What to do this winter: Indoor and outdoor activities for every taste
From sledding to skating, cross-country skiing to snowshoeing, here are some suggestions for how to make the most of winter in Montréal. Choose from a wide variety of free activities on offer in your neighbourhood, in urban nature, in the cultural centres and in libraries.
An outdoor adventure at your doorstep
Looking for a winter outing that is out of the ordinary? Leave your everyday routine behind and enjoy the great outdoors just a few steps from home. Get out your sleds, snow racers, snowshoes, skis and skates, and head to your local parks.
Before going out, check the condition of the skating rinks and toboggan runs.
After a snowfall, it’s the perfect time to participate in our snowman contest.
Find out more about the activities in your borough.
Enjoying the outdoors in the city
No need to stay cooped up at home this winter. A wide range of activities await you in popular green spaces such as Parc Maisonneuve, Parc La Fontaine, Parc Angrignon, Parc Frédéric-Back and Parc du Mont-Royal, which are now blanketed in white. Keep active and breathe in the fresh air!
Experience the great outdoors without leaving the city, by visiting Montréal’s nature parks. These larger and wilder spaces are known for their enchanting scenery. Try your hand at hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking and other family activities. Relax and let your mind wander.
Some locations even offer equipment rental or loan services. Access to trails and paths is free of charge.
At the Jardin botanique
Take advantage of the many trails, paths and outdoor gardens for walking or cross-country skiing. It’s free of charge.
At the Parc Jean-Drapeau
Many activities are offered at Parc Jean-Drapeau this winter. In addition to free sliding, a fatbike course, an ice wall for climbing, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, the park offers a large 500-meter skating trail rink illuminated at night.
Enjoy the exhibitions and shows
Theatre, cinema, concerts, exhibitions, shows for the whole family…the cultural centres have put together a rich and moving program of events, and it’s all free!
Discover living museums
There’s so much to discover in the five Space for Life museums: Pathways, exhibitions and activities that showcase animals, insects, planets, plants, water and the environment.
Read and have fun in libraries
Books, magazines, newspapers, talks, board games, workshops for adults and children: A world of fun awaits you at the city’s libraries.
Get out your swimsuits, skateboards and scooters
The weather and the conditions are less suitable for outdoor activities? Take advantage of the weather to enjoy a dip in the new Complexe aquatique de Rosemont or swim a few laps in the Olympic-sized pool at the Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard. The 2 wading pools and the beach-type pool at the Centre aquatique de Rivière-des-Prairies and the facilities at the Aquadôme de La Salle are particularly popular with families.
The TAZ is an interesting option for in-line skating, skateboarding, BMX (velocross) and scootering.
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