurants or are located in one of the country's best hotels. You can’t go wrong when picking your poison here.
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It’s official: Les Premiers Vendredis is coming back to Montreal and is bigger than ever.
Extending its run from Friday to Sunday at the start of every month, Les Premiers Vendredis—one of the summer's most thrilling cultural and culinary events—is a three-day affair this year, spreading joy and next-level food across the Olympic Park Esplanade and Quai de l'Horloge in Montreal's Old Port.
In addition to the extended Premiers Vendredis weekend (the first weekends of June, July, and August), expect a journey through Asia, the Mediterranean, and Latin America—an unforgettable experience with friends and family.
Be prepared to drool over 45 food vendors, and enjoy unbeatable musical and artistic programming!
Make sure to add Les Premiers Vendredis to your list of things to do this summer, it's a culinary extravaganza not to be missed.
Mark your calendars for June 7, 2024, when the 12th edition of Canada’s largest food truck festival kicks off.
This year, Les Premiers Vendredis takes us on a tour of three global regions across two iconic Montreal venues: Asia on the Olympic Park Esplanade (June 7, 8, and 9) and Mediterranean on the Olympic Park Esplanade (July 5, 6, and 7).
Latin America's famous Fiesta Latina at Quai de l'Horloge in the Old Port of Montreal will take place on August 2, 3, and 4.
The event's musical and artistic lineup features two stages: the cultural stage and the main stage. Get ready for diverse musical experiences like June’s Block Party Bonne Famille, and collaborations with cultural communities. Representatives from Montreal's Filipino, Vietnamese, and other communities will join the festivities on June 7, 8, and 9 at the Olympic Park.
Over 45 food vendors are ready to tantalize your taste buds. While the full lineup is yet to be announced, expect mouthwatering offerings from Boom J's, Paella Marisol, Kroffles, Teddy, Buboy, Mango Tropical, Lucille's Catering, and Le Roi du Taco Express.
Sample delights from Notre-Bœuf-de-Grâce, Teddy, Saigon Gourmet, Kroffles, Cuisine de Manille, Kung Fu Tea, Ocha, Bangkok Food Truck, Festival Viet, Pho Vietnam, Buboy, and more! Plus, don't miss out on treats from restaurants like Lucille’s Catering, Sapré Charles, Mr. Méchoui, Mignon, Manago, Maquis Yasolo, and many others!
This summer, Les Premiers Vendredis is introducing the Primeurs: 4 new vendors making their debut at the event. Get a taste of Tostadito, Alma Latina, Chez Boris, and Teque Pancho this June!
Canada’s largest food truck festival has a fresh new look designed by Chien Champion and Isane Mag. The festival's new mascot, the Pelican, symbolises a bon vivant lifestyle, travel, and togetherness—a celebration of global cultures through food and exploration.
More about Chien Champion here:
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Time Out Tip: Admission to the Olympic Park Esplanade is free, while access to Quai de l'Horloge is $5 plus tax. Most vendors accept debit and credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand.
Access to the Olympic Park Esplanade is provided via avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin, Pie-IX or Viau metro stations (green line), or parking lot P4.
Access to the Quai de l'Horloge is via Quai de l'Horloge Street, Champs de Mars, or Place d'Armes metro stations (orange line).
For more information about Les Premiers Vendredis, click here.
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The highly anticipated opening of the new restaurant in Mile End's Laurier West, helmed by 25-year-old chef Anderson Lee, is serving up chic Chinese-inspired dishes in a sexy, late-night environment.
We've taken the stress out of dating for you. Finding date ideas that don't feel like a forced gesture out of Love, Actually can sometimes be an actual challenge. Luckily in Montreal you're spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do when you've got romance in mind. Whether you’re looking for one of the best romantic restaurants, or one of the best Montreal attractions to set the mood before a make out sesh or to grab a casual coffee in the most romantic café in town, we’ve compiled a top-notch list of places to try. From the best restaurants in the city, to the best bars—and some stellar cheap eats in between—let us play wingman.
A dazzling Victorian heritage building with gleaming wood panelling and marble-topped bar? Walls made entirely of glass with copper accents and an achingly sleek fireplace? Or a 360-degree view that will take your breath away?
With Valentine’s Day coming up fast, Montreal’s best restaurants are getting ready for the biggest date night of the year—Michelin star-worthy spots included.
And with so many places to choose from—from a new Montreal hotspot that is the only Canadian restaurant to make the World's 50 Best list to downtown’s sexiest rooftop—which one is the most romantic restaurant?
Analyzing over 1.1 million diner reviews, OpenTable has announced the top 100 romantic restaurants in Canada and 7 spots in Quebec made the cut.
From Old Montreal to the heart of downtown, 6 Montreal restaurants made the cut:
1. Bar George
2. Bonaparte
3. Gibbys
4. Jérôme Ferrer Europea
5. Maison Boulud
6. Portus 360
7. Restaurant Toque!
Arôme at the Casino du Lac Leamy in Gatineau also topped the list.
