Montreal’s Winter Magic: Things To Do in Montreal In the Winter While Visiting With Your Dog

Montreal in the winter is a magical destination when the snowflakes start falling, and it is cold! As a winter girl at heart with a Siberian husky, Montreal was the perfect spot for a winter getaway. My pup Gatsby and I packed our bags and left NYC for a 9-hour drive, and the destination was so worth it! In this travel guide, we’ll share where to stay, things to do, where to eat, and experiences to make the most of your winter journey in Montreal with your dog.

Requirements For Traveling To Montreal With Your Dog

You must bring proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate from your vet to travel to Canada with your dog.

Montreal In The Winter Travel Tips

Before getting too excited to visit this winter wonderland destination, here’s what you need to know about visiting Montreal in the winter.

Do People Speak Only French In Montreal?

Even though French is the primary language spoken in Montreal, don’t worry too much about the language barrier. We didn’t have trouble speaking English to most people there. Around 20% of the people in the city use English as their primary language at home.

What Is Montreal Like In The Winter?

Winter weather in Montreal can be pretty cold, snowy and icy. The city experiences a true winter season, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. From December to February, temperatures typically range from -6°C (21°F) to -12°C (10°F). 

That means you need to seriously bundle up and pack the right clothes since you’ll be outdoors exploring this beautiful city. 

Why You Should Visit Montreal In The Winter

We’ve heard of all the nice things about Montreal in the spring and summer, but in my experience, winter in Montreal is just as beautiful, and there is still much to do.

First, winter in Montreal is the tourist off-season, meaning there are fewer crowds and emptier streets. It’s the perfect opportunity for beautiful travel photography, and it also means I won’t have to worry about people stepping on my pup, Gatsby’s paws on crowded streets. 

Second, if you love Christmas vibes, Montreal in winter is magical! Gatsby and I visited Montreal between Christmas and New Year’s when the entire city was completely decked out with gorgeous Christmas displays!

What To Pack For Montreal In The Winter

Packing light for winter travel sounds impossible because of the bulky winter coats and chunky sweaters. But if you’re visiting for a few days, a few sweaters, a thick winter coat, and thermal layers are all you need. You can absolutely stuff all of that in your carry-on. Remember that you’ll be wearing your winter jacket most of the time, so it’s ok to wear a sweater on repeat. I packed everything I needed in my carry-on for a one-week trip from Montreal to Quebec City.

Montreal In The Winter Packing List

• Warm Coat: Here’s my go-to winter-insulated parka that I’ve had for years! You can never go wrong with The North Face’s winter jackets!

• Base Layer:  Merino wool thermal undershirts and leggings are your best bet for your base layer when it’s frigid (this means the merino wool should be the closest to your skin) because they are super warm, and soft, won’t make you itch, and much lighter than synthetic fabrics. Most importantly, it’s naturally antibacterial, so you can wear it multiple times without worrying about the funk.

• Sweaters: Once you’ve got your base layer, it’s time to add at least one more layer before you put on your outerwear. Think chunky sweaters or sweatshirts and turtlenecks! Turtleneck sweaters are great because that means you won’t need to wear a scarf!

• Merino Wool Socks: These merino wool socks are the ones I wore to Montreal and Quebec City.

• Boots: Comfy yet stylish boots with good traction to navigate the snowy streets of Montreal are a must. I wore my duck boots from L.L. Bean to Montreal.

• Jeans: Comfy jeans are a must. I really like these high-rise straight-leg jeans because they give you room to wear your merino wool leggings if it’s frigid.

• Fleece leggings: If it isn’t that cold, these high-quality fleece leggings from Alo Yoga with boots will do.

• Warm hat, gloves, and scarf: Accessorize to stay stylish and warm. Bring a cozy scarf, gloves, and a stylish hat to complete your winter look. Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses for those sunny winter days.

• Packable Down Jacket – Whenever I travel to cold destinations, I always bring my parka and a lightweight packable down jacket. It’s perfect for those days when I don’t need to wear my parka and adds another layer of warmth on those frigid days.

• Day Bag: I have a day backpack/camera bag, and it’s essential for me. This camera bag by Brevite is where I keep all my content creation gear, laptop, and small travel essentials. It’s big enough to pack my extra layers, a phone charger, and souvenirs.

• Hand Warmers: When the temperature dips below freezing, these little heat warmers are essential for an enjoyable day of sightseeing. Just pop them into your gloves, tuck them into your coat pockets, or slip them inside your boots. You’ll feel instant warmth that will keep you toasty as you explore the city. 

What To Pack for Montreal In The Winter For Your Dog

• Mushers Paw Wax: Make sure you rub paw wax on before heading to the snowy and icy streets. It acts like an invisible boot, forming a breathable shield against snow & salt.

