Montréalers know how to do winter right. As the temperatures plunge well below freezing, locals add layers to their outfits and head outside to play. The city never ceases its activities and there is plenty of action to partake in that make the freezing winter months more bearable and–dare we say it–enjoyable.

SLIPPING AND SLIDING

Lean into the icy weather and make a day of it, starting with some skating. Whether you want to twirl like a professional or learn the basics, one of Montréal’s several rinks will surely be a good fit. Mount-Royal Park’s Beaver Lake has 2,500 square meters of smooth ice surrounded by nature. Mount Royal is also home to guided snowshoe walks by Les Amis de la Montagne, along with kilometers of cross-country skiing trails and fun snow tubing for all ages. In the Old Port, glide around the skating rink at the foot of the Grande Roue de Montréal with outstanding views of Old Montréal. Downtown’s Esplanade Tranquille turns into a dazzling stage with lights and music. If you’d rather stay indoors, try gliding around the Atrium Le 1000 rink located in one of downtown’s skyscrapers. Several other smaller rinks are available in parks and neighbourhoods around the city.

STEAMING AND SOAKING

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Need to soothe your icy bones after a brisk outing in Montréal? Head to one of several world-renowned spas, such as Bota Bota, a river ferry turned upscale "floating spa". Soak in one of their outdoor hot tubs with outstanding city views or get a massage. If floating in a cocoon is more your thing, Scandinave Spa’s indoor facilities let you enjoy complete silence while relaxing.

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SWINGING AND SHIMMERING

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Montréal is a city that thrives on festivals, and the arrival of winter does not damper the city’s festive spirit. Montréal en Lumière, one of the world’s biggest winter festivals, celebrates with a vibrant blend of performing arts, gastronomy, outdoor activities and the popular all-nighter Nuit Blanche. The city also shines and shimmers during Lumino (Luminothérapie), where interactive, light-based public art installations transform the Quartier des Spectacles, inviting visitors to engage and play. Music lovers will flock to Igloofest, the "coldest music festival in the world”. Put on your tackiest retro snowsuit (you might even win a prize for it on certain nights!) and head to the Old Port to dance beneath the stars with thousands of festival goers to the beats of top international DJs.

EATING AND DRINKING

Playing in the snow can work out an appetite and Montréal has plenty of food to refuel, starting with poutine, the perfect winter dish with an entire festival dedicated to it. La Poutine Week takes place every February across Canada, but Montréal—arguably the poutine capital—offers some of the most creative takes on this Canadian classic. But don’t worry if you miss it, you can sample great iterations of this comforting dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy at La Banquise or across the street at Ma Poule Mouillée. Explore more stick-to-your-rib cuisines at Au Pied de Cochon, Liverpool House, Modavie, La Raclette, Pumpui and Yokato Yokabai. There’s nothing quite like sipping on a steaming beverage while watching the snow fall and you can do just that with great hot chocolate from Au Festin de Babette and M. & Mme Chocolat.

EXPLORING EARTH AND SPACE

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Space for Life is Canada’s largest science museum complex and a great way to spend the day indoors. Navigate your way between the cutting-edge Planetarium or the fascinating insectarium. The Biodôme is a unique museum that recreates five distinct ecosystems of the Americas, from the lush tropical rainforest to the icy sub-Antarctic islands. Located within the same park is Montréal’s iconic Olympic Stadium, the centerpiece of the 1976 Summer Olympics.