Top 10 Birthday Ideas in Montreal

 

Top 10 Birthday Ideas in Montreal

How should one celebrate a birthday? No matter what kind of experience you’re seeking—chill or exhilarating—Montreal has lots to offer. Here are a few of our top recommendations for the city’s top birthday activities.


Top 10 Birthday Ideas in Montreal

If you’re looking for birthday ideas in Montreal, you’re in luck. The city is full of great places to eat, drink, and be merry. Here are 10 ideas to get you going.

For the Foodie

Dinner at one of Montreal’s many excellent restaurants is always a good idea. It’s even better to get a group together and make a reservation at a private room or patio.

For the Party Animal

The best way to celebrate your birthday is with a night out. Drinks at a bar to start, then move on to a club to dance. You can be sure it will be a memorable evening!

For the Cultured Type

A terrific way to celebrate a birthday in Montreal is to visit a museum or art gallery. Or, for something really different, take a tour of one of the city’s historic landmarks.

For the Sporty Type

A day spent cycling or hiking in one of Montreal’s many parks is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air on your birthday. It’s also a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

For the Ultimate Indulgence

Spend a day being pampered at one of Montreal’s numerous spas or salons. It’s the ideal way to unwind and revitalize before your special day.

For the Thrifty Type

Not everyone likes spending a lot of money on their birthday, so why not do something that won’t cost you a dime? Take a walk around one of Montreal’s many neighborhoods, explore a new park or people-watch in a busy area like Place des Arts or Crescent Street.

For Those with A Sweet Tooth

A visit to one of Montreal’s many bakeries or ice cream shops is sure to please anyone with a penchant for sweets. You might also attempt baking your own cake or ice cream if you’re daring!

For the Nature Lover

On your birthday, venture outside the city and discover some of Montreal’s stunning countryside. Take a drive to one of the nearby towns or villages, go for a hike in the woods, or enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For the Ultimate Montreal Experience

A birthday is a perfect excuse to try something new, so why not take a Segway tour of the city or go kayaking on the St. Lawrence River?

For Those Who Want to Stay In

Sometimes, the best way to spend a birthday is in the comfort of your own home. Have a few friends for dinner and drinks, or spend the day relaxing with a good book or movie. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy your special day!

How Do You Celebrate a Low-Budget Birthday?

 

Not everyone has a lot of money to spend on their birthday, but that doesn’t mean the day can’t be special. Here are some ideas for celebrating a birthday on a budget:

 

  • Have a potluck dinner party with friends or family. You can reduce the expense of the meal by having everyone bring their preferred dish.
  • Do not eat lunch or dinner out; instead, have a picnic in the park.
  • Have a cake and ice cream party at home. You can make your own cake or buy one from the store.
  • Spend the day engaging in your favorite activity, such as reading, taking a walk, or watching a movie.
  • Make your own gifts or decorations instead of buying them. Online, you can find a tonne of fantastic DIY instructions for everything from making a photo collage to making your own birthday card.
  • Get together with a few friends and do something for someone else, like volunteering at a local shelter or delivering meals to the elderly.
  • Have a board game night or karaoke party instead of going out to a bar or club.

Conclusion

Whatever your budget, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate a birthday. The most important thing is to spend the day doing something you enjoy with the people you love. Make your birthday a day to remember by doing something that you’ll always remember!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
Top spots for skiing & Snowboarding around Quebec City

What are the best spots for skiing and snowboarding near Quebec City? Check out this post to get the list and details about the best sites!


Top spots for skiing & Snowboarding around Quebec City

Quebec City is famous for its French culture, European buildings, cobblestone streets, diverse restaurants, museums, and attractions. However, the fabled slopes in the nearby mountains drive more people to enjoy the picturesque views and participate in outdoor adventure activities, including skiing and snowboarding. So, today’s article will list the top spots for skiing and snowboarding near Quebec City.

Mont-Sainte-Anne

Mont-Sainte-Anne is 40 kilometers away from Quebec City, boasting more than 70 trails across three mountains. The area covers 547 acres, offering well-groomed and well-maintained terrain for snowboarders and skiers. Most people visit Mont-Sainte-Anne on short winter days to enjoy the 19 trails lit for night skiing.

In addition, lifts are efficient and fast and include a base to summit the beautiful gondola and four quads. You will love the well-mixed terrain for varying skiing and snowboarding skills. There are trails for family-friendly adventure activities, including the 3-4 kilometers trail from the summit for beginners.

