Old Port of Montréal ice skating rink fills the sky with colorful lights and winter guests with memorable experiences. ©Stéphan Poulin – Tourisme Montréal
Destination Quebec Canada / Winter at Old Port of Montréal
Following a record-breaking summer that saw over 4.6 million visitors, the Old Port of Montréal is gearing up for an exciting winter season packed with activities, festivals, and unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
Winter Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
Winter at Old Port of Montréal Natrel ice skating rink | Theme nights at Old Port ice skating rink. ©Vieux-Port de Montréal
The season kicks off with the MTL Zipline, operating through December 15th before taking a brief hiatus until spring break. For those seeking classic winter fun, the Old Port Skating Rink opens its doors on December 14th, with Patin-Patin providing convenient skate rentals for visitors. The iconic Grande Roue de Montréal observation wheel offers breathtaking views of the site, including a magnificent Christmas tree, and will extend its hours until 1 AM on New Year’s Eve.
This year brings an exciting collaboration with Igloofête for “DJ on Ice” – six consecutive Friday night events starting January 10th that transform the skating rink into a dynamic outdoor dance floor. It’s the perfect blend of winter sports and musical entertainment.
Ring in 2025 at the Old Port
After a multi-year hiatus, New Year’s Eve celebrations are returning to the Old Port with a bang. Organized by Igloofest, the December 31st festivities at Jacques Cartier Quay will feature free concerts from 8 PM to 2 AM, culminating in a spectacular fireworks and multimedia show to welcome 2025. Best of all? Access to the site is completely free.
Festival Season Continues
The world-famous Igloofest returns for its 17th edition from January 16th to February 8th. Known as the world’s coldest festival, this unique event brings together electronic music enthusiasts for 12 nights of performances by top local and international DJs and VJs. The festival runs Thursday through Saturday nights, with family-friendly programming on Saturday afternoons from 1 PM to 6 PM.
Unique Winter Dining and Relaxation
Looking for something different? Montreal’s Old Port transforms into a winter destination with festivals, activities, and exceptional dining and wellness experiences. From floating restaurants to spa sanctuaries, you can embrace the season while staying cozy and warm. Here are some of the Port’s most distinctive winter experiences:
A Magical Winter Evening on the Water
Planning a romantic evening? This cozy winter experience provides an unforgettable evening on the water. ©Day Tours – Bateau-Mouche
The Bateau-Mouche’s Frosted Evening experience (November 2nd – March 1st) offers an exceptional winter adventure while docked at the Old Port of Montreal. Guests can immerse themselves in a modern, elegant setting while admiring the snowy beauty of the Saint Lawrence River and Montreal’s winter landscape.
The experience features an exquisite menu crafted in collaboration with a high-end caterer and served by an experienced, dedicated team. As evening falls, visitors are treated to a special Music + Light experience that creates an enchanting atmosphere against the backdrop of Montreal’s sparkling winter panorama. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, family outing, or gathering with friends, this cozy winter experience provides an unforgettable evening on the water.
A Floating Oasis: Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau
The Bota Bota spa complex has expanded beyond the main vessel to include beautiful gardens and a unique floating sauna directly on the water. ©Jean-François Savaria – Tourisme Montréal
Among the Old Port’s most unique winter attractions is Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau, a floating spa with a fascinating history. Originally serving as a ferry between Sorel and St-Ignace-de-Loyola in the 1950s and later reinvented as a theater boat, this vessel found its third life as an innovative wellness destination when the Emond family transformed it into a spa in 2010.
Water is central to the Bota Bota experience. Its signature water circuit comprises three stages: hot, cold, and relaxation. During winter, this therapeutic journey becomes more magical as guests warm up in the baths and saunas while watching snow fall over the city skyline.
The spa complex has expanded beyond the main vessel to include beautiful gardens and a unique floating sauna directly on the water – a peaceful haven that’s become a favorite among regular visitors.
For winter guests, the contrast between the warm, steamy environments and the crisp winter air creates an invigorating spa experience unlike anywhere else in Montreal.
Les Eaux Douces at Jacques Cartier Pavilion
The pavilion serves as a cultural and gastronomical hub focusing on sustainable cuisine. Food and fun go hand in hand here. Be sure to follow them on social media to catch all the events this winter season.
Cafe’ Van Houtte
A new Café Van Houtte location opens at King Edward Quay in late November.
Science and Discovery at the Montréal Science Centre
The Montréal Science Centre has a collection of permanent and rotating exhibits to keep the entire family entertained and engaged during the holiday season. ©Société du Vieux-Port de Montréal – Benoit Rousseau
The Montréal Science Centre continues to captivate visitors with innovative exhibits that blend education with hands-on entertainment.
The all-new permanent exhibition Fabrik² celebrates Montreal’s innovative spirit through a series of creative engineering challenges, each named after iconic elements of the city. In “The Metro” challenge, visitors design flying contraptions that navigate through air tubes, while “Ville-Marie” tasks participants with building illuminated structures using motors, LED bulbs, and switches. “Le Mont,” inspired by Mount Royal, challenges inventors to create machines that can navigate varying seasonal conditions on a slope, and “The River” draws from the mighty St. Lawrence, asking visitors to design neutrally buoyant prototypes.
For food enthusiasts and curious minds alike, the Banquet interactive exhibition offers a multi-sensory journey into the science of gastronomy. This unique experience takes visitors from kitchen to table, providing hands-on opportunities to master cooking basics while exploring the chemistry behind culinary traditions. The exhibition culminates in a spectacular banquet-show that combines visual projections, sounds, and aromas, featuring a menu inspired by renowned chefs Thierry Marx and Raphaël Haumont. The dining table transforms into a stage where technology and gastronomy merge to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
During the holiday season, families can enjoy the special Holiday Alley space (December 27th – January 6th), perfect for shared play and discovery. The Centre also features Australia 3D: The Wild Continent on its IMAX® screen, along with engaging permanent exhibitions including Explore, Human, and Mini Mondo, each offering unique perspectives on science and innovation.
Cultural Experiences at The Old Port of Montréal
Place Jacques-Cartier serves as a cultural and gastronomical hub focusing on sustainable cuisine. ©Tourisme Montréal, Matthieu Dupuis
For history enthusiasts, The Horizon of Khufu offers an immersive virtual reality tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza. This unique experience will be available until mid-January, making it a perfect winter activity for those interested in ancient history.
The Old Port of Montréal has established itself as Québec’s most popular recreational tourism site, welcoming over six million visitors annually. With its 2.5-kilometer stretch along the St. Lawrence River, the site continues to evolve while maintaining its position as a central hub for both cultural and recreational activities in the heart of the city.
Whether you’re a local looking for winter entertainment or a tourist exploring Montréal’s seasonal charm, the Old Port offers an impressive array of activities that showcase the best of winter in the city. From high-energy festivals to relaxing spa experiences, there’s truly something for everyone at this historic waterfront destination.
For more information about specific events and booking details, visitors are encouraged to check the Old Port’s official website or contact individual venues directly.
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