10 Things to Do in Montreal in November

If you're planning to visit Montreal and want to avoid the crowds, November could be an ideal time for your travel plans. During this month you can attend some of the best festivals and events on the annual calendar, enjoy the opening of winter season attractions and explore some of the best scenery around the city.

Some of the best things to do in Montreal in November include participating in the Day of the Dead celebrations, discovering local cuisine at the MTLàTABLE Festival, attending the opening of winter activities at Mont-Royal Park, getting discounts on culinary activities and discovering the Canadian countryside on train rides.

Participating in Montreal's Day of the Dead celebrations in November is a unique cultural experience that will immerse you in the rich Mexican tradition, but one that has permeated Canada since immigration. During this holiday, the Mexican community and lovers of this culture gather to honour the deceased in a colourful and festive way.

One of the main activities is to visit the Altar of the Dead, where offerings of food, flowers, photos and personal objects of the deceased are placed. These altars are set up in different parts of the city, such as the Latin Quarter and some cultural centres, where you can appreciate the creativity and meaning behind each altar. Also, on this day, the best tours of Montreal include stops at these sites.

Besides the altars, the streets are filled with parades and processions celebrating life and death. People dressed in colourful traditional costumes, sugar skulls and masks parade through the streets to the rhythm of traditional music and dance. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and enjoy the festive energy that surrounds the celebration.

Another must-do activity is to sample the delicious Mexican cuisine on offer during the celebrations. From tamales and mole to pan de muerto, you can savour authentic traditional dishes that are an integral part of the holiday. Restaurants and food stalls around the city offer special menus and themed events for a unique culinary experience.

Discover Canadian gastronomy at the MTLàTABLE Festival in Montreal during the first half of November is a culinary experience not to be missed. This annual festival brings together the city's best restaurants, offering diners the opportunity to enjoy special menus and exclusive promotions for several weeks.

Over the course of the event, participating restaurants offer a unique selection of dishes that highlight local ingredients and Canadian culinary techniques. From delicious beef and pork to fresh seafood and seasonal produce, the menus are carefully designed to highlight the authentic flavours of Canada.

Montreal's talented and passionate chefs put their creativity into each dish, creating unique flavour combinations and artistic presentations. It's an opportunity to sample innovative dishes and explore the culinary diversity the city has to offer everywhere from upscale restaurants and street stalls to the kitchens of Montreal's best cruise tours.

In addition to food, the MTLàTABLE Festival also offers special events, such as wine tastings, cooking classes and talks with culinary experts. These activities complement the dining experience and give visitors the opportunity to learn about local ingredients, cooking techniques and Canada's culinary culture.

Another popular Montreal event in November for fans of the big screen is the Cinemania Festival. This annual event is dedicated to presenting the best of Francophone cinema from around the world, offering a selection of high-quality films and exclusive premieres.

This event is a unique opportunity to discover new cinematic voices and immerse yourself in captivating stories told in the French language. The selected films cover a wide range of genres and styles, from dramas and comedies to documentaries and auteur films. It is a festival that stands out for its diversity and its focus on quality filmmaking.

In addition to screenings, the festival also organises meetings with directors and actors, providing an opportunity to meet the talents behind the films up close. The scenery is changing, in different cinemas around the city, which you can visit by public transport or on Montreal's tourist buses.

The festival atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with cinephiles and film industry professionals coming together to celebrate creativity and passion for the seventh art. Screenings are held in renowned Montreal cinemas, allowing you to enjoy the cinematic experience in an authentic and exciting atmosphere.

The M pour Montréal music festival concerts during the first week of November are a thrilling experience for music lovers. This annual event brings together talented local and international artists on various stages throughout the city, offering a wide variety of musical genres and styles.

During the festival you can enjoy live concerts in some of Montreal's most iconic venues, including theatres, bars and concert halls. The programming includes an eclectic mix of bands and solo artists in a variety of genres, from rock and pop to electronica, hip-hop and more.

In addition to concerts, the M pour Montreal festival also organises special activities and events, such as panel discussions and networking sessions. These activities allow attendees to connect with music industry professionals, explore new opportunities and learn more about the city's music scene.

One of the advantages of experiencing the festival's concerts in November is that you can experience the musical energy in an intimate and welcoming environment. Unlike larger festivals, M pour Montreal provides the opportunity to enjoy up-close performances and connect closely with the artists and their music.

For a typical Montreal snowy season experience, you can't miss the opening of the ice skating rink at Parc Mont-Royal every year in mid-November. This is an exciting tradition that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy skating in a fun-filled and picturesque setting.

The opening of the ice rink marks the beginning of the winter season in Canada and attracts residents and tourists alike. Although November is part of autumn, it is celebrated during that month because that is when the city gets its first snowfall. This festive event also features music and lights, making it a great place to visit with children in Montreal.

Mont-Royal Park is a great place for ice skating, with its large rink and beautiful natural scenery. Skaters can glide across the ice while taking in the panoramic views of the city and soaking in the festive atmosphere surrounding the opening.

In addition to the ice rink, Parc Mont-Royal offers a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, sledding and hiking on snowy trails. You can also enjoy a hot chocolate or visit one of the nearby cafes and restaurants. If you plan to visit Montreal during Christmas, you'll also find a giant tree with Christmas Eve decorations.