Similarly, 80% of the landscape or terrain is suitable for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. Snowmaking covers 340 acres of the terrain and supplements over 200 inches of natural snow every year.

Mont Tremblant

Everyone knows about Mont Tremblant, the most famous ski resort in Canada. Mont Tremblant offers picturesque views and the French Alpine resort flair, offering a comfortable traffic-free village of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Mont Tremblant is near Quebec City in the Laurentians with an altitude of 2,871 feet, adding to the northern location and offering plenty of natural snow. It has world-class snowmaking tops, driving people throughout the skiing season.

Besides, combined with numerous on-and-off adventure activities in the mountains, Mont Tremblant is the number one ski resort in Eastern Canada. You will love various outdoor activities, such as snow tubing and snowshoeing.

Le Massif de Charlevoix

Le Massif De Charlevoix overlooks the St. Lawrence River in the beautiful Quebec region. The place is famous for its gorgeous views and challenging steeps. It also has an upside-down layout, making it a perfect destination for skiing enthusiasts.

You will find the main lodge on the top of the mountain with a ski school to learn about skiing and snowboarding on slopes with magic carpet lifts. In addition, driving to the summit is an excellent way to enjoy the picturesque scenery.

On the other hand, you can start at the bottom and take the lift to reach the mountaintop. Moreover, this place is Canada’s highest vertical Rockies with a new 100-acre of meadows, making it popular for expert skiers and snowboarders.

Bromont

Bromont is one of the largest Township ski resorts near Quebec City, with more than 155 trails spread across various slopes on four mountains. Thus, Bromont gives its gorgeous terrain with increased diversity. Although you will see that the hill is a little benign from below, its 40% of trails are suitable for expert and double-diamond skiers.

In addition, 25% of the terrain is suitable for beginners, and 35% of the landscape is ideal for intermediate skiers. You will never find the thrill and adventure anywhere else than Bromont, especially when you want to make the most out of your skiing and snowboarding adventure.

Mont Orford

Mont Orford boasts a dense forest of the National Park, allowing skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to visit the place, relish the beautiful mountain views, and enjoy the well-groomed trails. The entire section has natural snow, allowing for unique skiing experiences.

Mont Orford, also known as the signature mountain, is one of the tallest mountains in the Eastern Townships, providing an exciting rank of black and double-black diamonds. In addition, there are several vertical drops for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

There are a total of 17 glades. Two are suitable for beginners, three for intermediate-level skiers, and a dozen for expert-level skiing enthusiasts. Moreover, it has a park for cross-country skiers with more than 45 kilometers of trails near the Discovery Center Le Cerisier.

Final Words

Skiers and snowboarders head to western Canada for adventure activities. However, Quebec City’s surroundings are excellent spots for skiing in Eastern Canada, boasting diverse elevations and natural snow, making these areas the best spots for skiing and snowboarding. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
Skating in the Old Port

Whether it is spring, summer, autumn, or winter, it is always a great time to enjoy Montreal. It is a vibrant city that offers almost everything, from parks, museums, historic sites to restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, theatres, and beautiful attractions.

Although romantic couples enjoy Valentine’s Day worldwide, Montreal is the best place to celebrate love, romanticism, affection, friendship, and admiration. A growing body of research evidence shows that 14 February, a.k.a Valentine’s Day is beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing.

The love and affection you and your partner express boost your serotonin levels, giving you peace of mind, happiness, and tranquility. Montreal is the best place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and here is how!


1. Spend Quality Time at Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is the best place to spend quality time with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. The snowy landscapes are genuinely mesmerizing and magical at night. Not only can you and your partner stroll under the stars at night, but you can also enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the daytime.

The place is crowded with musicians, storytellers, and romantic couples, making it a truly unique outing on Valentine’s Day. You can enjoy the headlamps and have hot drinks in front of the fireplace to create warm memories.

Moreover, sparkling mulled wine, chocolate truffles, maple liqueur, and soup will make your Valentine’s Day unique and memorable. Mount Royal Park has a cozy atmosphere and vibrant environment that will bring a smile to your face.


2. Couples Massage is a Great Idea

There are dozens of spas in Montreal that offer couples massage services. If you want to try something unique and strengthen your bond with your romantic partner, nothing is better than taking couples massage session in Montreal.

During the massage, your body will release dopamine, a happy hormone, which soothes your mind while suppressing stress levels. During the massage, the long, deep strokes on the body will release oxytocin in your brain, a love hormone, which creates a sense of adoration and affection.

