Discovering Montreal’s magical winter wonders

Flow content writer Pakamani Nombila recently had the opportunity to spend a month in wintry Montreal. He shares his experiences of sightseeing in this fascinating and picturesque French Canadian metropolis.

Characterised by softly falling snow, big autumn leaves that nestle on the ground, hot mulled wine and sticky maple taffy (a sweet made from boiled maple syrup), Montreal, Canada, is one of the best places to visit for winter cheer!

Between November and March, Canada’s second-largest city, located in the province of Quebec, becomes an inviting, festive and magical winter destination that teems with impressive architecture, great eats, local culture, trendy bars, and so much more.

Here are some top winter picks for exploring Montreal.

Founded in 1860, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is the oldest art museum in Canada and one of North America’s most visited museums, with more than a million visitors annually.

The museum has something for every visitor. Its massive collection boasts tens of thousands of works spanning centuries and spread out over five interconnecting pavilions, covering disciplines including archaeology, fine arts, as well as fashion and design.

The MMFA complex is also home to over 80 exhibition galleries, the M Boutique and Bookstore, an auditorium and movie theatre, the Bourgie concert hall, an in-house publishing department, a public sculpture garden and the Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy.

Hint: visit the Museum’s exhibitions page to check what is currently on show and upcoming exhibitions so you can plan your trip accordingly. You can also enjoy a variety of cultural offerings such as virtual tours from the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world.

Be sure to check out American pop artist Jim Dine’s red-bronze Twin 6’ Hearts sculpture on the museum’s front steps for a cool photo opportunity.

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2008, the Montreal Botanical Garden was opened in 1931 and now occupies a square area of 75 hectares in eastern Montreal.

Close to the Montreal Biodome and Olympic Park, more than 30 thematic gardens are spread across the space, with over 22 000 different plant species and cultivars, and 10 greenhouse exhibitions. The garden is regarded as a “living museum” that brings together plants from all parts of the globe.

The garden also features a programme of events, exhibitions and activities all year round (but be aware that some of the spaces have been temporarily closed to comply with Covid-19 regulations). Take a walk in the Chinese garden to enjoy striking architecture, aquatic features and plant selections, and to admire the Chinese landscaping.

The botanical library is regarded as one of the country’s most important and valuable horticultural centres in botany and landscaping, housing more than 25 000 books, 300 videos, 100 multimedia documents and 55 000 volumes of periodicals.

And there’s more! Look out for bonsai trees, koi ponds, medicinal herb gardens, and totem poles. There’s simply something for everyone.

Believe it or not, in Montreal you’ll find a neighbourhood referred to as Little Italy, and in the heart of Little Italy is one of the largest open-air markets in North America, the Jean-Talon Market.

Having been around since 1933, and open all year round, this particular market has seen generations pass through it. True to its culture and spirit, Jean-Talon’s vendors are enthusiastic to let you know about the products and services in which they specialise. Whether you’re in search of bread, cheese, wine, truffles, meat, fish or baked goods, they’re always eager to showcase their diverse array of local and ethnic eats.

Winter or summer, there is always fresh seasonal produce to be found here for every occasion. To top it off, the restaurants will definitely whet your appetite with their delicious food options.

Raised to the rank of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982, and designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989, the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is simply one of Quebec’s most treasured sites.

In regular times, this tourist hotspot welcomes close to a million visitors from all over the world every year, each and every one of them flocking here to experience the Basilica’s incredible architecture, art and interior decor that speaks to its Catholic roots and the strong link between art and religion.

Discover history at your own pace through a self-guided tour that explores the hidden gems found beneath Notre-Dame Basilica’s vaulted ceiling. The one-hour tour highlights 24 points of interest – works of art, architectural elements and pieces of history.

The Aura display is a must-do at the Basilica and perhaps one of best experiences any human being can come across. The four-act multimedia display of light, orchestral music and expressive architecture transports the audience into an alternate visual and musical universe presented through breathtaking 3D cinematography.

The Mount Royal Park loop is a 8.4km trail that features a lake and offers various pathways leading up to the Belvédère Kondiaronk lookout point, accessible year round.

There are three ways to go up the mountain: by foot (there are various paths), by car, or by taking the bus (bus 11 from Mont-Royal metro).

Join the throngs of joggers, bikers and families all making their way to the Mont Royal Chalet, which adjoins the Kondiaronk Belvédère lookout with its large platform offering the city’s best views. The top of the mountain is not only the most scenic spot in the city, it is also the best point to orient yourself with the geography of Montreal.