Discover the unique charm of Montreal in January. Despite being one of Quebec’s coldest months, the city becomes a winter wonderland full of adventure. I’ve prepared a bunch of indoor and outdoor suggestions of the best things to do in Montreal in January for you to craft your itinerary!
But First, Why Visit Montreal in January?
Because locals don’t just survive the cold; they embrace it. During winter, the city lights up and hosts a diversity of outdoor and indoor activities. Montreal offers a myriad of options for kids and adults—like the interactive light installations of Lumino, thrilling sled rides down Mont-Royal, and the vast underground tunnel system. Here they are:
Read on to make sure your visit is warm, comfy, and full of surprises. And, of course, I’ll leave you with a short guide on how to prepare for our infamous Canadian winters, on top of our Quebec winter packing list you can also read.
Thrilling January Outdoor Montreal Ideas
Let’s start with outdoor recommendations this magical city to visit during January.
Walk Into an Urban Fairy Tale
Every winter, the city glams up Montreal’s downtown streets to put on a show. This illuminated path lights up the city with over half a million twinkling lights. It bathes the streets in a warm glow that highlights its beautiful architecture.
This event offers a magical view of Montreal’s iconic landmarks. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers.
Lumino Therapy: A Bright Delight
Lumino Therapy offers a dazzling escape into a celebration of light and creativity. This annual event in the Quartier des Spectacles invites artists from various backgrounds to illuminate the cityscape.
Perfect for families, art lovers, and anyone wanting to brighten their winter nights, Lumino is more than a visual show, it’s an interactive experience that engages all senses. Encouraging visitors to interact with the installations, from sound-activated lights to touch-responsive surfaces.
Igloofest: The Popular Winter Party
Experience how Montreal embraces its chilly winter nights with Igloofest from mid-January to the beginning of February. Held at the iconic Old Port, this vibrant electronic music festival features an impressive lineup of international DJs and artists. The beat keeps you moving no matter the temperature!
Igloofest is famous for its playful Igloovillage, offering children’s entertainment, slides, food trucks, and a bar. Don’t miss the much-loved Tackiest Snowsuit Contest. A fun highlight of the festival where everyone gears up in their most outrageous snowsuits and joins the festive atmosphere.
This festival is a testament to the city’s spirited way of celebrating winter!
Old Port Skating Rink
Combine a visit to Igloofest with a thrilling skating experience at the nearby Old Port Skating Rink. Positioned in the heart of Montreal’s historic port, this outdoor rink becomes especially lively during Igloofest.
Enjoy special DJ nights where you can skate to the rhythm of live music under the stars. Open throughout the winter months, make sure to check the schedule and book your visit to enjoy this winter sport.
Winter Sports on Mont-Royal
Mont-Royal is an icon for locals to enjoy its array of outdoor activities. In January, a thick blanket of snow covers the mountain, making it perfect for snow tubing.
The Lac des Castors turns into a natural ice rink. It offers a charming skating experience among snow-laden trees and crisp winter air.
For those looking to explore the snowy landscape further, Mont-Royal offers a variety of Winter Sports Equipment Rentals that enhance the winter experience.
- Snowshoes – Trek through the tranquil, snow-covered paths.
- Cross-country skis – Ski on trails that showcase the mountain’s winter beauty.
- Fat bikes – Explore the snowy paths and winter landscapes on wheels.
Best Child-Friendly Café Spots
After a cold day outside, warm up in Montreal’s cozy cafés offering hot beverages, whether you prefer coffee, tea, or hot coco.
Families will appreciate child-friendly spots like Ceramic Café, where you can paint ceramics, and La Chouette for cookie decorating. Café des Habitudes offers a creative room for kids, with delicious coffee for parents.
January Indoor Exploration: What to Do Inside in Montreal in Winter
Explore Montreal’s vibrant culture with indoor activities for its coldest days or to alternate between outdoor ideas of things to do in Montreal in January!
Impressive Attractions in Montreal
Delve into Montreal’s rich arts and science scene with these enriching indoor attractions:
- Montreal Science Centre – for a dose of interactive learning.
- PHI Centre – for an immersive experience.
- Oasis Immersion – for engaging and immersive art exhibitions.
Hockey Night in Montreal
Catch an iconic Canadiens hockey game at the Bell Centre. Experience the thrill of Montreal’s favourite winter sport. An exhilarating way to connect with the local culture and witness the city’s passion for hockey firsthand.
