Top 8 best things to see in Montreal during winter for free

Montreal doesn’t mess around when it comes to winter attractions for individuals, whether they’re Montrealers or tourists. Montreal is one of the oldest cities in Canada, it was founded in 1642. The city is located only 196 km east of the national capital Ottawa, and 258 km south-west of the provincial capital, Quebec City. Taking the time to get to know this city a little better — will help you appreciate it more. Without further delay, there are my top favourite things to see in Montreal.

#8 Saint-Louis Square / Carré Saint-Louis

The Saint-Louis Square is a cluster of iconic and colourful victorian-era homes. Carré Saint-Louis is known to be one of the most photographed squares in the city of Montreal. From buildings painted in every colour you can imagine to giant public parks, the area is full of stunning places for you to explore.

Address: Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec

 

#7 Montreal’s street murals / Murales de Rue

Abstract or a mixing the two styles, Montreal murals sprinkle neighbourhoods all over the island. Just walking down the street every day, we can see that Montrealers are surrounded by amazing works of art. Murals are a way for artists to reclaim both art and the city itself. It’s up to you to follow them and discover what they painted for you. Most of the murals are found on Boul St. Laurent and Rue Saint-Dominique.

 

#6 St. Joseph’s Oratory / Oratoire Saint-Joseph

One of the best things about living in Montreal is the fact that there is always something new to discover. The Saint-Joseph’s Oratory situated on Queen Mary Road, gives the illusion that you have entered Europe — it is simply spectacular. The Religious Oratory is named after a man named “Joseph” who is believed to have been Jesus Christ’s physical father and who was named a saint for this reason. The construction of this building’s first rendition began in 1904, with funding that was given to Saint André, who continues to be looked at as a major religious figure in Quebec.

Address: 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal

 

#5 Jean-Drapeau Park / Parc Jean-Drapeau

The Biosphere is the main building in Jean-Drapeau Park, which shows the city’s commitment to the environment. The Biosphere was originally created in 1976, but faced a huge tragedy when the Biosphere caught on fire as welding work went wrong.

In 1995, the official opening took place. Since then, every year, the Biosphere’s programming is given a theme, and it was originally dedicated to the Great Lakes-St.Lawrence ecosystem.

When you think of Jean-Drapeau, you probably think of summer days or even the Osheaga party. But the fun at the park doesn’t have to be exclusive to summer.

At the Jean-Drapeau Park, there are skating rinks that will create a fun-filled day.

Nature lovers can enjoy walking paths and there are many winter birds to watch. Several “Fat Bike” paths connect the park to Montréal and the South Shore. And for those into cross-country skiing, there are two trails where you can take in the city and enjoy one of Canada’s iconic winter sport.

Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal

 

#4 Old Port at Jacques Cartier pier / Vieux-Port à Jacques Cartier

If you’re in Montreal during the winter you definitely don’t want to miss this. The Old Port of Montreal skating rink is a great place to let loose.

End your night with show-stopping views from the Montreal Observation Wheel—the largest of its kind in Canada. Take a walk by the water and enjoy the fresh air.

The Old port is over 2 km long, which is quite the walk. In fact, It was used as early as 1611, when French fur traders used it as a trading post.

In the present day, visitors can now follow the traces of Montreal’s history back to pre-colonial times, and the changes that the city has undergone since the first European settlers arrived in 1642.

 

 

#3 Olympic Park / Le Parc Olympique

The Olympic Stadium shows Montreal’s ability to constantly alter and better itself. At the end of the year 1969, Jean Drapeau, the mayor of Montreal at the time, announced that the city would be hosting the Olympic Games of 1976. After that, the creation of the Olympic Stadium was put in motion.

Address: 4141 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave, Montreal

 

#2 Old Montreal / Vieux-Montréal

Vieux-Montréal offers beautiful architecture and living history as one of the oldest areas in North America. Its cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, cafes, and the famous old port.

The vibe is always dynamic, and there’s so much to discover beyond iconic sites. Founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie, Old Montreal is home to many structures dating back to the era of New France.

Montreal was the largest city in Canada until it was overtaken by Toronto in the 1970s. French Canadians are the majority population in Montreal, which is often said to be the second largest French-speaking city in the world.

Montreal was also named a UNESCO City of Design. Archaeological evidence demonstrates that First Nations native people occupied the island of Montreal as early as 4,000 years ago.

Montreal was the capital of the Province of Canada from 1844 to 1849, but lost its status when a Tory mob burnt down the Parliament building to protest the passage of the Rebellion Losses Bill. For strategic reasons (which I speak about here), Queen Victoria herself declared Ottawa as the capital.

The area of the Old-Montreal is especially beautiful during the holidays, where there streets are lined with lights and festive decorations that will make you grateful you’re spending time in Canada.

 

#1 Mount Royal / Le Mont Royal

The famous Mont-Royal was created by the same architect that worked on New York Central Park, Frederick Law Omstead. Mount Royal is the Montreal backyard, an urban mountain and sprawling park with fantastic views of the city. This area offers a relaxing escape for nature lovers.

Go all the way to the top lookout, on a 30 min hike, for stunning views of the city landscape and countryside beyond the belvedere point.

Address: Parking – 1576 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC

Hike Length: 2-km Out & Back

Amount of Time to do: 1h

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To learn more about the province of Quebec, click here.