2 Days in Montreal: The Perfect Winter Itinerary
If you only have 2 days in Montreal, there will be plenty to do to fill your time. Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec, Canada. Located on the Island of Montreal, it is situated at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. When you only have 2 days in Montreal during the winter, it is important to be prepared for the weather and have a great itinerary to maximize your stay in this winter wonderland.
Montreal is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that blends European and North American cultures. Its historic neighborhoods, such as Old Montreal and the Plateau, are full of charming architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively cafes and restaurants.
The city also boasts numerous parks, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Montreal Botanical Garden, and the Place des Arts.
Montreal is home to a diverse population, with French as the official language, but many residents also speak English and other languages. It is renowned for its cuisine, particularly its bagels, smoked meat, and poutine.
This city is stunning during all seasons, but something about the snow makes this city glisten during those colder months. So, if you’re wondering what to do with 48 hours in Montreal? I got you covered. Below is a list of the top attractions and things to do for your 2 days in Montreal.
How to Dress for Montreal Winter
Overall, visiting Montreal in the winter can be a great experience as long as you’re prepared for the cold weather. It is important to know how to dress for Montreal winters so you can enjoy all that the city has to offer during the winter season.
You must have warm winter boots that have great traction, a warm winter jacket, a hat, gloves, a scarf, layers, and more layers! To make your experience every better, get yourself some hand and foot warmers, which I highly recommend. We spent most all of our time outside, and if you dress warm enough you will have a great experience!
Style your Winter Trip to Montreal
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Montreal Winter Festival
Montreal hosts several winter festivals, including the Montreal en Lumière, Igloofest, and Fête des Neiges. These festivals offer a variety of outdoor activities, live music, food and drink, and other winter-themed events. Check online to see if any festivals are happening during your stay, if so I highly recommend you go to one during your 2 days in Montreal.
If you travel to Montreal during the snowy season, you want to put a Montreal winter festival on your itinerary. If you think negative temperatures and snow will stop Montreal locals from outdoor celebrations, you thought wrong. Put on your snow boots and let’s explore these winter wonderland festivals.
Montreal en Lumière
Montreal en Lumière is a popular winter festival that takes place in Montreal every February. The Montreal winter festival showcases a range of cultural and culinary events, as well as impressive light installations that illuminate the city.
The festival usually lasts about two weeks and includes a wide variety of events and activities, including:
Light displays: The festival is known for its impressive light installations, which are located throughout the city. These installations often include large-scale structures, such as interactive sculptures or illuminated fountains.
Culinary events: Montreal en Lumière is also known for its culinary events, which feature the city’s top chefs and restaurants. These events may include food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings.
Live performances: The festival features a range of live performances, including music concerts, dance performances, and theater productions.
Outdoor activities: Visitors can also participate in a variety of outdoor activities, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
Art exhibits: The festival features a range of art exhibits, often with a focus on contemporary art.
Montreal en Lumière is a popular event that attracts visitors from around the world. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture and stunning winter scenery.
Igloofest
Igloofest is a popular winter music festival that takes place in Montreal every January and February. The Montreal winter festival is known for its outdoor electronic music performances and stunning light displays.
Igloofest is typically held over several weekends, with each weekend featuring a different lineup of DJs and electronic music acts. The festival takes place at the Old Port of Montreal, where a large outdoor stage is set up, surrounded by stunning light installations and igloo-shaped structures.
In addition to the music performances, Igloofest also features a range of outdoor activities, including:
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Winter sports: Visitors can participate in a range of winter sports, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing.
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Food and drink: The festival features a range of food and drink vendors, serving everything from hot chocolate and mulled wine to poutine and smoked meat sandwiches.
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Light installations: The festival features stunning light installations that illuminate the Old Port of Montreal and create a magical winter atmosphere.
Igloofest is a popular event that attracts visitors from around the world. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience electronic music in a stunning outdoor setting, surrounded by Montreal’s winter beauty. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in music, art, and winter culture.
Fête des Neiges
Fête des Neiges is a popular winter festival that takes place in Montreal every January and February. The Montreal winter festival is held at Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is located on an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River.
Fête des Neiges offers a range of outdoor activities and events for visitors of all ages, including:
Ice slides: The festival features several large ice slides, which are a popular attraction for both children and adults.
Snow tubing: Visitors can also go snow tubing down a large hill at the festival.
Outdoor games: The festival offers a variety of outdoor games, such as giant Jenga and foosball.
Live performances: Fête des Neiges features a range of live performances, including music concerts, dance performances, and circus acts.
Food and drink: Visitors can sample a range of winter foods and drinks, such as maple syrup taffy and hot chocolate.
Fête des Neiges is a popular event that attracts visitors from around the world. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience winter activities and outdoor fun in the heart of Montreal. It’s a great way to embrace the winter season and enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery.
2 Days in Montreal Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Montreal! Today we will explore Old Montreal. Make sure to dress warm and wear some comfortable snow boots because today will be a good amount of walking and outdoor activities.