Make sure you schedule an appointment in advance because spas are overcrowded with romantic couples on Valentine’s Day. The massage takes place in the same room with two different therapists massaging your and your partner’s bodies. It is a simple, relaxing, and enjoyable activity you will love with your partner.

Couples Massage is a Great Idea


3. Watch a Romantic Movie

New research shows that spending time with your partner can strengthen the bond, improve positive emotions, and develop feelings of intimacy. One way to achieve these things on Valentine’s Day is by watching a romantic movie together.

Watching a romantic movie is an excellent activity that relieves stress, calms your senses, and allows couples to feel a range of deep emotions in a cozy environment. Montreal has some of the best theaters and cinemas where you can watch a romantic movie.

Each theatre in Montreal offers unique services, from cafes and bars to local beers, wines, and coffees, creating a memorable experience. In addition to watching a romantic movie, you can spare time and head toward a comedy venue in Montreal to laugh, enjoy, and share happy moments with your partner.


4. Skating in the Old Port

Nothing is better than relishing outdoorsy experiences with your partner on Valentine’s Day. If you want to enjoy some romantic skating, we recommend participating in the activity at the Old Port because this place is lively, festive, and vibrant.

The Old Port has a world-class refrigerated outdoor rink, allowing you to glide around it and enjoy the picturesque views of Montreal. Couples can take a break at the beautiful village next to the ice and enjoy food, coffee, and wine with romantic music in the background.

 


5. Watch Live Jazz

There are numerous clubs in Montreal where you can enjoy live Jazz. However, we recommend Modavie, Upstairs, and Diese Onze if you want to spend some quality time and watch the unique jazz flair that these spots bring to viewers.

So, why not spend your evening with your partner watching live Jazz with smooth, soft, and heart-touching music? Besides, Montreal Jazz clubs offer a speakeasy and calm environment with drinks, dining, grills, and a BBQ experience. If you want to add a factor of “WOW” to your Valentine’s Day, watching live Jazz can get the job done.


Final Words

Montreal Valentine Day ideas are limitless because the city has everything you can choose to make your Valentine’s Day special. We recommend the ideas given above to make your day memorable and share your story with your friends and family for years to come.


  • Article based on personal opinion and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash.
Best Hiking Equipment for Canadian winter

Montreal’s citizens are fortunate when it comes to hiking because they benefit from the cold weather to hike at any time of the day. On the other hand, places with warmer climates allow people to hike in the early mornings. So, heading toward the hiking trains in harsh Canadian winter creates its own magic and adventure.

You need quality equipment for more comfortable hiking in the winter season. It is wise to invest in a headband, neck gaiter, leg gaiters, polarized sunglasses, crampons, trekking poles, and warm/comfy clothing. So, if you are a hiking enthusiast in Montreal and looking for the best hiking equipment for Canadian Winter, you are in the right place. Read on!

Energetic Sky Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons

Energetic Sky is a reputable brand that manufactures different hiking equipment. Energetic Sky’s Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons are made of superior-quality stainless steel material, allowing for more controlled traction in snow conditions.

Not only does the product ensure durability and comfort, but it also ensures firmness and safety, thanks to the welding chain. The product is specifically designed for falls, slips, and injuries prevention, ensuring backpackers, trekkers, and hikers enjoy their wintery experience.

TheFitLife Nordic Walking Trekking Poles

TheFitLife Nordic trekking poles allow you to walk with your rhythm, leading to more stability and reducing the risk of strains on your joints on snowy terrain. It comes with various features, including shock absorption that allows you to brace for impact accurately.

Besides, it has long and comfortable handles made of EVA foam. The handles are equipped with soft straps, ensuring comfort and moisture absorption. The superior-quality aluminum construction allows you to use the product for a long time, even on rough terrains, without any risks of damages.

Trekology Trek-Z Trekking Hiking Poles

Trekology is a famous brand among Canadians. The Trek-Z trekking poles have an innovative design that helps prevent the risk of injuries and supports your weight throughout the hiking journey. The product is suitable for hiking on all kinds of terrains.

Not only does the poles allow for a comfortable walk, but it also absorbs moisture from your hands or gloves, thanks to the cork grip wicks. The superior-quality aluminum construction makes these hiking poles durable, compact, sturdy, and ergonomic for hikers.

