Discover the experience
Have you ever heard of the Candlelight concert series? These intimate performances held all over the world in candlelit venues are the perfect opportunity to rediscover music in a whole new way, from classical and jazz to pop, rock and rap. In Montreal, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is among the best places for this unique experience! Our top pick for the upcoming season? Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and the Beatles, a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the greatest hits of these musical giants, performed by the Listeso string quartet!
Where: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Montreal
When: Friday February 28, at 9 p.m.
Good to know: Candlelight Experiences are presented at several venues in Montreal. These concerts pay tribute to various bands and artists throughout the winter.
Manoir d’Youville, a magnificent estate located on an island off the coast of Châteauguay, welcomes solo travellers, duos and couples to enjoy the Disconnect Package (webpage in French only). This one-night package, with breakfast, includes a bottle of wine, a sweet treat, a gift certificate to spend at the restaurant on site and a discount on access to the wildlife sanctuary. You can also add a Swedish massage to your stay, for total relaxation and a true break from the daily grind.
Where: Manoir d’Youville on Saint-Bernard Island in Châteauguay.
When: Offered at all times, but subject to room availability.
Good to know: This package is priced for either single or double occupancy.
At Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac-Bouchette in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, you can book a stay in a cottage where you can relax in total comfort in the heart of nature. There are cozy cottages for 1 or 2 people – perfect for a solo vacation or couple’s getaway – as well as larger cottages for groups of friends or families of up to 7 people. Take advantage of your stay to discover the trails and the lake and recharge your batteries in a peaceful environment.
Where: Cottages at the Ermitage Saint-Antoine du Lac-Bouchette in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
When: Available at all times. See reservation calendar for availability.
Good to know: This package is priced for either single or double occupancy.
The Château Dufresne presents Viauville – c’est l’avenir, a new exhibition highlighting the fascinating history of a unique urban development project in Viauville. Those fascinated by urban development and residential innovation won’t want to miss this invitation to step into the world imagined by Charles-Théodore Viau, the visionary industrialist famous for the cookie factory that bears his name.
Where: Château Dufresne, Montréal
When: Until June 29, 2025
Good to know: Château Dufresne is easily accessible by public transit (a 4-minute walk from the Montreal metro’s Pie-IX station). Free parking is also available for visitors.
The Augustinian Monastery is aware that stress and a hectic lifestyle can affect children as well as adults. That’s why the Family Yoga activity (information in French only) offers a light-hearted approach suitable for kids and a special moment of quality family time to strengthen parent-child bonds.
Where: Monastère des Augustines in Québec City.
When: Sunday, February 9, 2025. From 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. for children ages 4 to 6 and from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for children ages 7 to 12.
Good to know: All of the material is provided on site, and no experience is necessary to participate.
Interested in catching a glimpse of what winters were like back in North America’s first French colony? At Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum and Historic Site, the Winter in New France guided tour explores how settlers adapted to the winter climate in their new country. As your guide takes you through the house’s various rooms, you’ll also learn about the lifestyle and traditions surrounding this unique season.
Where: Maison Saint-Gabriel Museum and Historic Site, Montréal
When: Until March 30 2025
Good to know: The 1-hour guided tour in English is offered Wednesday through Sunday, at 2 p.m. If you’re looking to practice your French and truly feel like you’re in New France, join the guided tour in French at 1 p.m. Get your tickets online before your visit!
At the Val-Notre-Dame Abbey, treat yourself to a winter gourmet experience and learn how to cook the bounty of Quebec’s forests (information in French only). If you’re fascinated by wild mushrooms, edible flowers, fir trees or other local Quebec products, don’t miss the chance to take part in one of the Abbey’s themed workshops. You can learn more about unusual fruits, vegetables and forest products, and pick up tips on how to follow a locally based diet. Don’t forget to stop by the shop to take home jams, condiments, chocolates, cheeses and other delicacies!
Where: Val-Notre-Dame Abbey, Saint-Jean-de-Matha (Lanaudière)
When: Various dates
Good to know: The Abbey also has a vast network of trails and a wonderful lookout to enjoy on a hike.
Still an active place of worship, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is also an important heritage, cultural and social site in Old Québec. On a self-guided tour, you’ll discover some of the finest examples of Georgian silver ever made, as well as colourful stained-glass windows featuring the work of famous artists. Music lovers, don’t miss the chance to see (and hear!) two organs under one roof, as well as the impressive choir that accompanies religious services.
Where: Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Old Québec (Québec City)
When: You can take a self-guided tour Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Sundays, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Good to know: The Cathedral presents Les Concerts Couperin – a series of concerts hosted at different times throughout the year.