Breakfast at Café Olimpico in Old Montreal
The café was founded in 1970 by Rocco Furfaro, an Italian immigrant who wanted to bring a taste of his homeland to Montreal. Over the years, Café Olympico has become a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, attracting a diverse crowd of students, artists, and professionals.
The café serves a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte, as well as pastries and sandwiches. The coffee is made from beans that are roasted on-site, ensuring a fresh and flavorful brew.
Café Olympico is also known for its unique décor, which features vintage photos, posters, and other memorabilia from Italy and Montreal. The café has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites customers to linger and chat over their coffee.
Overall, Café Olympico is a beloved fixture of Montreal’s coffee scene, offering a taste of Italian tradition and a cozy refuge from the bustling city streets.
Walk Around Old Montreal
Old Montreal dates back to the 17th century and is the oldest part of Montreal. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture of the many historic buildings, such as the Bonsecours Market, a grand neoclassical building that now serves as a cultural center and museum.
There are many cafes, shops, and restaurants in this European-styled area, and this is where you want to spend much of your time during your 2 days in Montreal. The neighborhood features many well-preserved buildings from the city’s early days, including the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica, the Old Port of Montreal, and the Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively public square filled with street performers, vendors, and cafes.
If you’re feeling daring, take a ride on the massive Ferris wheel in Old Port.
Head to Notre-Dame Basillica
Notre-Dame Basilica is a stunning Catholic church and a must-see during your 2 days in Montreal. The basilica is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city and is renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture, intricate interior design, and rich history.
The basilica was built in 1824 and underwent several renovations and expansions in the following decades, including the addition of the iconic twin towers in 1843. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and ornate sculptures, including a stunning altarpiece and pulpit.
Notre-Dame Basilica is also known for its impressive Casavant Frères pipe organ, which was installed in 1891 and remains one of the largest organs in North America. Visitors to the basilica can attend daily masses or take a guided tour of the church, which includes a visit to the crypt, where many important figures from Montreal’s history are buried.
Come back in the evening if you want to see the Aura Light Show, a multimedia experience that uses music, sound, and light projections to highlight the beauty and history of the church.
Get some sweets in China Town
Take about a 10-minute walk from Notre-Dame Basilica to Chinatown.
Montreal’s Chinatown is a vibrant and fascinating neighborhood that offers visitors a glimpse into Chinese culture and cuisine in the heart of the city. The neighborhood covers several blocks and is centered around Saint-Laurent Boulevard, between René-Lévesque Boulevard and Viger Avenue.
Visitors to Montreal’s Chinatown can explore its narrow streets, colorful storefronts, and traditional Chinese architecture. The neighborhood is also home to several landmarks and attractions, such as the iconic paifang (traditional Chinese gate), which marks the entrance to Chinatown
Get some dim sum, dumplings, or noodle soups for lunch, and finish strong with one of Chinatown’s delicious pastries! Yum!
Check out the Underground Market
Montreal’s underground market is known as the “Underground City” or “RÉSO” and is a network of interconnected tunnels, shopping centers, and office buildings that span over 32 kilometers (20 miles) beneath the city’s downtown core. This is a unique thing to do during your 2 days in Montreal.
The Underground City was created in the 1960s as a way to protect pedestrians from the harsh winter weather, and today it is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
The Underground City is home to over 1,700 shops, restaurants, and services, including popular brands such as H&M, Zara, and Apple.
Explore Quartier Des Spectacles at night
Walk about 15 minutes to Quartier des Spectacles. This district features several well-known venues, including the Place des Arts, which is home to several theaters and concert halls, including the Montreal Symphony House, the Théâtre Maisonneuve, and the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. It is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cinémathèque québécoise.
Throughout the year, Quartier des Spectacles hosts a variety of festivals and events, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Just for Laughs Festival, and the FrancoFolies, which celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and artistic talent. The district is also home to many outdoor installations and public art displays, which add to its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. If there is a festival happening during your 2 days in Montreal, you want to fit that into your Montreal itinerary!
Near this district is a food market called Time Out, which has a ton of food vendors from every style of food you could imagine! It was so good, we went twice! This is a great way to mix and match and try a little bit of everything while enjoying the hustle and bustle of the market environment. They also have a full bar to unwind after your long day!
Head back to your accommodation at your leisure and enjoy the rest of your night in the city!
Day 2
We have a fun-packed day planned for the last day of your 2 day Montreal itinerary. Today we will be heading out to Mount Royal Park and Jean-Talon Market. There is plenty of transportation such as uber, bus, or metro if you do not have a car for your trip that is pretty reasonably priced and accessible. Our destinations today are only about 20-30 minutes from Old Montreal.
Click below to get information about Montreal’s Metro and Buses.
Breakfast at Tommy’s Cafe
Another Café in Old Montreal before we head out to explore. This cafe is a quaint little spot with some great pastries, coffee, and breakfast.
The café’s interior is stylish and contemporary, with minimalist decor and a warm and welcoming vibe. The space features high ceilings, natural light, and an open kitchen, where customers can watch the baristas at work. Out of the many cafes, this is certainly one to put on your itinerary for your 2 days in Montreal.
P.S. try “Tommy’s Latte” which has lucky charms on top!