With its impossibly elegant atmosphere (designed in 1880 by William Tutin Thomas, it was originally the home of Sir George Stephen), it’s no wonder Antoni Porowski ranked Bar George one of the most romantic spots in the city.
Nestled in the heart of the Golden Square Mile, just steps from one of the city’s best secret spas and one of the year’s buzziest hotel restaurant openings, Bar George isn’t just one of the most romantic restaurants in the city—it’s also home to one of Montreal's most stunning bars.
Time Out Tip: Snag one of the sexy hidden nooks behind the bar (think: blue velvet loveseats and flickering candles).
If you don’t fall for the 300-year-old stained glass windows, the 15-foot Ceylon satinwood panelled walls or the 22-carat gold fixtures, Bar George's British-themed menu will have you on your knees.
In a playful and thoughtful homage to Sir George Stephen's British and Canadian connections, Chefs Anthony Walsh and Kevin Ramasawmy skillfully blend traditional U.K. culinary elements with contemporary Québécois flavours and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
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Maple syrup is a truly one-of-a-kind product exclusive to this part of the world and few institutions can better celebrate it than the local producers themselves. Au Pied de Cochon might be the most well-known of the local sugar shacks for its legendarily creative and decadent meals heavy on foie-gras, duck fat and, of course, maple sugar in all its forms (running from August to November and February to May). Sucrerie de la Montagne is a sugar shack with the feeling of a small village and a preference for the traditional techniques of yesteryear. Make sure to try their fresh baked bread! La Cabane à Sucre Handfield is an estate that dates back to 1850 and is also thoroughly committed to traditional sugar shack fare—the difference with Handfield is that they offer menu adjustments to accommodate low fat, low sodium, vegetarian and gluten-free diets to ensure you can bring the whole family along.
Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica is already one of the city’s major attractions for good reason, but during the winter months? The basilica hosts a light and sound show called AURA. Produced with the help of Moment Factory, a well-known local multimedia studio and the end result is a mesmerizing mix of coloured light, organ music and timeless architecture.
It may be small, but it has mega-swagger: With its restaurant rows, swank hangouts and a strong reputation for live entertainment in the city, the best things to do in the Mile End of Montreal are as many as they are varied. Making up the northern section of the grander borough of Plateau-Mont-Royal, it’s known as one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods thanks to its music venues and festival grounds; a bevy of cafés with the best coffee as well as some of the best bakeries; and tons of iconic food ranging from decades-old standard-bearers of the best bagels to long line-inducing ice cream and its own share of the best restaurants. It’s the combination of both new and old that make this such a fun neighbourhood an attraction worth visiting on a day trip or a night out.
Luminothérapie is a recurring light and sound exhibition that takes place in the Quartier-des-Spectacles festival grounds in downtown Montreal from the end of November to the end of January. Previous years’ installations have included Domino Effect, a lighthearted installation featuring 120 brightly coloured dominos that created a dizzying array of effects and sound as participants discovered various ways to interact with them; or there’s Impulse, a series of 30 public seesaws that created dynamic light and sound emissions on their own and dramatic light and sound symphonies when taken together. All in all, it makes a great substitution for shorter daylight hours.
Snowshoeing has been an important mode of transportation for the indigenous peoples on the island of Montreal long before the arrival of the first European settlers, and that tradition lives on today. Montrealers may not walk the streets with a pair on, but there’s lots to ground to cover beyond trips to the dépanneur. Nearly all of our favourite nature trails to be found in places like Parc Angrignon, Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation, the Morgan Arboretum and many others are open to snowshoeing during the winter months.
For those with a daredevil streak, the city has dozens of hills that are just begging to be tobogganed on. Popular spots include the former Alpine ski track in Parc Francesca-Cabrini, the unintimidating hill in Parc Ahuntsic (perfect for young children), or the long steady run on Westmount’s Murray Hill (aka King George Park). The city has also begun tracking snow conditions borough by borough specifically for sledding opportunities, so be sure to check them out before hitting the slopes.
Nothing signals the holidays more than that first skate of the season, and there are loads of municipally-run outdoor rinks open from mid-December to mid-March to choose from. A small admission fee gets you access to the Bonsecours Basin, a favourite for its location right on the water in the Old Port, accompanied by light displays, music and rentals on site. Alternately, Beaver Lake offers free admission as well as rentals on site, and is probably the quintessential Montreal outdoor skate with its location on the summit of Mount Royal. Other popular choices include Parc Jean-Drapeau with its circuitous refrigerated ice trails and unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, or our favourite local pick-up-hockey rink at Park Toussaint-Louverture.
The Fête des neiges de Montréal (the Montreal Snow Festival) is a family-oriented festival that spans four weekends during the winter, January to February, and is dedicated to getting adults and children alike outdoors to enjoy musical concerts, dancing, ice sculpture competitions, films, karaoke, sledding, hockey and food trucks. All of that’s conveniently clustered around the Jean-Drapeau metro station on Île Saint-Hélène.
