“When friends come to visit Montreal from out of town, where should I send them?”
I asked myself this question recently. As my 2 simple criteria, I decided to focus on amazing experiences in/around Montreal that:
- are relatively unique to Montreal (ie. not readily available in most other cities I’ve traveled to)
- represent well the spirit of Quebec (ie. help tourists understand what Quebec is all about).
Here’s my personal list:
1- Cabane à Sucre du Pied de Cochon
What is it?
La Cabane à Sucre du Pied de Cochon is a high-end sugar shack run by star Quebec chef Martin Picard. It’s located in St-Benoît de Mirabel, about 45 minutes from Montreal. The Cabane operates during 2 seasons, basically corresponding to “sugar shack” (February-May) and “apples/harvest” (August-November). Great for everyone, especially groups of 4–8. Meals are served in several fixed seatings daily. You must absolutely reserve online well in advance (about 6 months) as it is continually sold-out through the season. Adults: 65$, kids: 20$ for a multi-course meal.
Why it’s a must see?
If you want to taste the wonderful flavours of the Quebec “terroir”, there are few better places in Quebec than the Cabane. The meal is an smorgasboard of food, flavours and fun. Expect maple syrup, foie gras, spitfire roasts and calories galore! You can also peak into the kitchen from the windows to see the team at work. The team craftfully showcases seasonal flavours into the massive portions. Bring your appetite for an epic meal!
Why it represents well the spirit of Quebec?
Quebec is terroir. It’s farms, harvests and food. Quebec is hopsitality. It’s sharing a meal together with great conversation. This welcoming nature is very intensely felt at the Cabane.
2- Igloofest
What is it?
Igloofest is a winter music festival featuring outdoors electronic music acts. Programming spans multiple weekends in January-February. Located in beautiful Old Port area of Montreal (about 5 minutes away from downtown), with many other attractions and restaurants a stone’s throw away. Great for the adventurous 18–35 set, but enjoyable by anyone with mittens, tuque and enough layers! Individual ticket: 20$, with various passes available.
Why it’s a unique must see?
A music festival during the absolute coldest weeks of winter? Yes. That’s a pretty unique idea indeed! Organizers have created a true winter wonderland full of fluorescent skisuits, neon lights, warm wine (and Jägermeister), and the pulsing beat of some of the best electronic music around. Bonus points for getting Montrealers to leave their winter hibernation mode! Come make new friends and dance the night away!
Why it represents well the spirit of Quebec?
Quebec is winter. It’s cold. It’s ice. It’s also a city of festivals, party and music with a people full of warmth, hope and joie-de-vivre. Nowhere is this wonderful contrast more apparent than at Igloofest.
3- Foresta Lumina
What is it?
Foresta Lumina is a multimedia-enhanced fantastical night walk through a forest located in Coaticook, about 1.5hr from Montreal. It’s a relatively easy car roadtrip away from the city. Open nightly from June to October. Book ideally a few days in advance. Great for all tourists of all ages, but especially families. Adults: 16$, kids: 9$.
Why it’s a must see?
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering an enchanted forest at night, look no further. An elaborate set of surreal projections and multimedia storytelling transform the sleepy forest and make it come alive for visitors.
Why it represents well the spirit of Quebec?
Quebec is natural resources. It’s millions of acres of forests, trees and water. Foresta Lumina shines a new light on Quebec’s best asset: nature.
Notes: As mentioned above, all 3 activities are seasonal and not available year-round, so best to refer to their respective websites for full details and schedules. Also, only 1 located in the city of Montreal properly speaking, with the 2 others are about an hour or two away.
Tourist friends — I hope these suggestions are helpful! Look forward to seeing you in the city and let me know how you enjoyed these activities!
Fellow Montrealers — Which top 3 would be on your list? Why? Let me know in the comments below!
Photos: All photos by LP Maurice.