6 Ways to Make the Most of Winter 2022 in Montreal
Winter 2022 isn't turning out how any of us planned, but that doesn’t mean we’ve abandoned all hope of a little winter fun.
While indoor gatherings and dining and a host of other activities have been put on hold, gathering outdoors is still permissible for groups of up to 20—which is great news when you live in a region that’s chock-full of outdoor fun.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of six ways to make the most of winter 2022 in Montreal. And if none of these activities catch your fancy… well, spring is just around the corner!
Get Some Luminothérapie
Winter in Montreal can be a little short on sunlight, which is precisely where Luminothérapie comes in. The interactive art installation lights up the Quartier des spectacles every year, and winter 2022 is no exception. This year's edition will be up until February 27 and includes a total of eight light installations and video projections.
Skate at an Outdoor Rink
As one of the coldest cities in North America, it will come as no surprise that Montreal has some solid outdoor skating rinks—but were you aware that the number of public rinks exceeds 200?
With 225+ rinks throughout the city, you’re spoilt for choice no matter which quartier you live in. Our favourites include:
- The always-lively, winding pond at Parc La Fontaine
- The picturesque Beaver Lake rink
- The large trail at Parc Jean-Drapeau on St. Helen’s Island
All three are free and have (paid) skate rental facilities on site.
Go Tubing or Tobogganing at a Public Park
Sledding = the best way to feel like a kid again and a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Like skating, there are more options for tobogganing than we could possibly list. Favourites include:
- Beaver Lake, where you'll find tubing-only. Rentals are available for $10/day for adults and $6/day for kids. There’s also a great spot lower down the mountain in Parc du Mont-Royal (facing Park Ave).
- Parc Jean-Drapeau at Espace 67, which offers scenic views of the city skyline.
Speaking of Parc Jean-Drapeau, the park, which you can reach via a short metro ride, offers a number of other outdoor activities. These include snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing and more.
Explore a New Hobby
If you're going to be stuck at home, you might as well have fun! Now is a perfect time to start learning a new language (Japan trip 2023, anyone?), make some Montreal-inspired recipes or try out a craft you've always been intrigued by.
Strap on Some Skis
During the coldest months in Montreal (~late December to March), the sky is often the limit when it comes to cross-country skiing. Many city parks have cross-country trails (including Jean-Drapeau, La Fontaine and Mont-Royal), but we recommend the gorgeous, woodsy trails in Parc-nature du Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard. It's a natural oasis just a half hour west of the city centre!
Support Local Restaurants
Although Montreal dining rooms will remain closed for the foreseeable future, there’s no shortage of delicious, decadent food to be found. These ~200 options are currently offering takeout. Warm yourself up with Montreal classics like poutine from La Banquise, Patati Patata or Poutineville, roti at Caribbean Curry House or some Portuguese rotisserie chicken from Ma Poule Mouillée.
