Weekend Winter Getaways from Montréal for the Holidays
Whether you're craving snow-covered chalets, twinkle-lit villages, or just a break from city crowds, the Laurentians and Eastern Townships serve up the perfect holiday weekend from Montreal without needing to hop on a plane. Here’s where to go, what to eat, and how to soak up all the festive magic in just 1 to 2 hours from Montréal.
Option 1: The Laurentians
Think ski-town charm, Nordic spas, fondue, and pine-scented everything. Stay in Saint Sauveur, it’s just over an hour from Montreal and a perfect home base for skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing activities. More of a home body? Also the perfect place with great cafes, restaurants and outlet shopping nearby.
Where to stay:
Hotel Manoir Saint-Sauveur with it’s luxury chalet vibes, close to everything
Sommet Saint-Sauveur condos are very walkable, great for a group ski trip
Smaller Airbnb cabins tucked in the woods for max cosiness
What to do:
Spa Nordique Polar Bear’s Club or Ofuro Station Zen both offer hot outdoor hydrotherapy circuits surrounded by blissfully snowy forests
Stroll the main street for lights, gift shops, and cafés
Night skiing or tubing at Sommet Saint-Sauveur
Stop at local Cafe White et Compagnie to warm up with a latte
Where to eat:
Lola 45 for refined New Canadian cuisine in a rustic-chic setting ($$$)
Lunna Rossa for artisanal woodfire oven Neapolitan pizzas in a laid-back environment ($$)
Bagel St-Flo for a brunch that hits the spot in an aesthetic space ($$)
Option 2: The Eastern Townships
For snowy villages, quiet lakes, gourmet stops and a slower pace, stay in Magog or Orford. Both are an Ideal mix of cute main streets and nature escapes. They offer activities like skating, spa time, wine tastings, and alpine adventures.
Where to stay:
Espace 4 Saisons for luxe rooms near Mont Orford
Ripplecove Hotel & Spa is a lakeside romantic dreamscape
Domes Charlevoix-style rentals if you want design-forward & Insta-worthy
What to do:
Spa Nordic Station for a riverside thermal spa tucked in the woods
Drive through Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac where monastery meets holiday magic
Walk around downtown Magog (Rue Principale); full of festive lights, boutiques, and bakeries
Visit Vignoble le Cep d’Argent for a sparkling wine tasting and snowy vineyard views
Where to eat:
Espace Old Mill for an upscale evening in an old mill that celebrates the local flavours of the region ($$$$)
Cafe White Horse is a cafe with elevated British equestrian decor. Great for a good brunch, latte and kind staff ($$)
Fondissimo is a spot where you can have fondue in a former textile factory ($$)
Tips for the Perfect Getaway:
Go in late November or early December: For that first‑snow vibe as well as fewer crowds, it’s just as magical.
Book spa time and dinner reservations early: Spots fill up quick in the holidays.
Make it extra: Bring a Christmas playlist and wear matching mittens.
Bonus Add-On: En Route Stops
From Montréal to Laurentians:
Boulangerie Merci la Vie (Val-David) for pastries
Alfred Celliers for Quebec wine/cider tasting
From Montréal to Magog:
Sutton or Dunham are cute towns to stop for coffee and Christmas shops
La Grange du Parfumeur crafts uniquely scented perfumes on site, also a great gift idea
Whether you’re escaping for romance, rest, or just the ultimate festive backdrop for your Instagram feed I highly recommend the Laurentians and/or Eastern Townships. Cozy sweaters required, mistletoe optional.
