The Best Winter Activities in Lovely Montreal

The city comes alive in winter! Check out some of the fun things you can explore in Montreal, Quebec.

Winter is coming. The days are shorter, but that doesn't mean Montreal slows down. As cozy season falls, the snow brings a fresh breath of life into the city. The best winter activities in Montreal celebrate the sparkling outdoors and the warmth of being indoors with friends — so grab your mittens and check them out!

Photo credit copyright JF Leblanc

Christmas markets

Get in the winter spirit by visiting a Christmas market! Even if you don't celebrate the holiday, it's great to warm up with friends, drinking hot cocoa under the twinkling lights. Some markets also sell art and handmade goods by local artists — great for gifts or making your apartment feel more like home.

Photo credit copyright Eva Blue

Ice skating

Every neighbourhood in Montreal has its own outdoor ice rink — best of all, most of them are FREE! Get groovy at the Esplanade Tranquille, just a short walk away from Sir George Williams Campus where DJs illuminate the ice. For the most picturesque experience, the skating rink in Old Port dazzles under the shadow of the iconic Ferris wheel.

Photo credit copyright Miguel Legeault

Igloofest

The world's coldest music festival brings the heat every winter with DJ sets by some of the most exciting international and local names in electronic music. This year, artists like 100 Gecs, Armin van Buuren, and Diplo take the stage for 12 nights of dancing under the snow and stars! Bundle up in your vintage snowsuit for the Igloo village, filled with winter activities and hot drinks to warm you up on the dancefloor.

See a hockey game

As Canada's official winter sport, hockey games are quintessential winter activities. Watch the puck drop at the Bell Centre, home to Montreal's iconic National Hockey League team, the Montreal Canadiens — a rite of passage for any Montrealer, just steps away from the Sir George Williams Campus. Be sure to throw on some burgundy and gold to cheer on the Concordia Stingers hockey teams who play over at our Loyola Campus.

Hit the slopes

On the topic of winter sports, skiing and snowboarding at the nearby resort of Mont Tremblant is another Montreal winter must-do. Shred through sparkling powder at student-friendly prices with the Concordia Ski and Snowboard Club, who organize outings up north all winter long. If downhill isn't your thing, you can also rent cross-country skis for free at some community parks throughout Montreal.