It may not have the flair of New York’s Times Square, but Montreal’s Place Jacques-Cartier has a whole lot going for it. There’s a lineup of local musicians performing on a large outdoor stage, the area provices an excellent vantage point onto the lighting displays of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and don’t forget the prequisite fireworks displays over the Saint-Lawrence River with a dance party that doesn’t let up until the early morning.
The nearby countryside may not rival the old-world terroirs for traditional winemaking, but the outer limits of the city have a developed and robust ice wine and cider culture. There are a fair number of nearby vineyards and breweries offering events and tastings independently, but for the stress-free experience, tour companies offer all-included minibus day trips to a selection of producers and activities include tastings, tours of the facilities, and gourmet meals starring the producer’s unique offerings. Kava Tours is probably your best bet for this.
Not for the faint of heart, Montreal’s Ice Canoe Challenge in early March involves ice canoeing teams racing from the Old Port’s historic clock tower to Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Saint-Hélène. The entire length of the race is intense, particularly the passage through St-Mary’s Current, known for its treacherous waters. Spectators have a particularly good view of the action the entire length of the race, largely owing to the racers’ close proximity to the shoreline throughout.
Downtown Montreal’s holiday shopping circuit goes out of its way to keep things festive with the likes of the legendary high-end window displays at Ogilvy’s, as well as decorations, music performances, and multiples of Santa’s Village. The greatest amenity of all is the Underground City—thanks to the sprawling underground tunnels linking the city’s entire downtown shopping network together—so you never need to peak your head outside if you don’t want to. Maybe eat at Time Out Market while you're "down" there!
Rue Wellington in Montreal was named coolest street in the world according to the Time Out Index list. Rue Wellington—home to Promenade Wellington, the main drag—is flanked by one of the best restaurants, and one of the best new restaurants in the city, so there’s no questioning its cool factor. Add some next-level cocktail bars, stellar brunch spots, and some of the best sandwiches in town, and you've got a winning combination.
1930s luxury liner vibes? A sumptuous cocktail bar and lavishly appointed grand salle with next-level acoustics?
Hidden from view for 25 years, this stunning 1930s Art Deco space—complete with original, larger-than-life vertical murals by Natacha Carlu and magnificent white alabaster vases—is finally open, and our jaw is on the ground.
The glamorous ground floor elevators alone are worth the visit.
And don’t even get us started on the stunning bathrooms with staggering views of the downtown skyline.
The space, originally conceived by architect Jacques Carlu to evoke the experience of travelling on a luxury liner in the 1930s, is unlike anything else in Canada—with original materials restored using best practices (check out the oak and walnut floors, the marble pillars and walls, for starters).
With extensive renovation work completed by a team of specialized artisans, professionals from the Quebec Ministère de la Culture and more, Le 9e—the landmark ninth-floor restaurant atop the Centre Eaton de Montréal originally opened in 1931—has been injected with new life, yet still remains one of the first examples of the Streamline Moderne (also known as style paquebot) Art Deco style in North America.
The iconic, impeccable Art Deco space (designated as a heritage property under Quebec’s Cultural Heritage Act in August 2000) has been meticulously restored in homage to the restaurant’s original layout while preserving its heritage value.
Owned by Ivanhoé Cambridge—who develop and invest in high-quality real estate properties, projects and companies like Time Out Market Montréal that shape the urban fabric in dynamic cities around the world—the property will be helmed by a group of Montreal entrepreneurs including Jeff Baikowitz, Marco Gucciardi, Andy Nulman, Madeleine Kojakian, and the creative collective 7 Doigts.
The Île de France restaurant will offer a fine dining experience inspired by the original menu under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Liam Hopkins (Hopkins, McKiernan, Park) and Culinary Director Derek Dammann (Maison Publique, McKiernan, Fifteen).
Andrew Whibley (Cloakroom Bar, Dominion Bar) will helm the cocktail bar Le French Line, while Dominique Jacques (MELK) will join as the café manager.
The grand opening of the 120-seat restaurant is Friday, May 17, 2024, and reservations can be made here.
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The woman originally behind this epic project is Lady Flora McCrea Eaton (John Craig Eaton’s widow), who fell in love with the Art Deco interior of the S.S. Île-de-France ocean liner during an Atlantic crossing in the late 1920s.
When she returned to Canada, Lady Eaton collaborated with French architect Jacques Carlu to oversee the design of Eaton's Montreal space, and the rest is history.
From the arrival of the best smash burgers in the city to the best cocktails in town, there’s something for everyone at Time Out Market Montréal on the second floor of the Montreal Eaton Centre.
Home to some of the best chefs and and restaurants in the city under one roof, the Market is also home to a revolving door of next-level activities—including one of the best cooking classes in the city.
Satisfy your spring food craving, and wash it all down with some next-level mocktails, a stellar local beer or a glass (or two) of wine from our newest wine bar.
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