Montreal is a city to discover in every season! One of the most remarkable seasons is undoubtedly winter. The city of a hundred steeples dons its beautiful white coat, and a magical atmosphere takes over. Winter festivals, international exhibitions, immersive experiences, and spas are all part of the program for a memorable stay with your partner, friends, or family. Discover Hotel Gault’s guide to Montreal’s winter must-sees.
Unmissable Winter Events in Montreal
Montreal International Auto Show
Discover the 2025 Montreal Auto Show, from January 17th to 26th, at the Palais des Congrès! Over 30 brands and the Luc Poirier collection await you. Dive into a world of automotive excellence with exclusive car unveilings and interactive exhibits that make this event truly unique. Explore the latest innovations and cutting-edge designs presented by industry leaders in a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Igloofest: The Coldest Festival on Earth
Igloofest Montreal is back from January 16th to February 8th, 2025, at the Old Port of Montreal. Warm up on their dance floor to the best beats in town. Get ready to experience the hottest party of your life! Bon Entendeur, Steve Angello, Apashe, and many more are on the lineup.
Montreal en Lumière: The Most Anticipated Festival
The Montréal en Lumière festival returns from February 20 to March 9, 2025, celebrating its 26th edition with an exciting program. This year’s events will take place in the Quartier des Spectacles, featuring culinary and musical happenings, some even free of charge.
Immersive Experiences in Montreal
AURA at Notre-Dame Basilica
AURA is a multimedia experience created by the renowned Montreal studio Moment Factory, immerses the whole family in a captivating visual and musical universe projected onto the neo-Gothic architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Khufu’s Horizon at the Old Port of Montreal
Experience Khufu’s Horizon, available until January 19, 2025, at the Old Port of Montreal. Dive into an ancient Egyptian virtual reality expedition to uncover the mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza and witness the funeral rites of Pharaoh Khufu. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
OASIS Immersion
OASIS Immersion offers a new permanent immersive space on the ground floor of Montreal’s Palais des Congrès, covering over 2,200 square meters. Discover inspiring exhibitions based on current trends, people, and places, both locally and internationally. Current exhibitions include Nature Vive, a stunning interpretation of biodiversity, and Van Gogh – Distortion, a luminous journey through over 225 paintings, sketches, and drawings.
Must-See Performances in Montreal
Sleeping Beauty – Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
From February 19th to 23rd 2025, experience Sleeping Beauty, one of the most iconic classical ballets, performed to Tchaikovsky’s splendid music by the Orchestre des Grands Ballets. Marcia Haydée, a former prima ballerina, presents her own adaptation of Charles Perrault’s beloved tale, offering a unique and deeply moving interpretation of this timeless masterpiece.
Top Spas in Old Montreal
Bota Bota, Spa-on-the-Water
Enjoy the soothing ambiance and stunning views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River at Bota Bota Spa-on-the-Water. Relax with a massage or unwind across its four decks and landscaped gardens, offering a complete range of facilities: 4 saunas, 3 hot tubs, 2 steam baths, 3 cold baths, 1 pool, and numerous relaxation areas.
Scandinave Spa Old Montreal
The Scandinave Spa offers a peaceful and relaxing indoor experience of thermotherapy and massage therapy in the heart of Old Montreal. Preserving the traditions of Scandinavian baths, the spa harmoniously combines authenticity and modernity, delivering an immersive experience that will plunge you into deep relaxation.
A Stay at Hotel Gault in the Heart of Old Montreal
Winter is the perfect time to revel in the beauty and comfort of the boutique Hotel Gault, located on a quiet street in Old Montreal. Just steps from the Palais des Congrès and Square Victoria, Hotel Gault invites you to discover one of its 30 exceptional suites. Behind its magnificent 19th-century gray stone façade, Hotel Gault unveils a contemporary design complemented by refined, warm service, ensuring a memorable stay. Classic architecture meets modern design. Featuring pieces by Knoll, Artifort, and Herman Miller, the vibrant, colorful furniture and locally crafted photography by talented artists like Valérie Jodoin Keaton add to the charm.
With this guide to Montreal’s winter must-sees, you’re all set for an unforgettable stay in the city’s historic district. Festivals, performances, immersive exhibitions—Montreal has so much to offer for winter 2025. Elevate your getaway by staying in a peaceful haven in Old Montreal at Hotel Gault.
Article written by Naomi – travel blogger.