Explore Montreal’s Winter Wonderland: Boutiques, Skating, Film, Museums and More

While everyone is flocking south for the winter, don’t overlook our neighbors to the north and some of the hidden gems at the nexus of North American and European culture in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Be sure to pack your fur scarves and parkas, but the charming boutiques, cafes, architecture and more make a wintertime jaunt to Montreal a worthwhile endeavor.

Enjoy indoor ice skating in one of downtown Montreal's landmark office buildings, L'Atrium Le 1000 or catch a flick for a buck at the Dollar Theater. Then, browse the shops downtown such as Ogilvey, an elegant crystal chandelier-adorned department store, and pick up a cap or handbag at ROOTS, an outlet for more casual attire.

Stroll the cobble stone streets along the water in Old Montreal, admire the grandeur of the Notre-Dame Basilica, and check out the “Rebellions” exhibit at the Pointe a Calliere Museum. When the sun goes down, join Montreal's hipsters and head to St. Laurent Blvd for trendy restaurants and clubs.

And, an added incentive to visit Montreal in the winter is the Underground City (La ville souterraine), connected through over 15 miles of brightly lit tunnels. Here you will not only have access to many fine shops and restaurants, but also the Bell Centre Hockey arena and metro stations for a quick, quiet subway ride on rubber tires.