Montreal in winter is a magical city blanketed under feet of snow, but it doesn't have to bring record lows to your bank account! Grab your toque and bundle up for some snowy adventures, or stay warm and experience Montreal culture in the comfortable indoors. Whatever your preference, this beautiful French Canadian city has much to offer a budget-conscious family.
Winter Festivals
While Montreal is famous for its summertime festivals, there is still plenty of family fun once the snow flies -- all for free or nearly free.
o The holidays start with a bang with the Fire on Ice Festival, a musical fireworks display lighting up Montreal's old port. The festival runs the first four Saturday nights in December and is sure to warm up your evening.
o The annual Fete des Neiges de Montreal is a snowy festival that will delight every member of your family. Parc Jean-Drapeau is transformed into a snow-and-ice wonderland as the setting for Montreal's winter carnival. Try your hand at two traditional Canadian sports: curling or hockey on natural, outdoor ice sheets. Incredible ice sculptures, the sweet sugar shack, terrifying tube rides and a scenic skating track are just some of the other winter experiences your family will enjoy. The fête runs every year at the beginning of February.
o The Montreal Highlights Festival is another great excuse to get outside and embrace the winter cold. Taking place in the old port, there are many family-friendly activities to appreciate: check out the ice slide, skating rink, amazing fireworks displays, cool concerts, torchlight procession and groovy DJ's. The festival runs from mid February to early March.
Outdoor Pursuits
Pack some hot chocolate to-go and head out into the great outdoors. If your family is adventurous and enjoys physical activity, there is plenty to do (for free) in this snow-covered city.
o While there are many large parks in Montreal, Parc Mont-Royal is perhaps the most accessible. Ascend the mountain to Beaver Lake, the epicentre of the action. From there, select a path for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing through the winter woodlands. Maps are located throughout the park and the trails are all well-marked. If you make for the summit, you will be rewarded with a fabulous view of the city. If it's thrill and excitement you seek, take the kids to the Beaver Lake Pavilion to rent a tube for racing down the slopes. The pavilion also rents skates for use on the outdoor pond, skis, Nordic kick sleds, snowshoes and helmets- all for reasonable prices. Many of Montreal's other nature parks (such as Cap-St.-Jacques or Parc Lafontaine) rent winter sports equipment, although it is best to call ahead to see what is available as it varies from location to location.
o While many people think that venturing to the ski hills will cost a bundle, with a little bit of planning, it doesn't have to. Montreal is in close proximity to many different ski resorts, which makes a day trip to the slopes an excellent option. To reduce the cost, inquire at your hotel to see if they offer discounted lift tickets; many offer ski and stay packages. Watch for weekday, half-day, and evening specials. For example, at Mont Avila and Mont St. Sauveur, you can ski from 3:00pm to 10:00 pm at a significantly reduced rate. Better yet, on Thursday evenings, lift tickets and rentals are 50% off! At Mont Sutton, you can get a free Carte Blanche which will save you between 20 - 40 % on the cost of your lift pass and give you a free lift after five visits. The best deal yet? Help Sutton celebrate their birthday every December 17th and you can get a lift ticket for only -- the cost of a lift in the 60's when the resort opened.
o Mush Mush! A recent addition to the old port's winter programming, dog sledding doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. With a guide handling the sled, you don't even need a driver's licence; just sit back and enjoy! It costs under per person to participate (less for children under twelve) and runs from mid-December to March (depending on the snow conditions). The dogs depart out of Jacques-Cartier Pier. Sleigh rides are also available.
Indoor Bargains
No need to suffer from cabin fever! When the weather outside is frightful, there is plenty to keep you occupied indoors in Montreal. Many local museums and attractions offer free or discounted rates on certain days of the week. If you plan your family's itinerary carefully, you could be in for substantial savings.
o The Redpath Museum, located on the University of McGill Campus is the oldest building in Canada built as a museum. The museum currently displays extensive collections in the fields of palaeontology, zoology, mineralogy and ethnology. Redpath offers fun family-friendly programs on Sundays for a nominal charge. If you just want to visit the collections, admission is free.
o The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is an amazing museum with an impressive collection. If you want to visit one of the temporary exhibits, the admission fee is half price on Wednesdays after 5:00 pm. To visit the regular collection, however, admission is always free (although a donation is appreciated).
o At the Musee d'art contemporain de Montreal, admission is free every Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. The Musée collection, which includes over 7,000 works produced by more than 1,500 artists, represents disciplines such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography and video.
o The National Film Board of Canada's CineRobotheque is a cool museum where you can watch over 9000 Canadian films in self-serve personal viewing stations. For even more fun, bring your family to a Sunday animation workshop to explore some unusual animation techniques and create and view your own film. Workshop prices are under for both adults and children.
o Pointe-a-Calliere located near Montreal's old port, is a museum of archaeology and history. Begin your tour with an informative bilingual multimedia presentation, and then make your way down into the archaeological ruins of the old city. Explore an ancient graveyard, city fortifications, drainage pipes and the old Customs House. Every Sunday, the museum offers free admission to grandparents visiting with their grandchildren.
o In an effort to appeal to both the young and young at heart, Place des Arts, has added youth programming to its entertainment schedule. Children's musicals, symphonies, dance performances and plays are available throughout the year-- and many of them are extremely affordable (some are even free).
o Have you always wanted to see Cirque du Soleil but can't afford the stiff ticket prices? Tohu, a circus school sponsored by Cirque du Soleil and the National Association of Circus Arts, presents captivating public performances at affordable rates. See contortionists, acrobats, trapeze artists, dancers, and musicians perform on colourful elaborate sets. Ticket prices vary, but the average show costs under (less for children under twelve) and if you're in town at the right time you can participate in one of the free Tohu performances.
o The play's the thing! The Centaur Theatre offers fantastic children's programming at budget prices. On select Saturday mornings throughout the season, families can enjoy inexpensive and engaging performances by local artists and theatre companies.
o Want to see Montreal's amazing museums, but the free admission days don't work with your itinerary? Purchase a Montreal Museum Pass for per person and you will gain admission to over 33 different museums (including the Biodome, Insectarium and Planetarium) over three consecutive days. The pass also includes free metro and bus transport during the period your pass is valid (a value of by itself). While it is not free, the Museum Pass can save you lots of money on museums and attractions.
With so many free (on almost free) things to do in Montreal this winter, your next vacation to this snowy city won't freeze your assets! If you plan ahead and know where to find the discounts, your family vacation budget will go a little bit further.
