Winter in Montreal can be harsh (as proven by February’s polar temperatures and two historic snowstorms!!), but it’s also the perfect season to slow down and enjoy warm, welcoming places to take refuge.
We love embracing the snow and magical landscapes with long walks while listening to a great podcast, but nothing beats retreating to a cozy and cute spot to relax afterward. Here are some of our favorite ideas—maybe they’ll inspire you for the upcoming spring break!
1. Spend time in a cozy café
The best reward after braving the freezing cold! There’s nothing like a good cup of coffee to warm up. Luckily, Montreal is famous for its abundance of cafés, each more inviting than the last.
Two years ago, we put together a list of our top 10 favorite cafés, and now we have a few more to add: Café In Gamba, Crew Collective, Grand Cormoran, Bravo, and Café Sfouf!
The best part? Exploring the city and discovering new spots for yourself!
2.Read and unwind at BAnQ
The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) is more than just a library—it’s a cultural haven. With its massive glass windows, comfortable seating, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to escape with a good book, get some work done, or simply enjoy the calm.
Bonus: The children’s section makes it a great family outing, with readings and activities tailored for little ones.
3.Get your culture fix at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM)
Winter is the ideal time to rediscover the city’s museums. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of our favorites, offering a rich selection of exhibits, from temporary installations to its impressive permanent collection—all in a bright and soothing space.
Right now, we’re loving the Joyce Wieland exhibition, and while you’re there, don’t miss the chance to see Hokusai’s The Great Wave in person!
Another great option: Pointe-à-Callière’s exhibition on witches in history, currently on display.
4.Watch a film in a vintage cinema
For an authentic movie-going experience, nothing beats an independent cinema.
Cinéma Beaubien is a legendary spot where you can enjoy a great film in a retro setting—complete with real buttered popcorn! Another fantastic option is Cinéma du Parc, which will soon be hosting a David Lynch retrospective—perfect for film lovers.
5.Relax at a Nordic spa
What could be better than warming up in a spa during a freezing day?
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, docked in the Old Port, offers breathtaking views of the river and city while providing an ultra-relaxing thermal experience. The outdoor baths are particularly invigorating when temperatures hover around (or drop below) zero!
For a more intimate and nature-focused option, Strøm Spa Nordique on Île-des-Sœurs offers a mix of hot and cold baths in a peaceful, natural setting—perfect for a winter escape.
So yes, Montreal winters can feel long, especially towards the end… but it’s up to us to make the most of them! That’s exactly what we try to do every year.
We hope this list has given you some inspiration—and who knows? Maybe even changed your perspective on the weeks ahead!