Things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in Montréal

Food lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving in Montréal. Some will stick to timeless classics, while others will dive into bold creations inspired by local ingredients. From award-winning dining rooms to inventive market cuisine kitchens, the city is brimming with spots to enjoy a festive meal or to simply warm up with the flavours of fall.

Whether it’s the refined elegance of Europea and Leméac, the Italian soul of Impasto, or the creative flair of Jatoba, Marcus and Vin Papillon, Montréal’s restaurant scene shines. In the Southwest, Liverpool House, Nora Gray, and Candide stand out for their distinct personalities. Add in Paris-style bistros and the ever-popular bring-your-own-wine gems, and you’ve got the makings of a truly sensational holiday meal.

Here for a romantic getaway, a solo escape, or a family weekend? Montréal has a table for every appetite, including plenty of great places to eat with kids. Indulge in decadent brunches, cozy neighbourhood cafés or irresistible bakeries and pastry shops.  For something light, check out these health-conscious restaurants, great sushi restaurants and our ultimate guide to vegan eating in Montréal.

Let your taste buds lead the way and set off on a walking food tour to explore new neighbourhoods while uncovering Montréal’s rich food culture. And no Thanksgiving visit is complete without a trip to the city’s beloved public markets. Both Jean-Talon and Atwater Markets are overflowing with seasonal bounty: colourful produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh meats and homemade pies destined to brighten any Thanksgiving table.

Before the weekend wraps up, don’t miss the Ramen Ramen Fes, kicking off October 13. Roughly 30 restaurants will showcase their own creative twists on the iconic Japanese dish.

Autumn is the perfect time to step outside and experience Montréal in a new light. At the Botanical Garden, the Gardens of Light transform the grounds into a glowing dreamscape, where silk lanterns illuminate the Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens. For a breath of fresh air, hike Mount Royal Park for sweeping views from Kondiaronk Belvedere, or wander through Parc La Fontaine, glowing with autumn hues in the heart of the Plateau. Cross the river to Parc Jean-Drapeau to marvel at the Biosphere’s striking geodesic dome.

See the season from new perspectives: hop aboard La Grande Roue de Montréal for panoramic views, or take to the water with Croisières AML  or Navark to admire the city from the St. Lawrence River.

Prefer to be outdoors? Fall harvest activities such as apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes are seasonal family favourites in and around Montréal. Château Ramezay celebrates the season with Pick a peck of pumpkins…, a fun-filled trail in the Garden led by Reddy, the friendly red pumpkin, complete with games, challenges and a few surprises along the way.

October is a time to play in Old Port: climb the aerial courses at Voiles en Voiles adventure park, test your puzzle-solving skills at SOS Labyrinthe’s Halloween edition, or explore the Montréal Science Centre and its giant IMAX theatre. Nearby, La Ronde amusement park goes all-in with its annual spook-tacular Pumpkin Festival for kids and Fright Fest for a spine-chilling thrills, monsters and more, all month long!

Sports fans can head to Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, where the Montréal Alouettes take on the Ottawa Redblacks on October 13.

And if your idea of fall bliss is slowing down, unwind with a wellness escape at Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, or at one of Montréal’s many luxury spas.

October also buzzes with culture. In the Quartier des spectacles, the MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises presents MONTRÉAL, a permanent exhibition showcasing the city through more than a hundred personal stories.

Film buffs won’t want to miss the Festival du nouveau cinéma (October 8–19), while music lovers can soak up the vibe at the OFF Jazz Festival. For something delightfully unconventional, Phénomena Festival blends film, dance, cabaret and eclectic art.

Hungry for a mix of flavours and entertainment? Le Balcon delivers with soul and jazz nights and even Gospel brunches.

As the city’s parks explode with colour, Montréal’s museums and galleries present fall exhibitions that showcase creativity from near and far.

At the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, don’t miss the Canadian premiere of Kent Monkman: History Is Painted by the Victors. An internationally renowned artist and member of the Fisher River Cree Nation, Kent Monkman revisits history painting to challenge colonial narratives and offer new perspectives on the past and our present.

The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal unveils Africa Fashion, a bold and exclusive Canadian exhibition celebrating the continent’s creativity through iconic garments, vibrant textiles, jewellery and visionary design from the 1960s to today.

At Place Bonaventure, step into history with Titanic: The Exhibition. With life-size reconstructions, over 300 authentic artifacts, 3D animation and immersive projections, it’s a powerful journey into the story of the world’s most famous ship.

Across the city, public art and murals turn the streets into open-air galleries. For a special keepsake, browse galleries, antique shops or artisan boutiques to find a unique piece to take home.