Jean-Talon Market
Jean-Talon Market is a bustling public market located in the Little Italy neighborhood of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is one of the largest and most popular markets in the city and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in food and agriculture.
The market features over 300 vendors selling a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other specialty food items. Many of the vendors are local farmers and artisans, who bring their products to the market fresh from their fields and kitchens.
Grab some fresh fruit, dried meats, or a local coffee and enjoy the ambiance.
Schwartz Deli for Lunch
My mouth is still watering from the thought of this incredible food spot. Schwartz Deli is a foodie’s dream and a must-try when spending 2 days in Montreal. This Jewish deli was founded in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania.
The deli is known for its smoked meat sandwiches, which are made from brisket that has been cured with a blend of spices and smoked for hours. Schwartz’s Deli has become an iconic Montreal institution, attracting locals and tourists alike. The deli has been featured in numerous food shows and has been visited by many famous people, including celebrities and politicians
Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park, also known as Parc du Mont-Royal in French and covers an area of approximately 200 hectares (494 acres) and is situated on the slopes of Mount Royal, a small mountain that gives the city its name.
Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who designed New York’s Central Park and was opened in 1876. The park features numerous walking trails, lookout points with panoramic views of the city, picnic areas, playgrounds, and several man-made lakes.
One of the most famous landmarks in the park is the Mount Royal Chalet, a large building located at the summit of the mountain that houses a restaurant, a gift shop, and an observation deck. The chalet is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, especially during the winter months when it offers stunning views of the snow-covered city.
Mount Royal is amazing to visit during the winter season. There are all sorts of activities such as ice skating, sledding, skiing, tubing, snow-shoeing, and more! You could spend a full day at Mount Royal enjoying the abundance of winter sports it has to offer.
Mount Royal Viewpoint
To reach the Mount Royal viewpoint, visitors can take a short hike or drive up to the top of the mountain, where they will find a large lookout point with stunning views of Montreal’s skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding forests.
The viewpoint is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset when the sky is painted with a range of colors and the city lights come to life. The viewpoint is also a popular destination for photography, offering ample opportunities to capture the beauty of Montreal from above.
In addition to the main lookout point, several other smaller viewpoints along the mountain trails offer more secluded and intimate views of the city.
Overall, the Mount Royal viewpoint is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Montreal, offering breathtaking views of the city and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Best Old Montreal Restaurants
Finish your 2 days in Montreal with a great meal in Old Montreal Center.
Old Montreal has some incredible restaurants to choose from that have an incredible ambiance to go along with their decadent food. You will mostly find French, Italian, Steakhouses, and Pub food.
Although we could eat at the millions of incredible Montreal cafes, tonight we should wine and dine like the ancient royals of the 17th century.
Some of the best restaurants in Old Montreal are:
Montreal Tours
- Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour
Looking to explore Montreal like a local? Then the “Explore Old Montreal” tour is perfect for you! This small-group walking tour takes you on a journey through the charming cobblestone streets and alleys of one of the oldest cities in North America. You’ll discover hidden gems and learn about the city’s rich history while laughing along with your witty and knowledgeable guide. So come join us for a fun-filled afternoon of exploring, learning, and maybe even a little bit of adventure!
2. Helicopter Tour over Montreal
Are you ready to take your sightseeing to new heights? Look no further than the Helicopter Tour Over Montreal! This thrilling tour gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city’s iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off your best “I’m flying, Jack” impression. Trust us, you won’t find a better way to see Montreal – unless you have a private jet, in which case, can we be friends? Book your helicopter tour today and get ready for an experience that will have you saying “wow” at every turn!
3. Quebec Day Trip from Montreal
Bonjour, fellow travelers! Get ready to say “oh la la” with the Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal. You’ll be whisked away to the charming streets of Quebec City, where you can indulge in some poutine, practice your French, and soak up the old-world vibes. And don’t forget about the stunning Montmorency Falls – it’s like Niagara’s little sister, but just as impressive. This day trip is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Montreal and immerse yourself in the beauty of Quebec. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go! If you are looking to explore Quebec on your own for a day check out this 1 day in Quebec city guide.
You may ask yourself, is 2 days enough in Montreal? The answer is although you can spend more time exploring this beautiful city, 2 days in Montreal is a good amount of time to see some of the city’s top highlights.
We took a road trip from New England to Montreal and it was a beautiful drive with customs being a smooth transition, given you have all of the necessary paperwork and follow the international regulations.
Montreal would be a great city to travel solo to due to it being a really safe place to travel, as far as cities go. Also, the romantic cobblestone streets make Montreal a perfect place for a honeymoon, minimoon, or romantic getaway.
Canada has so many highlights it’s no wonder it is one of the 7 best countries to live in.
Whatever your reason may be to visit this stunning city is a good one. Although winter is off-season, there’s something about snowy cobblestone streets that makes you feel all of the magic of winter.
Hi I’m Becca
It is my passion to see as much of the world as I can. I created this blog to give my tips and tricks to traveling that I learn along my journey in hopes that it helps and inspires you to go out and see the world. Life is like a scrapbook that you fill with memories and life experiences, so what’s next in your travel scrapbook?
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