Your Montreal meeting ends early? You have a free afternoon? Here are ideas to help attendees enjoy Montreal and its winter wonderland.
1. Skating in Old Montréal
Beyond hockey and figure skating, people from Quebec really enjoy the simple pleasures of ice skating. Before enjoying a Montreal Canadiens game, get in the ice skating mood on the various rinks throughout the city. The Old Port skating rink called the Bassin Bonsecours has magnificent views of this historic part of town. Open day and night, the rink offers skate rentals, music for more ambiance, and lighting during the evening. If you prefer the comfort of skating inside, you can also go to the Atrium of 1000 de La Gauchetière where an indoor ice rink welcomes you. http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/What-To-Do/Attractions/le-1000-de-la-gauchetiere. Close to all business hotels and meeting venues in the downtown core, ice skating is a great activity to discover in Montreal while experiencing something special when you only have a few hours.
2. Bota Bota – An urban spa
The 57-year-old ferryboat-turned-floating spa is docked on the river, offering privileged views of Old Montreal and Habitat 67. It harnesses geothermal energy from the riverbed below to heat its floors. Anchored at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau offers clients the healing benefits of an upscale spa coupled with the natural lulling movements of the St Lawrence River. The boat is comprised of five decks where you will find two saunas with windows showing Montreal’s magical backdrops, eucalyptus steam baths, outdoor whirlpool baths, showers, relaxation areas and a gourmet counter. A wide range of massages, treatments and therapies are offered to complement the thermal experience. http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Discover-montreal/Whats-hot/bota-bota-spa-sur-l-eau-what-s-hot
3. Walk on the Mountain
Designed by famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York’s Central Park, Mount Royal Park is a landmark of this city known to both locals and visitors. “The mountain,” as Montrealers call it, reveals amazing views of the city and also of the surrounding regions. Winter activities for groups in the heart of Mount Royal Park can be organized and planned for group outings. Plan a guided snowshoe walk by night over the mountain and enjoy the feeling of walking on the snow under the moonlight. For additional comfort and convenience, it is also easy to plan meals, hot beverage options, and rentals for skis, skates and inner tubes for sliding down the hill. A skating rink is also open during the day and evening, and don’t forget to warm up with a nice hot chocolate at Café des Amis at the Maison Smith close to the rink.
4. Exploring the City
For the curious traveller who likes to explore, head up St-Laurent or Parc Ave to the trendy Mile End neighbourhood and pick up some bagels at the famous Fairmount or St-Viateur bagel shops. Montreal bagels are smaller, sweeter, and denser, with a larger hole ─ even New Yorkers love them. While you’re casually strolling through the area, stop in for a hot coffee at Café Olimpico coffee house. Famous food discoveries not your thing? Head to the Musée des Art Contemporain or the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montreal and spend a few hours checking out their latest exhibits. Add the underground pedestrian network to your list of things to experience: hotels and the Palais des congrès (Convention Centre) connect to restaurants, shopping centres, movie theatres and more through 32 km (20 miles) of brightly-lit tunnels.
5. Day Trips
About an hour outside Montreal awaits a variety of fun and exciting winter activities for those who want to get outside and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. The Bromont region of the Eastern Townships is home to the largest lit ski area in North America. Plan an adventure to go cross-country skiing, a spa day or simply enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride tucked under a warm, cozy blanket. What could be more enjoyable? http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Accommodations/chateau-bromont
If heading up north is more your thing, Mont-Tremblant is a unique ski resort that combines European ambiance with Québécois hospitality. As the oldest mountain range in the world, the region is home to the highest mountains in the Laurentians and includes a charming pedestrian village, where skiers go to unwind, and a lively downtown area with numerous stores and services. It is proudly among the world’s top 10 winter and summer playgrounds. http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Accommodations/mont-tremblant-ski-resort
Information provided courtesy of Colin Danby of Cohn & Wolfe: www.cohnwolfe.ca