13 Popular Things To Do in Montreal in March

This list of must-do activities in Montreal in March includes a snowboarding competition in the city’s heart, a Saint-Patrick’s Day parade and winter fun.

Our list of fun activities in Montreal in March

Visiting Montreal in March is an exhilarating time as the temperature slowly warms up and the sun starts to come out. Spring is right around the corner, yet snow’s still on the ground.

This means it’s one of the last chances to enjoy those winter activities that are so loved in Quebec. With that in mind, we made this comprehensive list of things to do in Montreal in March. 

Montreal Events in March

1. Nuit Blanche 

There's lots of things to do in Montreal in March
Nuit Blanche Montreal (Photo par / by : Benoit Rousseau ©)
  • March 2, 2024

One of my favourite events happening in Montreal in March is Nuit Blanche. The metro runs all night and the entire city stays awake for one night only. There are (mostly free) activities in many popular venues such as the Science Center, la Grande Bibliotheque and Palais des congrès. Many artists also open up their workshops to visitors.

2.  APIK

Watch the APIK event in Montreal in March
APIK (Photo par / by : Cédric Bonel ©)
  • March 1 to 3, 2024

APIK is a fascinating event in Montreal in March. The Latin Quarter (Rue Saint-Denis) turns into a massive snowpark. The festival aims to bring mountain life to the city. They host skiing and snowboard competitions, snow skate initiations, DJs, and after-parties to accomplish this.  

3. Cabane Panache 

Experience the Cabane Panache event in Montreal in March
Sugar shack (Photo par / by : Alison Slattery ©)
  • March 21 to 24, 2024

This one-of-a-kind celebration promises to be one of the best things to do in Montreal in March. The whole premise of Cabane Panache is to recreate, relive, and celebrate typical Quebec traditions. So, you’ll find food offerings (sugar shack and Quebec-themed) on the menu, live music, shopping, and wood-splitting activities. 

4. Happening Gourmand in Montreal in March

  • March 1 to 30, 2024

This food festival takes you on an (affordable) journey to Old Montreal’s finest restaurants. This is literally a foodie paradise, and there are many different cuisines and price options to choose from. You’re not going to want to miss Happening Gourmand.

5. Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Montreal

Saint Patrick’s Day Parade event in Montreal in March
Montréal St. Patrick's Parade (Photo par / by : Eva Blue ©)
  • March 17, 2024

The Montreal Saint-Patrick’s Day Parade is one of North America’s oldest continuous parades. This year will be the 199th edition. The parade starts on the corner of Fort and Saint Catherine Street and goes east as far as Dorchester Square. Come with your family and enjoy hundreds of floats, marching bands, and performers gathered to celebrate the Irish community. 

What To Do in Montreal in March

6. Play in the Snow While it Lasts 

Experience the snow in Mont-Royal in Montreal in March
Mont-Royal (Photo par / by : Eva Blue ©)

Montreal in March might be the last time you and your family can play outside in the snow. After that, spring starts and most of the snow is gone by April. This is your last chance to enjoy ice skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking on the snow-covered Mont-Royal. 

Related: Here are more of our favourite Montreal winter activities to enjoy while they last!

7. Bar Hopping on Sainte-Catherine Street

Enjoy bar hopping in Montreal in March

Montreal in March means that winter is slowly giving way to spring. Even if the terraces aren’t open yet, the weather is lovely enough for you to explore and bar-hop along this busy Downtown Montreal street. Many breweries are on Saint Catherine Street, and you may also run into Saint Patrick’s Day festivities. 

8. Cinematheque Quebecoise

Visit Cinematheque Quebecoise in Montreal in March
Cinematheque Quebecoise (Photo par / by : Martine Doyon ©)

Another fun and relaxing winter activity in Montreal this month is visiting La Cinematheque. Wind down and watch a movie from their collection of hundreds of films. The Cinematheque’s mission is simple. It aims to conserve Quebec and Canadian cinema and present and support the seventh art in all its forms. 

9. Hockey Game in Montreal in March

Watch a hockey game activity in Montreal in March
Hockey game at Bell Centre (Photo par / by : Bell Centre ©)

Hockey season is still in full swing in March. So, if you’re a hockey fan, don’t miss seeing the Montreal Canadiens (lovingly called the ‘’Habs’’ by locals) at Bell Centre, the city’s hockey stadium. 

10. Try Poutine at La Banquise 

Try Poutine at La Banquise in Montreal in March
Poutine at La Banquise (Photo par / by : Bruno Guérin ©)

Poutine is a typical Quebecois dish with fries, gravy, and cheese curds. The comforting meal is well-loved by basically everyone in Quebec. What I like about La Banquise is they have dozens of variations on the classic recipe. Enjoy your poutine topped with smoked meat, ground beef, hot dog sausage, bacon, or vegetables.

Getaways and Day Trips From Montreal in March 

11. Sugar Shack Day Trip to Erabliere Jean Labelle 

Sugar shack experience is a thing to do in Montreal in March

March means that sugar shack season is in full swing. The sap starts flowing once the weather is above 0°C during the day and below 0 degrees at night. Maple sap is essential in making maple taffy, the ultimate Montreal in March dessert. Erabliere Jean Labelle is a traditional sugar shack established in 1947. Here, you can enjoy a full, traditional sugar shack meal.  

12. Mont-Tremblant Weekend Getaway

Mont-Tremblant is a good place to visit from Montreal in March
Mont Tremblant Ski Resort (Photo par / by : Lodge de la Montagne ©)

March is usually the last chance to enjoy snowboarding and skiing. Mont-Tremblant is a popular ski resort nestled in a beautiful little village. Many other activities are available, such as gourmet restaurants, an indoor water park, snowshoeing, and a panoramic gondola. 

13. ONHWA’LUMINA in Wendake (near Quebec City)

See the ONHWA’LUMINA near Quebec City in March
ONHWA’LUMINA (Photo par / by : Quebec Wonders ©)

Moment Factory made this immersive installation to honour the Wendat-Huron indigenous culture. The enchanted night walk into the heart of a fascinating culture is a unique event you don’t want to miss. Details and tickets available on the Onhwa' Lumina website.

Weather in Montreal in March

Cold weather in Montreal in March
Leonard Cohen mural – Crescent Street (Photo par / by : Eva Blue ©)

Montreal in March is generally when we first start experiencing warmer days after several long months of freezing temperatures. I find that March is when you must dress differently daily, depending on the temperature, because it can vary significantly from day to day. 

Some days, you’ll be fine wearing a warm and light jacket. Yet you’ll have to don full winter apparel to be comfortable on other days. 


It’s evident visiting Montreal in March means events and fun activities galore. Take your pick from annual events like La Nuit Blanche and indoor activities like bar-hopping and hockey-watching. Have fun in the sun and snow.

Related: If you’re enjoying a long weekend in Montreal, I recommend checking out our 3 and 4-day Montreal itinerary for more things to do.

Joshua Marc Seguin Quebec Wonders

About the Author

Joshua is our Montreal expert. He has been living in Montreal for over 15 years. He is passionate about sharing his love for Montreal and some local tips with our readers.

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