World’s Largest Underground Network
32 km or 20 miles of underground life… Montreal’s RESO, or Underground City, is a warm, sheltered way to explore vast shopping, dining, and entertainment options without braving the cold. This vast network is a unique urban feature that offers a glimpse into a lively underground world.
Don’t want to miss a thing? Join a guided walking tour of the world’s largest interior pedestrian network.
Dining and Nightlife in Montreal
Montreal’s nightlife has it all: diverse food, vibrant entertainment, and trendy bars. Looking for a unique January dining experience? Enjoy a delicious meal at Soirée givrée (frosted evening) aboard the Bateau-Mouche.
Docked in Montreal’s Old Port, this glass-roofed boat offers a stunning view of the city and the frozen St. Lawrence River.
Travel Tips: Embrace Public Transportation in Montreal
Montreal’s reliable public transport makes winter travel easy. The city’s buses and metro system provide a cozy escape from the frosty outdoors. Use the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) to cross the city and avoid the hassle of driving in the snow.
Looking for a cheap flight to Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair I use regularly. Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Montreal and surrounding cities with Busbud.
Alternative Transport Options
For visitors choosing to drive, here are the essentials for winter road conditions.
- Use winter tires, required from December 1 to March 15, to ensure safety.
- Follow snow removal parking restrictions to avoid fines or towing.
- Keep a shovel in your car to clear a snowed-in parking space.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available if you need a warm and direct route to your destination.
Choose a hotel downtown and use the heated underground network to travel and access the metro system.
What to Wear in Quebec: Essential Winter Gear
Venturing into Montreal in January, visitors need a little sense of adventure and the right attire. The city’s brisk winter weather requires layers and the right gear to explore its snowy streets comfortably for hours on end.
Essential Accessories and the Secret for Winter Warmth
Prepare for your visit by wearing appropriate winter gear: a warm hat, a scarf, and mittens. For your feet, wear thermal socks with winter boots. They’ll keep your toes warm and dry during outdoor activities.
For extra warmth, use heat packs. Activate them and place them in gloves or boots for long outdoor activities. We particularly love these reusable heat packs: Hot Poc.
The key to staying warm is effective layering. For more tips on layering, visit Chasing Poutine’s guide to packing for Quebec in winter. Our guide will help you prepare for anything Canadian winter can throw at you.
Dress appropriately, and you’ll enjoy all that Montreal has to offer, even in the heart of winter!
Montreal’s January Fun Awaits
From the famous Igloofest to the glowing lights of Lumino, Montreal in January is a treasure of winter wonders. Pack your bags, layer up, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the city’s most magical season.
Curious about more activities in Montreal? Read about the city in these articles:
- Best Things to Do in Montreal in Winter
- A Night at Le Germain Montreal: Staying and Eating Right Downtown
- Top 3 Best Hockey Camps in Montreal
- Top 7 Montreal Landmarks You’ll Want to See
- A Dreamy 2 Days in Montreal Itinerary
- Walking Tour: Old Montreal Self-Guided Itinerary: A Step Back in Time
And if you’re in Quebec Province next winter, don’t miss the fun. Enjoy everything the province offers in the frosty season:
Here are some other amazing tours in Montreal you may want to book!
- Try your hand at a bagel making workshop, an iconic Montreal institution!
- Vélo Festif MTL partying with friends (or new acquaintances) and biking collide.
- Combine bike and spa for sore joints with Fitz Tours.
- Spade & Palacio lead activities like Beyond the Bike Lanes, Beyond the Market, Beyond the Basilica, Mural Tours, and Beyond the Village.
- Secret Montreal offers hidden history tours of the Montreal red light district around what we now call the Quartier des Spectacles.
- Watch a Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Bell Centre.
- Take a History Walking Tour of Old Montreal with Guidatour.
- Quartier des Spectacles offers a free walking tour around the Place des Festivals in the summer.
- Urban Marmotte and his owner Michel take you around the city for a Montreal by Night tour!
- Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City + Downtown Tour.
- If you’re into architecture and quirky living spaces, Habitat 67 tours are for you!
- Indulge in some of the best bites in the city with Secret Food Tours.
- In the Shadow of the Mountain: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour.
- The Montreal Street Art & Mural Tour with Fitz Montreal.
- Montreal’s Sin City Era & Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours.
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