13 Unbeatable Things To Do in Montreal in November

If you’re heading to Montreal in November and are looking for things to do, this list is full of great suggestions. We’ve spent quite some time combing through the various activities available during November so you don’t have to. 

The first thing you should know before visiting Montreal in November (and winter in general) is that daylight saving time means it gets dark very early. Locals tend to gravitate toward indoor activities, which as you’ll see isn’t a bad thing. Another perk of visiting Montreal in November is it’s traditionally the first month of the holiday season. 

Read more to discover the wide range of cozy and festive things to do in Montreal in November! 

Events in Montreal in November 

1. MTLàTABLE

MtlàTable is every foodies' favorite event in Montreal in November. Over one week, Montreal’s best restaurants offer their finest dishes at a reduced price. It’s an exciting way to discover the many tastes of Montreal’s decadent restaurant culture. Reservations are highly encouraged.

2. International Documentary Festival 

The Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) is one of North America’s premier documentary film festivals. It showcases approximately 100 Canadian and international documentaries annually. Forum RIDM, its industry event, is Quebec's sole documentary forum.

3. Santa Claus Parade

Montreal’s Santa Claus Parade has been going on for over 70 years. Each year, a cast of holiday characters descend onto Sainte-Catherine Street and enchant its attendees. This is a wonderful family activity to enjoy in Downtown Montreal in November.

Things To Do in Montreal in November

Here are various types of activities available in Montreal in November. As this is also the first month it typically snows, we’ve made sure to include a few wintertime activities. 

4. Go to the Christmas Market

One of the most popular things to do in Montreal in November is shopping for gifts and souvenirs at the various Christmas markets. Although most of them begin in December, the Great Montreal Christmas Market at Quartier des Spectacles typically starts in the last week of November. 

5. Bagel Making Workshop 

This intimate and interactive bagel cooking session is ideal for families with older children who enjoy cooking. Together, you can discover insider techniques for perfecting authentic Montreal bagels at home.

6. Cosy Up at a Concert

There’s a long list of live music venues in Montreal. I suggest you check out the calendars of the Bell Centre, MTelus and Beanfield Theatre as they consistently offer high-quality indoor entertainment. 

7. Visit an Art Museum

Thinking about what to do in Montreal in November and interested in the arts? Spending a day or evening seeing an exhibition at an art museum is an excellent option. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art are two popular art museums in Montreal.

8. See a Performance by the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra

It starts getting dark very early in Montreal in November (we’re talking before 5 pm). So head indoors to experience a performance by the Montreal Symphonic Orchestra while you’re here.

9. Witness the First Snowfall

Very often the first snowfall in Montreal occurs in November. It’s a magical thing to be walking in this beautiful city – either Downtown, in the Old Port or around the Plateau – watching thick snowflakes slowly fall and cover the city streets.

It's also a good time to play in the snow. You can do so at one of Montreal’s many large public parks. My favourites are Mount Royal Park, Jeanne-Mance, Parc La Fontaine, Laurier and Jarry. 

What To Do Elsewhere in Quebec in November

10. Road Trip to the Eastern Townships 

• Distance: 1h45 drive from Montreal

It commonly snows earlier in the Eastern Townships than it does in Downtown Montreal. If you want to escape the city for a day, the Townships aren’t far away. The region is complete with pretty villages, gorgeous landscapes and great restaurants such as Taverne 1855, Beat & Betterave, Arvida and Maison Boire. 

11. Mont-Tremblant 

• Distance: 2.5 hours drive from Montreal

If you have extra time, Mont-Tremblant is the perfect place for a weekend trip while visiting Montreal in November. The lovely resort town has lots of great activities and attractions year-round. Being located north of Montreal, it also typically has snow earlier than the city. 

12. Quebec City Toy Parade

• Distance: 3 hours drive from Montreal

Quebec City’s 2023 Christmas Parade is called the Toy Parade. It is magical in all aspects and is worth the trip to Quebec City if you have young children. Your entire family will be enchanted by the characters, dancers and musicians the parade offers. 

Weather in Montreal in November

November in Montreal is definitely when things start getting cold. You’re going to want to bundle up to thoroughly enjoy your time here. 

So, if you want a magically snowy winter escape early on in the season, visiting Montreal in November is a safe bet. Plus if there’s no snow on the horizon, you can always go searching outside of the city. Then you can defrost at one of Montreal’s many fun indoor activities.