• Rain Coat: If you have a dog with double-coated fur, you must pack a rain jacket for them. And don’t let the rain or sleet stop you and your dog from exploring! Put on the rain jacket and go out there to enjoy your travels!

• GPS Tracker: Imagine your dog slipped from their collar and took off in the streets of Montreal. How will you ever find your pup?! Not only is a Pet GPS tracker essential for travel, but it should also be a daily essential for your pup. I have my pup Gatsby wear this GPS tracker every time we go out. 

• Apple Air Tag: As a paranoid dog parent, I have an Apple Air tag as a backup if Gatsby’s GPS and Health Tracker battery is exhausted. 

Where to Stay in Montreal

Now that you know how to get geared up for your Montreal trip, let’s dive into the best hotels in Montreal to stay at with your dog.

Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites

We stayed at Le Square Hotel and Suites in downtown Montreal. The suites come with a complete kitchen, which I needed because my pup Gatsby was still on a homemade meal diet, and I had to cook for him during our visit. 

The suites are huge, and it was such a comfortable stay.

Book your stay at Le Square Hotel and Suites

Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection

Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection is Quebec’s first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, and it definitely won’t disappoint! In the heart of Montreal, they are super dog-friendly, and best of all, there is no pet weight limit. The pet fee is CAD $50 per pet, per stay. There is also a refundable pet deposit of CAD $250 per stay. 

Book your stay at Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection

Omni Mont-Royal

At the Omni Mont-Royal, dogs are welcome, no matter their size! It’s an extra $100 for their stay, and they’ll get treats at check-in along with their very own bowls. If you need waste bags, just ask the front desk. While there’s no grassy spot on-site, don’t worry – Dorchester Square, a park, is just three blocks away.

Book your stay ay Omni Mont-Royal

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

In the heart of the Golden Square Mile, the Sofitel welcomes dogs with no size restrictions. It’s $29 per pet per night, and they’ve got treats and pet beds on request. Your dog can’t be left alone in the room.

But here’s the cool part – there’s a green “relief area” for your dog to do their business. They’ll even give you a map of nearby pet-friendly spots. The hotel’s 241 rooms and suites, spanning 17 floors, offer amazing city and Mount Royal Park views. 

Book your stay ay Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Vogue Hotel Montreal, Curio Collection By Hilton

Vogue Hotel Montreal is located in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile goes big on accommodating your pup, even the larger ones! You can have up to two large dogs in your room, and they roll out the red carpet with a special menu, comfy beds, mats, bowls, and toys. There’s a pet fee of $49 for the entire stay.

Book your stay at Vogue Hotel Montreal, Curio Collection by Hilton

Doggieville MTL: A Luxury Dog Daycare In Montreal

If you decide on doing a non-dog-friendly activity, Doggieville MTL is the ultimate luxury dog daycare in Montreal to take your pup if you need someone to watch them for a few hours. They charge $40 for five hours and $50 for a full day.

Requirements for dog daycare at Doggieville MTL:

You must register your pup on their website and make a reservation. On the booking site, you’ll need to create and account, fill in a meet and greet form, and tell them more about your pup! You can also upload all the vaccination proofs and make your reservation directly on your profile.

• All dogs must be current on the following vaccinations: Bordetella, DA2PP, and Rabies.
• All dogs must be on continuing heartworm, flea, and tick treatment.
• All dogs must be neutered/spayed to be accepted (Exception until 11 Months)
• Puppies can be enrolled in the daycare as long as they are vaccinated.

Dog-Friendly Cafés And Eateries That Allow Your Dog Inside

While dining with your pup in Montreal in the winter is limited, it’s not impossible. Here are two places that will let your dog eat inside with you. When we visited, we either sat in the outdoor terraces where they had heat lamps or picked up food and ate it back in the hotel.

Ruby Café: Located between Côte-Saint-Paul and Le-Sud-Ouest, this popular destination is located at Doggyville – the luxury dog daycare. During the winter, it makes a great place to warm up! Dogs must always stay on a leash and be allowed to sit at a table with you. The seats are wiped down between visits, so you will never have an issue with cleanliness. 

Location: 3824 Saint-Patrick St., Montreal, Quebec H4E 1A4, Canada

Yo & Co Bar Espresso: This charming little cafe is in Ville-Émard, and dogs are welcome inside! Here, they’re the real customers. I guarantee they will get all the attention!

Location: 5590 Laurendeau St, Montreal, Quebec H4E 3W3, Canada

Where to Eat – Montreal Restaurants With Outdoor Dining

Here are a few restaurants with outdoor seating available. Some even have heated patios. Call them ahead of time that you may be dining with your pup and if they can accommodate you. If not, have your dog stay at Doggieville for a few hours.

Jardin Nelson: Located in the heart of Old Port, Jardin Nelson offers a fantastic dining atmosphere with a heated garden patio and live jazz music. 

