5 Winter Weekend Getaways Near Montreal

Feeling uninspired by what feels like the 17th month of winter? As much as we love all that the season has to offer in Montreal, by the time February rolls around, the snow and cold have lost their lustre (if there was any there for you to begin with) and t-shirt weather still feels eons away. At least in December there are bright lights, parties and eggnog to trick you into feeling joy, and in January there’s the optimism that comes with having not yet failed at your resolutions. What are we supposed to get excited about now?

Luckily, it isn't difficult to find ways to escape the drudgery (if not the cold). Montreal is teeming with activity in February and March, but you'll find plenty of reasons to head outside of the city as well. Get inspired with these five short getaways—all doable in a weekend if you’re travelling from Montreal!

Quebec City and the Hôtel de Glace

It might seem counterintuitive to deal with winter by heading further north, but the beauty and fun you’ll find in Quebec City make the chill worth it (promise!). If you haven’t already been, expect historic, European-esque architecture unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Canada. Even if you have been, it’s worth a visit at this time of the year. Winter sports abound in the surrounding area, and between February 8 and 17 the city plays host to the Quebec Winter Carnival, which features parades, skating, snow sculptures and live entertainment, as well as the iconic (and only slightly terrifying) mascot Bonhomme. While you’re there, why not stay in the world-famous Hôtel de Glace, a hotel made of—you guessed it—ice. How many people do you know who can say they’ve slept on a bed of ice?! At the very least, stop by their ice bar for a tipple and an insta-worthy snap.

Cabane à sucre

The maple harvest is the silver (or rather, amber) lining of late winter/early spring in eastern Canada. Sure, you can buy the stuff year-round, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing it at the source. Between (roughly) late-February and late-April, sugar shacks (or “cabanes à sucre”) around the province invite guests to enjoy family-style meals featuring buffets of hearty Quebecois fare—and lots of maple, of course. This usually includes maple taffy (maple that has been poured on snow to create a hard, chewy, delicious candy, for the uninitiated). There are a number of sugar shacks within short driving distance of Montreal, but plan to make it a full day trip anyway. Many cabanes host additional activities and events like sleigh or wagon rides, live music or petting zoos. 

Winterlude in Ottawa

For those living near Canada's capital, no winter is complete without a visit to Ottawa to skate on the Rideau Canal—the largest rink in the world. While you’re there, take in the festivities of Winterlude, an 18-day celebration of winter in the capital. Held between January 31 to February 17 this year, the festival features ice sculptures, “super slides” made of snow and live entertainment, among many other frosty, family-friendly activities. Most of my childhood memories of Winterlude involve stuffing my face with Beavertails and maple taffy—if that’s not enough to convince you, I’m not sure there’s much more we can say. 

Tremblant 

Canadian winters can seem never-ending, but on the bright side, the longer the winter, the longer the ski season. There’s nowhere more synonymous with skiing in Quebec than Mont Tremblant, and with the ski season extending until late, there’s still plenty of time to hit the slopes and experience all that the village has to offer. Mont Tremblant is worth a visit in its own right, even if skiing or snowboarding aren’t priorities. Ride the gondola for unparalleled views of the area or stroll the charming streets of the village and enjoy the shopping and restaurants. Other nearby activities include ice fishing and climbing, helicopter tours and alpine trekking. And if you can’t fit all that you want to do in a single day, pack your PJs, stock up on hot chocolate and spend at night in one of the chalet-style hotels in the area.

New York City

If embracing the cold doesn’t suit you, why not head (slightly) south? New York City is a mere six-hour bus or car ride from Montreal, a perfect getaway for when the polar vortex is getting to be too much. New York isn’t exactly a tropical paradise, but... it’s New York. Book an inclusive tour or find a rideshare and scope out an AirBnb. Late winter is a perfect time to check out the city’s world class museums, go for a skate below Rockefeller Center or take in some of the best restaurants and shopping streets in the world.