Ice Sea 4-Teeth Walk Traction Cleats Crampons

Ice Sea 4-teeth traction crampons are a durable product with a highly elastic strap that fits different shoe sizes. The quality and sturdy material used in construction, lightweight traction cleats, and ergonomics make this product one of the best hiking equipment for Canadian winters.

In addition, the 4-teeth walk traction provides you with controlled traction on snow, ice, and other rough terrains, preventing the risk of falls, slips, and injuries. Thus, you can ensure smooth, reliable, comfortable, and safe hiking.

Kekilo Crampons Ice Cleats Grippers

Kekilo is another reputable brand that manufactures the best hiking equipment for Canadian Winter. Kekilo crampons have a high-quality and durable construction with stainless steel and rubber cleats.

The manufacturer has used TPE rubber with a thickness of 5mm to make the cover, making the product elastic and less prone to breakage and tear. Unlike other products, Kekilo crampons have 19 teeth that provide you with better traction on ice and avoid the risk of falls, slips, and injuries.

Energetic Sky Ice Cleats Spikes Crampons

Energetic Sky’s ice cleats spikes crampons are made of stainless steel material. The product has a unique design with 12 spikes, making it easy to put and offering better traction on ice. The manufacturer has strategically placed the spikes to ensure the product distributes your weight evenly and equally.

Thus, it leads to increased comfort and reduced risk of injuries. Moreover, the cover is made of silicone material, making it elastic and less prone to damages. Energetic Sky’s ice cleats spikes crampons are the best hiking equipment for Canadian winter, thanks to the innovative design, sturdy construction, and strategic placement of spikes.

Lixada Unisex Snowproof Outdoor Hiking Gaiters

Lixada Unisex snowproof hiking gaiters are a perfect product for Montreal’s hikers, backpackers, and trekkers, leading to increased comfort and reliability. The manufacturer has used industrial-grade polyester pongee material, making these gaiters less prone to wear and tear and highly breathable.

Besides, the leg guard is waterproof and snowproof, preventing wind, water, dirt, dust, debris, and snow from damaging it. In addition, it comes with an adjustable elastic band that aligns with different boot sizes, reducing the risk of slips, falls, and injuries. Thus, it is the best hiking equipment for Canadian winter.


Final Words

Although there are different tools, accessories, gears, and equipment used for hiking, you can’t hike or trek rugged terrains in Montreal during the winter without the ones given above. Not only are these products reliable and comfortable, but they are also affordable enough that they won’t break the bank.


Related articles:


Article based on personal opinion and research.

Photos from Unsplash.

Top Luxury Camping Spots & Site Near Montreal

Glamping near Montreal is about enjoying luxurious and comfortable camping. It has changed the way people experience camping, vacation, tourism, and adventure. Unlike traditional camping, glamping allows you to experience recreation and benefit from high levels of services and amenities, including electricity, running water, mood lighting, plush blankets, delicious meals, etc.

Generally, glamping refers to sleeping in a tent equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment, including a floor, beds, rugs, chairs, comforters, and even a bathroom. It is a combination of picturesque nature and deluxe amenities.

The question is: What is the best glamping near Montreal?

Here are the best spots for glamping close to Montreal:

1. Kayak & Cabana

Kayak & Cabana is located along the red river, offering environmentally friendly four-season accommodation with practical features and amenities. It is a perfect site for people who want to relish the luxury of glamping during the summer and winter seasons.

Kayak & Cabana is one hour and 30 minutes away from Montreal. You can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including golf, rollerblade, beach, fishing, hiking, and cycling with 10 kilometres.

Internet access, free Wi-Fi, showers, firewood, ice, etc., are some of the essential services offered by Kayak & Cabana that enhance your glamping experience and create memories. There are five read-to-camp facilities and various rental services.

Check them out here: https://kayak-cabana.com/ca/

Source: https://kayak-cabana.com/

2. Au Diable Vert

Au Diable Vert, Glen Sutton, is a four-season resort offering world-class glamping and cabin stays with numerous outdoor activities. It provides different glamping options, including unique pod cabins, comfortable treehouses, and tent camping.

Glen Sutton is a luxury, amenity-rich, and comfortable place for glamping near Montreal, allowing families to spend quality and couples to experience a memorable romantic trip. You can enjoy the picturesque views of Missisquoi River Valley surrounded by the Green Mountains, take a kayak, go on a 14 kilometres hiking trail, and zipping through the treetops in a reclining bike with pedals.