Terrasse Nelligan: This restaurant is located on the rooftop of Hotel Nelligan (and nope, the hotel is not dog-friendly). It’s one of Montreal’s most popular terraces. The panoramic view of the city and Saint Lawrence River is stunning.

Maggie Oakes: With outstanding outdoor seating under an awning-covered sidewalk deck, come here to try their in-house dry-aged meats and vegetarian dishes in the heart of Old Montreal.

Resto le Polisson: Located in the Épik boutique hotel (only service dogs are permitted), Resto le Polisson lets you indulge in some delicious seafood options. You can enjoy your meal out on the back patio or the bistro terrace with a view of the streets of Old Montreal.

Best Things To Do In Montreal

Now, let’s dive into the best things to do in Montreal in the winter with your pup. A few incredibly dog-friendly neighborhoods are Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Outremont, and Mile End.

Visit the Christmas Markets

Christmas is my favorite holiday, so you already know I will be obsessed with European Christmas Markets! There are so many unique gifts to pick up and specialty foods to try, all with Christmas cheer. Here are a few you must visit on your trip to Montreal in the winter.

Montreal’s Christmas Village: From November 26 through every weekend until December 20, the Montreal Christmas Village transforms the Atwater Market into a festive wonderland. Aside from charming chalets offering holiday treats and gifts, you can explore Santa’s workshop, shop for Christmas trees, and savor Sugar Shack delights. It’s all about indulging in snacks, finding unique gifts, and getting into the holiday spirit! 

The Great Christmas Market: From November 19 to December 31, downtown Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles turns into one of the city’s most massive Christmas markets ever. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday (until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve), featuring about 61 vendors offering goodies and food and over 150 free activities to join in the festive fun. Whether you’re up for an exciting festive day or just a stroll with a warm cup of mulled wine, this market has something for everyone, even your pup!

Jean-Talon Christmas Market: From November 26 to December 18, Montreal’s greatest farmers’ market undergoes a festive makeover, becoming a lively Christmas village. Treat yourself to cookies, gingerbread, and Christmas cupcakes while you browse for those perfect holiday gifts. It’s a foodie’s dreamland with a side of holiday shopping! 

Explore Old Montreal

Montreal’s streets turn into a winter wonderland with snow-covered buildings and festive decorations. You’ll stroll through these charming cobbled streets and be surrounded by buildings that have been standing tall since the 1600s. Nowadays, it’s a vibrant mix of cozy cafes, bustling plazas, fascinating museums, and cute boutiques. It’s a must-visit to see Montreal’s rich history and modern-day energy!

Here are must-visits in Old Montreal:

Notre-Dame Basilica

The Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal’s oldest Catholic church, boasts a 19th-century Gothic Revival-style exterior. But it’s the interior that truly steals the show. With its stunning shades of blue and gold, intricate wood carvings, captivating stained-glass windows, a collection of sculptures, and a majestic 7,000-pipe organ, it’s a masterpiece of architectural and artistic beauty. You MUST check out the church’s AURA Experience. It’s a light show, and series of multimedia displays meant to exhibit the Basilica’s architecture. I promise you will sit there in awe. See a sneak peek of the AURA Experience. 

It’s not a dog-friendly attraction, so having your pup stay at Doggieville for a few hours may be a good idea. 

Fun fact: This is the church where Celine Dion tied the knot! 

Explore Saint Laurent Boulevard

This is Montreal’s Main Street! It’s where you’ll find all the restaurants, cafes, bars, and plenty of stores for shopping. 

Stroll on Rue Saint-Paul

Head to Rue Saint-Paul – the oldest and most iconic Montreal streets for some laid-back exploration. This place has a rich history, with cobblestones that have existed longer than the entire United States!

Stretching about a mile long, Rue Saint-Paul was born in the 1670s and used to be the ultimate hotspot for the fur trade in North America. As time passed, it went through a bit of an industrial phase, with warehouses taking over. By the 1950s, it was looking a bit worn out.

Fast forward to the ’80s, Old Montreal, including Saint Paul Street, got a major makeover. Now, this street is a hub for iconic landmarks, cute cafes, fancy dining joints, cozy hotels, hipster hangouts, and boutique shopping – it’s got a bit of everything to keep you entertained!

Ride the La Grande Roue de Montréal

In Old Port, ride on the famous La Grande Roue de Montréal – a Ferris wheel or observation wheel fitted with ultra-clear tempered glass windows that offer amazing views of Montreal. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the Ferris Wheel, so you may need to have them stay at Doggieville’s daycare for a few hours. 

If you decide to leave your pup at daycare, you can take a bite at Bistro De La Grande Rou. Their menu includes a selection of healthy salads and bowls, grilled sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and tapas.