The Montreal Film Festival, also known as Les Rencontres internationales du cinéma de Montréal, is an annual event that takes place over two weeks in November and attracts filmmakers, film lovers and industry professionals from around the world. During this festival, the city is filled with cinematic excitement and energy.

The Montréal Film Festival is noted for its wide selection of films from different genres and countries. From feature films to short films and documentaries, the festival presents a variety of productions that address diverse themes and cinematic styles.

In addition to film screenings, the festival also offers complementary activities such as panel discussions, workshops and meetings with filmmakers. Attendees have the opportunity to interact with creators and explore the technical and artistic aspects of filmmaking.

Experiencing the Montreal Film Festival is an exciting and enriching experience for film lovers. You'll immerse yourself in a world of captivating stories, discover new talent and enjoy the magic of cinema in its purest form at one of the best things to do at night in Montreal during the month of November.

Making the most of the dining discounts during Montreal Restaurant Week in the first week of November is a perfect opportunity to explore the city's vibrant culinary scene at more affordable prices.

During this annual event, Montreal's best restaurants offer special menus at reduced prices, allowing diners to enjoy a high-quality dining experience without breaking the bank.

From traditional dishes to innovative creations, during the event chefs strive to offer a variety of tempting options to satisfy every palate. In addition to discounted menus, Montreal Restaurant Week also often includes special events such as tastings, culinary demonstrations and wine tastings.

It's important to note that during Montreal Restaurant Week, restaurants may be busier than usual, so I recommend making reservations in advance to ensure you get a seat, especially if you plan to visit the city for a short stay. If that's your case, here's a list of things you can do to discover Montreal in 3 days.

Visiting Étang Baker, the heart-shaped lake outside Montreal, in November is a magical and enchanting experience. This time of year is the ideal time to discover this lake, as the combination of the autumn colours and the peaceful surroundings creates a truly special atmosphere for a visit to Quebec from Montreal.

Étang Baker is surrounded by lush nature and offers breathtaking scenery. The trees surrounding the lake display a range of vibrant colours, from bright yellow to deep red. This natural spectacle creates a stunning backdrop to the heart-shaped lake, making it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Étang Baker offers the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. You can take a walk along the trails around the lake, breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the serenity of the surroundings.

November is the best time to visit Étang Baker, as the tourist crowds are lower in contrast to Montreal's summertime influx. This means you can enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surroundings in a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Exploring the best scenery on Via Rail's November train journeys is an unforgettable experience, especially during autumn. This season brings an explosion of colour to the landscapes the train travels through, making the journey a visually stunning experience and one of the best excursions to take from Montreal.

Travelling by train allows you to appreciate the beauty of the natural landscapes surrounding Montreal up close. The environment creates a breathtaking spectacle along the route, which includes everything from vast forests to picturesque valleys and meandering rivers.

In addition, as the first snowfall in Canada begins in November and some overland roads are closed, the train offers a permanent alternative for visiting Ottawa, Quebec and other nearby cities.

Via Rail 's train journeys offer a relaxing and comfortable experience. You can sit by the window and let the gentle rhythm of the train carry you away as you admire the changing autumn scenery through the panoramic windows.

To experience the Montreal Bach Festival classical music event in November is to immerse yourself in the charm and excellence of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. This annual festival, held at various venues in Montreal, is a unique opportunity to appreciate classical music masterpieces performed by leading international musicians and ensembles.

This event focuses on honouring the musical legacy of Bach, considered one of the most influential composers in history. During the festival, attendees can enjoy chamber music concerts, organ and choral recitals, among other events. You can also take private tours with expert local guides to learn about the influence of classical music in the city.

The masterful interpretations of Bach's pieces and the passion with which the musicians perform them make each concert a captivating and culturally engaging experience as interesting as visiting Montreal's finest museums.

This festival not only celebrates the music of Bach, but also presents works by other baroque composers that complement and enrich the programme. The concerts feature a variety of styles and genres, from vocal music to period instruments, providing a diverse and exciting musical experience.

In general, daytime temperatures in November range from 0°C to 10°C, although they can drop below 0°C at night. As the month progresses, it is common to see temperatures drop even further, especially towards the end of November, when winter is fast approaching.

I recommend always carrying warm clothing so that you can protect yourself from the cold and stay comfortable outdoors. In addition, I advise you to wear footwear suitable for walking on slippery surfaces due to the possible presence of ice and snow at this time of year, which at times can resemble winter in Montreal.

Tourism in Montreal in November tends to be lower compared to the summer months and festival seasons. As temperatures begin to drop and the weather gets colder, the influx of tourists decreases. This means that the city's tourist sites and attractions tend to be less crowded.

However, despite the lower tourist influx, Montreal in November remains an attractive destination for travellers. The city offers a wide variety of cultural activities, events and festivals, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Prices in November tend to be lower compared to the summer months in Montreal, which can be an advantage for visitors looking to save money during their stay in the city. Both accommodation and transport prices tend to be more affordable during this season, so you can get better deals and promotions on hotels and flights.

In addition, many restaurants and shops offer discounts and special promotions during November, allowing you to enjoy dining and shopping at more attractive prices. It's also a good time to explore local markets and enjoy fresh produce and handicrafts at more affordable prices.

November ushers in the cold season in Montreal, so I advise you to pack the following in your suitcase:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Warm socks
• Woollen hats
• Woollen scarves
• Woollen jumpers
• Warm trousers
• Thermal fleece
• Rain jacket
• Umbrella