Destination Guide: Winter in Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, and More

Bonjour, Quebec! Experience the season in a quintessentially French-Canadian way. Find unique things to do during winter in Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, and the surrounding area. 

The creative and eclectic city of Montreal has long cemented itself as the cultural capital of Canada with its vibrant energy and endless things to do. Known for its top-tier culinary scene, arts and cultural events, museums, and Francophone and Indigenous culture, it’s a tourist destination to visit at any time of the year. However, winter in Montreal is truly spectacular.

In winter, the region becomes a snow-covered playground for classic Canadian experiences – think dog sledding, snowshoeing, or visiting a cabane à sucre. If you’re looking for a winter vacation that combines cultural city life with scenic outdoor adventures, look no further than winter in Montreal! Read on for things to do in Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, and the surrounding area in the winter season. Allons-y! 

Go For a Snowshoe

Snowshoeing is one of the oldest methods of transportation in Canada, as Indigenous peoples throughout most of the country traditionally made and used snowshoes to travel in winter. They distribute a person’s weight over a larger surface area, preventing them from sinking too far into deep snow. This Indigenous technology is still used today, to explore, navigate, and hike . Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore nature, and get off the beaten path to create your own. It’s also a great workout! There are many snowshoe trails near Montreal and Mont-Tremblant, including parks in the Montreal, and seven trails on Mont Tremblant itself. However, if you’re looking for an epic adventure further afield, join a Yervana local guide for a seven day off-piste, guided snowshoe experience throughout the beautiful Gaspésie Park – accommodation and meals included. 

Shred the Powder 

Of course, it wouldn’t be winter in Quebec without a touch of downhill skiing. There are 13 ski resorts within a couple of hours’ drive of Montreal, one of which being the iconic Mont-Tremblant. Montreal serves as a fantastic base for those who want a taste of the city life, in addition to many day trip destinations to hit the slopes. What could be better? 

Try Nordic Skiing

If zooming down a mountain isn’t quite your speed, Nordic skiing or cross country skiing might be just the sport for you during winter in Montreal. A great way to spend time outdoors and break a sweat (nordic skiing is a full body workout with a plethora of health benefits), cross country skiing is accessible and fun for beginners and experienced skiers alike. With many easily accessed trails in and around Montreal, and in the Mont-Tremblant area, rent some skis, take a quick lesson if you’d like, and enjoy peaceful ski trails and classic winter landscapes. 

Have Some Foodie Fun 

The culinary scene in Montreal is on another level – and in winter, there’s nothing better than cozying up in a local restaurant after a day outdoors adventuring. Of course, you’ll want to check out Montreal’s iconic smoked meat sandwiches, bagels, and poutine, but you’ll soon find there’s even more to discover. Don’t rely on tourist guidebooks for recommendations, head out with a local guide to hit the city’s best kept secrets. Whether it be a tour of the Mile End neighbourhood, or a visit to Montreal’s sustainable, vegan foodie scene, fuel up properly for your next adventure! 

Visit a Cabane à Sucre 

You’d be hard pressed to find a more French-Canadian experience than visiting a cabane à sucre, or sugar shack, deep in the Quebec forest. There, you’ll see the centuries-old method of tapping maple trees for sap. It’s then boiled down into Canada’s most iconic export (of which Quebec produces 80%), maple syrup. Fun for the whole family, be sure to try the classic favourite, tire sur la neige (maple syrup on snow). With many sugar shacks near Montreal, don’t miss this iconic experience! Save this experience for the end of winter – the best time to go to a sugar shack is late February until the end of April.  

Mush! Try Dog Sledding

A bucket list experience if there ever was one, experience the feeling of cruising through snowy backcountry forests, with an energetic team of dogs. Originally used as a means of transport by the Inuit people of the Arctic, there are many opportunities to give dog sledding a try in the Montreal area during winter. Whether you head out for the afternoon into the peaceful forest, or experience an overnight Adventure, give this unique method of transportation a try. 

Heading to the Montreal region this winter? Share your adventures with us by tagging @myyervana or #yervana!