At the exact location, Café de La Grande roue is another excellent place to grab a bite. They serve Montreal-styled delicious pastries, homemade bread, fruit-filled crepes, grilled sandwiches, salads, and hot beverages to keep you warm.

The observation wheel, bistro, and cafe are Open 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

We didn’t take Gatsby to daycare and decided to stroll around here at night and took a photo instead.

Take A Montreal Walking Tour

One of the best ways to explore and learn about any city is to go on a guided tour. Since most of these walking tours are outdoors, they are dog-friendly. Here are a few to check out:

Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal: This Christmas-themed 1.5-hour guided walking tour takes you through historic Old Montreal. Admire the pretty twinkling Christmas lights and the most beautiful decorations in the pretty snowy dusted streets.

Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: Montreal is one of Canada’s top foodie destinations. Explore neighborhoods like Little Italy and Mile End while stopping at bars, restaurants, bakeries, and delicatessen. Along the way, you’ll be able to sample a variety of local and European-inspired dishes like gnocchi, Alsatian tarts, Montreal-style bagels, Italian coffee, and sweet ice cream.

Ice Skating Fun at Parc La Fontaine

Rent a pair, lace up those skates, and show off your moves on Parc La Fontaine’s frozen ponds on a sunny afternoon or under the twinkling stars. This park is a hotspot for ice skating lovers of all levels.

Dive into Comfort Food and Montreal Specialties

Winter and comfort food are a match made in heaven. Dive into a hot plate of poutine or a delicious crispy bagels at local eateries and food trucks around the city.

Montreal’s Specialities are:

• Bagels: Montreal’s authentic bagels get their unique flavor from being boiled in honey water and then baked in wood-fired ovens. This process gives them a deep, rich, and slightly sweet crunchy crust that’s seriously delicious. When you visit Montreal, make sure to hit up St. Viateur or Fairmount Bagel, which are the two most famous bagel spots in the city.
  
• Smoked meats: Montreal is known for its mouthwatering smoked meat, which is seasoned and aged for an entire week. You absolutely have to give it a try at Schwartz, a legendary eatery that holds the distinction of being the oldest deli in Canada of 90 years!
  
• Maple syrup: Did you know that Canada produces 71% of the world’s pure maple syrup, 91% of which is produced in Quebec? They can be found all over the holidays so make sure you bring some home!
  
• Poutine: Poutine is a Canadian dish made of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Head over to La Banquise to try some!

Montreal’s Winter Festivals

Montreal’s winter festivals, like the Montreal High Lights Festival and Igloofest, are where the party’s at. Expect live music and beautiful artwork.

Don’t miss the city’s winter festivals, like the Montréal en Lumière (aka Montreal High Lights Festival) and Igloofest. These events feature live music, art installations, and vibrant street celebrations.

Dog-Friendly Winter Fun at Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is the highest point and one of the biggest parks in Montreal. It’s also a winter wonderland for you and your dog. The trail in the park goes on for miles and is perfect for strolling and soaking up all the winter wonderland vibes. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. 

Location: 1260 Remembrance Road, Montréal, QC, CA, H3H 1A2

Take A Stroll At Lachine Canal National Historic Site

Lachine Canal National Historic Site offers a fantastic day out with your pup, even in the winter! The canal’s been around since 1825, helping ships navigate through the St. Lawrence River.

You’ll find restaurants and cafés all along the canal, where some may have outdoor terraces with heating lamps. There are plenty of trails here to explore, too.

Location: Prom. du Vieux-Port, Montréal, QC H3C 1Y5, Canada

Dog Parks Near Downtown Montreal

If you have an energetic dog like my Siberian Husky, take your pup to a fenced in dog park so they can run free off leash for a bit. Here are a few dog parks that are within walking distance from downtown Montreal. Since your pup is exploring a new park, be mindful to supervise and be alert for any aggressive play.

• Lucien-L’Allier Dog Park: 741 Rue Lucien-L’Allier, Montréal, QC H3C 1Z8, Canada
• Pilote Dog Park: Enter on Duke Street or Brennan Street
• Gallery Dog Park: 1345 Rue Olier, Montréal, QC H3C 1W4, Canada
• Percy-Walters Park: 40 Av. Mcgregor, Montréal, QC H3G 2J8, Canada

This Is Your Sign To Visit Montreal In The Winter

Since You’re already in the area, you must visit Quebec City which is not too far away. We spent Christmas in Quebec and stayed in one of the most photographed hotel in the world! So check out my Christmas In Quebec post!

Montreal’s winter wonderland is calling you and your pup for a magical adventure. From snowy streets to dog-friendly spots filled with holiday cheer, this charming Canadian city has it all. So, pack your bags, leash up your pup, and prepare for a magical time in Montreal. It’s where winter memories are made with your dog.

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