This year’s Spring Break is going to be very wintry indeed. With freezing temperatures and 74cm of snow in recent weeks, we’re not afraid of anything, but we still want to make the most of the city in late winter (or early spring?).
It’s the vacations, even for those of us who work 9-to-5, and we want to feel like we’re on vacation even if we’re not. The sun sets a little later every day, and with a little luck, we’ll be able to get out of the office and feel a little free – with the gentle spring wind in our hair. And if not, there’s always the weekend!
Long walks in the last snow, colorful exhibitions, a bit of relaxation, a cocktail (with or without alcohol), we’ve made a list for all your vacation week desires.
1. the last hurrah of winter sports
Yes, winter is almost over and many of us are ready to move on. But in the meantime, we’re embracing winter and doing the things we didn’t have time to do until the holidays-because we thought we’d try snowskating and snow scootering, and ended up going cross-country skiing every weekend…
Great for families and groups, or a date you want to impress with your skating skills ;
- Le Vergé Labonté, for skating in the forest
- Le Récréoparc, for biking and scootering on snow
- Parc Jean-Drapeau, for snowshoeing, sliding and evening skating with lights and music
2. a Candlelight concert
Relax in the half-light, and really enjoy the last dark days of winter with classical music and the flickering flames of candles.
Candlelight concerts are held all the time in Montreal’s most beautiful churches. Pop, rock and indie hits are performed by classical musicians. Perfect for a balmy evening, or to hear Taylor Swift played by a symphony orchestra…
To reserve your tickets, click here.
3. a cold-warm winter day at the spa
It’s the last moment to emerge from a sauna, red as a poppy, and let the snowflakes melt on your cheeks. The most hardcore leave without their bathrobe and plunge their entire body into the cold water without hesitation. The most winter-weary look on as they are massaged with hot stones.
And for Spring Break specials;
- Bota Bota is offering workshops in mindfulness breathing and massage therapy from March 3 to 7, for (stressed-out) teens aged 12 to 17.
- Strom Spa Nordique offers family matinees from March 3 to 6, to relax with your children (over 5) between 8 and 11 a.m.
4. a little culture with the kids
Children (and older children) will have plenty to do and learn in these museums/centers;
- The Biodôme and its bearded tamarins
- Zoo Écomusée, the only outdoor wildlife museum on the island of Montreal
- The Science Center
- SOS Labyrinthe, a 2 km playground in the Old Port
- iSaute, an incredible trampoline park
5. Enjoy free outdoor activities
Did you know that you can borrow outdoor equipment for free in many Montreal parks?
Depending on the neighborhood, you can rent cross-country skis, snowshoes, skates, tubes, field hockey sticks and more for free. And this time, we promise, we’ll try it all!
This initiative, usually offered on weekends, will also be available during Spring Break. To see the list of parks offering outdoor equipment loans and the terms and conditions, click here.
6. city outings
As a couple, with friends or solo if you’re brave, and for students finishing their semester courses, we’ve got suggestions for bars and restaurants – and arcades, for geeks and the competent.
7.short road-trips
Yes, sometimes you just want to get away from Montreal, just for a day. We don’t stray too far, at most two hours from the city (depending on traffic on the bridge), but it’s like going to the end of the world – where the snow is fresh and the chocolate is hot…
We recommend it:
- The ski resort and village of Mont-Tremblant
- Magog and surrounding area (with a soft spot for Georgeville for an injection of pure Ralph-Lauren-esque aesthetics)
- Venise-en-Québec
- Trois-Rivières
We won’t get bored! Have a great spring break!