4-day/3-night winter itinerary 

On the first day of your urban adventure, explore Old Montréal and the Old Port. Enjoy breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, as well as the entertainment and attractions of this historic district, accessible by two metro stations with elevators: Champ-de-Mars and Place-d’Armes. 

Explore the Centre des sciences de Montréal/IMAX Telus, a science museum dedicated to science and technology, to understand the impact of environmental issues. Get hands-on thanks to our interactive devices! Check out the temporary exhibitions Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno and Biomimicry and Transport, as well as The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition, running until March 24, 2024. Get in on the action with spectacular images and an immersive sound system at the IMAX® TELUS theatre. 

Wrap up the evening at Place des festivals, a must-see destination featuring arts, entertainment, and gastronomy. Soak up the holiday atmosphere at the Great Christmas Market, returning from November 25 to December 30, 2023. Stroll along the magical route featuring 40 chalets, meet local and regional artisans, and enjoy free entertainment, theatrical and musical performances, including the signature show “Christmas in Montréal.”  

Be sure not to miss the 25^th edition of Montréal en lumière, which will take place, from February 29 to March 10, 2024. This festival spotlights the arts and culinary delights. It’s THE event for epicureans, featuring a gourmet program. An outdoor site awaits visitors, featuring a skating trail, illuminated artworks, free activities, and live entertainment. Join thousands of other night owls at the 21^st edition of Nuit Blanche, a unique experience for one night only! Stay tuned for the 2024 program announcement!   

Swing by the Montréal Biodôme, a huge biodiversity site in the Olympic Park. The Biodôme is home to over 2,500 animals of 200 different species and some 800 plant species across five ecosystems of the Americas. Travel through the tropical rainforest, the Laurentian forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Arctic, with optimal living conditions for animals and plants in each area. Fascinating exhibitions also unveil the Biodôme’s behind-the-scenes activities and its efforts to benefit the planet. Enjoy documentary film screenings and educational activities for both children and adults. 

Take your day of exploration to the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan, just a stone’s throw away. The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the starlit dome, an auditorium with a 360-degree curved screen that gives the impression of being in space. The shows feature commentary by astronomers who answer visitors’ questions. It’s the perfect place to learn more about astronomy, astrophysics, and the latest scientific discoveries. Until April 28, 2024, check out the nobElles exhibition, showcasing the careers of seven women scientists. 

Cross the Rivière des Prairies to Laval for a visit to the Centre d’interprétation de l’eau (C.I.EAU), an interactive and educational centre on water protection issues, offering scientific activities and presentations. C.I.EAU’s flagship exhibition, The Water Trail: From River to River, allows visitors to follow the path of water in the urban environment. Also on display are over 400 collector’s items from various eras, showing the evolution of water treatment technologies.  

Continue your escapade with a visit to Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier, named in honour of the eminent Québec researcher who dedicated his life to the study and prevention of infectious diseases. Gain a deeper understanding of biology, genetics, immunology, and many other health-related fields, thanks to interactive exhibits. On until September 2, 2024, check out the temporary exhibition Food for thought! which explores the relationship between well-being and food. These exhibits offer a laboratory experience that puts your learning into practice.  

Wrap up the day with the world’s largest multimedia sound and light event, Illumi Laval – A Dazzling World of Lights by Cavalia, a three-kilometre illuminated night-time trail that’s accessible by car or on foot. Altogether, 25 million LED bulbs bring thousands of structures to life, including the Illumi hallmark, a 47-metre-high tree of lights! Reservations are recommended. 

Enjoy a breath of fresh air at Bois de l’Équerre. As big as Mount Royal Park, Bois de l’Équerre is one of Laval’s last large urban forests. Managed by Canopée, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to conserve, enhance, and make natural environments accessible, this forest is home to a variety of ecosystems: maple groves, wetlands, and a great diversity of trees, as well as incredible birdlife, including several species of birds of prey. A 2.65 km trail is accessible to people with restricted physical ability. Adapted sleds are also available.  

MUMAQ — Musée des métiers d’art du Québec 

“Shaping the timeless” is MUMAQ’s invitation to you! Discover the expertise of Québec artisans, from New France to the present day. The Musée des métiers d’art du Québec’s exhibitions showcase the best achievements possible in working with the heart and the hands. Some 14,000 old and contemporary arts and crafts objects and over 10,000 objects related to arts and crafts traditions are on display. Many cultural activities and creative workshops are offered throughout the year. 

La Grande Bibliothèque 

Stop by the largest French-language library in North America, free of charge, when you’re in downtown Montréal. Tucked away in the heart of the Quartier Latin, where three metro lines meet, La Grande Bibliothèque is first and foremost an architectural landmark. The exterior is clad in 6,200 glass slats, with their glacier-green coating evoking Nordic landscapes. The interior is characterized by openness, transparency, and clarity. A host of cultural and learning activities for all ages are also offered: lectures, talks, shows, film screenings, etc.