Au Diable Vert Glamping spot

 

3. Huttopia

Huttopia is one of the best options for glamping near Montreal, offering unique experiences to people of all ages in the middle of the picturesque forest at Mont Sutton. You can drive to the Huttopia via car or van from Montreal within 90 minutes. The site offers numerous glamping accommodations, including camping sites, tents, tiny houses, and chalets.

We recommended booking the Trappeur or Canadienne tent because it has modern facilities, including two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, dining area, picnic table, a fire pit, and wooden terrace to enjoy coffee and share laughs with your loved ones. If you want to experience a unique honeymoon, we recommend the Bonaventure, the perfect tent for a romantic getaway.

The Bonaventure has one queen bed, a small kitchen, a picnic table, a fire pit, and a wooden terrace. Moreover, you can book chalets with two bedrooms equipped with queen and single beds, bathroom with toilet and shower, dining area, beautiful living area with a sofa bed, wood and gas stove.

The Bonaventure can accommodate up to six people. Huttopia is a perfect place for various outdoor activities, including family-friendly ones. It offers a heated pool and onsite restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food.

4. Charlevoix Cabin 

The modern cabin in Charlevoix is the best glamping near Montreal. The cabin reflects the modernity of the Scandinavian region, featuring a spacious interior with bright, white walls and minimalistic design. It is a large cabin with four bedrooms and three bathrooms that can accommodate up to fourteen guests.

The cabin’s main level has an open-plan layout with a living area, dining area, and kitchen. Not only does the modern cabin in Charlevoix has beautifully designed ceilings, but it also boasts large windows that allow the natural light to come in and create a soothing environment.

The Scandinavian-style cabin is equipped with electricity, water, Wi-Fi, heating, firewood, pillows, linens, TV, dryer, iron, hairdryer, safe box, parking, and dining table. Facilities include a private living room and lounge, dining room, fire pit, and hot tub.

There are three private bathrooms with a shower, bathtub, sink, toilet, towels, toilet paper, and toiletries. You can cook your own meals using the private kitchen equipped with cooking accessories, fridge, microwave, stove, oven, freezer, and coffeemaker.

Moreover, the modern cabin Charlevoix offers safe glamping near Montreal because the facility has fire extinguishers, alarm systems, smoke detectors, and first aid kits. Enjoy the outdoor barbeque, deck, furniture, and garden in the afternoon and evening.

 

 

 

 

Source: https://glampinghub.com/canada/quebec/petiterivieresaintfrancois/cabin-hot-tub-charlevoix-quebec/

5. Camping Choisy near Ottawa River

Camping Choisy is a five-star family campground located west of Montreal. It is just a 45-minute drive from the city. Camping Choisy is a perfect getaway for friends, families, and romantic couples near the Ottawa River and surrounded by a dense, lush green forest.

Camping Choisy boasts many amenities and activities, including swimming pools, mini-golf, a forest ropes course, a trampoline area for kids, etc. There are about 100 traveller campsite options, from serviced forest sites for RVs to rustic riverside sites.

If you want to enjoy luxury, you can book log cabins to enjoy glamping. Besides, this is an ideal place to experience comfortable glamping if you don’t want to go to Mont Tremblant

6. Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant has numerous glamping spots, but the Bel Air Bubble Hotel Tremblant is the best one, offering luxury domes, chalets, and pods. Bel Air Tremblant is an ideal option for glamping near Montreal, featuring a wide range of amenities.

These include a restaurant, gym, lounge, Jacuzzi, spa, yoga studio, theatre room, outdoor swimming pool, children’s playroom, and basketball and tennis court. We recommend the Bel Air Bubble at Mont Tremblant for summer getaways because you can enjoy a wide range of onsite activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, electric bike tours, archery, and zip-lining.

You can also explore the mini animal farm. Although many people visit the place for glamping in summer, Mont-Tremblant is also ideal for winter glamping. You can enjoy zip-lining, cross country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding.


Worthy Mentions to check out

A few other options to check out

The cabin also has satellite cable and a spa with luxury amenities. Other unique options for glamping near Montreal are:


Montreal, Canada, is one of the best destinations for people looking to relish scenic beauty, spend quality time glamping with their family and friends, and enjoy a wide range of amenities.

Areas near Montreal have low pollution rates, low risk of disasters, making it safe for glamping. There are dozens of glamping options near Montreal. However, if you truly want to spend quality time, we recommend the three glamping options above.


Related articles: