Things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in Montréal
Leisure activities Gastronomy Outdoor Autumn
Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October 12, but the entire long weekend is shaping up to be one big celebration. With fiery fall colours, crisp air that calls for long walks and hearty meals meant to be shared, Montréal sets the perfect stage for savouring the season. It’s a time to blend gratitude with delicious discoveries and simple pleasures, all wrapped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Thanksgiving feasts and other delights
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.
Montréal offers an impressive range of dining experiences where culinary creativity meets seasonal flavours. From the elegance of Leméac and the inventive cuisine of Toqué!, to the warm Italian spirit of Mano Cornuto and the bold creativity of Mon Lapin, Place Carmin and Vin Papillon, there’s no shortage of exceptional tables to discover. In the Southwest, Joe Beef, Nora Gray and HENI each stand out for their distinctive 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 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.
Local Montréal Food Tours invites visitors to discover the soul of Montréal's neighbourhoods through their food culture. Butcher shops, bakeries, chocolate makers and other local businesses welcome guests for an immersive experience that blends culture and cuisine. At just 2.3 kilometres, it's a delicious walk packed with local flavour.
Before heading home, check out Ramen Ramen Fes, beginning October 12. Nearly 30 restaurants will present their own creative interpretations of the iconic Japanese dish. More of a pizza lover? Montreal Pizza Fest brings together some of the city's top pizza makers with exclusive creations designed especially for the occasion.
Fall activities
Autumn is the perfect time to step outside and experience Montréal in a new light. At the Jardin botanique (Botanical Garden), the Gardens of Light transform the grounds into a glowing dreamscape, where silk lanterns illuminate the Chinese, Japanese and Indigenous Peoples Garden. 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.
Roller skating is still going strong in October at the Quartier des spectacles thanks to Tranquille à roulettes. Until October 25, the outdoor skating rink at Esplanade Tranquille offers free skate sessions, beginner workshops and festive evenings right in the heart of downtown.
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.
If you're craving a taste of the countryside, autumn is also the perfect season for apple picking, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. These simple seasonal traditions make for memorable family outings and a great way to celebrate fall.
Château Ramezay welcomes families with Pick a Peck of Pumpkins!, an interactive garden trail led by Rougenelle the squash and friends. Participants can download an activity booklet, complete challenges and enjoy a surprise at the end of their visit.
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 Kids Pumpkin Festival and Fright Fest for a spine-chilling thrills, monsters and more, all month long!
Until October 18, the festive atmosphere of the Fall Fair takes over Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port. More than 20 rides, midway games and food stands bring the waterfront to life, particularly after dark when the lights come on along the riverfront.
Sports fans can head to Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on October 12, when the Montréal Alouettes host the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Expect plenty of action on the field.
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.
Cultural happenings
In the heart of downtown, the Quartier des spectacles offers countless cultural discoveries throughout October. At the MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises, the permanent exhibition MONTRÉAL explores the city through the voices of the people who shape it. More than 100 personal stories reveal a vibrant, diverse and deeply human portrait of Montréal.
From October 8 to 18, the Festival du nouveau cinéma takes audiences on a cinematic journey around the world. Looking for something more unconventional? Phenomena Festival blends film, dance, cabaret and boundary-pushing performances in a uniquely eclectic program.
Looking for a combination of dinner and entertainment? Le Balcon delivers with soul and jazz evenings as well as its popular Gospel brunches.
Celebrate Caribbean culture during Mois du créole, running from October 3 to 30. This multidisciplinary event showcases the richness of Creole language, arts and traditions through a variety of cultural activities held throughout the city, including downtown Montréal.
How about a trip around the world without leaving town? Check out the World Press Photo Montréal exhibition, showcasing powerful images that capture the news, everyday life, and powerful human stories from here and around the world. A perfect outing to spark curiosity, encourage reflection and leave you in awe.
An artistic long weekend
Among this year's standout fall exhibitions, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts marks the 50th anniversary of the Montréal Olympic Games with Ready, Set, Go! Sports inspire Art, an exhibition that revisits this landmark moment through an artistic lens. The works on display create a dialogue between sport, visual art and Olympic memory while offering fresh perspectives on the legacy of the 1976 Games.
At the McCord Stewart Museum, visitors can explore On the Menu – Montreal: A Restaurant Story until October 18. Spanning the 1960s to today, the exhibition traces the evolution of Montréal's restaurant scene, from neighbourhood delicatessens to celebrated fine dining establishments. Through iconic venues and compelling stories, it highlights how food culture has helped define Montréal's identity.
Until December 31, Panorama Experience takes over the Grand Quay of the Port of Montréal with an immersive experience overlooking both the St. Lawrence River and downtown. Its feature exhibition, Living Waters, puts water at the centre of works created by artists from Québec and around the world.
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.
Montréal, past and present
In Old Montréal, Pointe-à-Callière Montréal History and Archaelogy Complex, the permanent exhibition Crossroads Montréal traces the origins of the city through archaeological remains and artifacts spanning centuries of history.
The interactive exhibition Alley-oop shines a light on one of Montréal's most beloved urban features: its laneways. Through immersive installations, movement-based games and historical displays, visitors discover how these unique spaces have evolved over time.
Along Peel Street, Our ways: Peel Trail, known as “Tsi niion kwarihò:ten” in Kanien’kehá:ka (the Mohawk language), highlights the history and presence of Indigenous peoples on the island of Montréal. Marked by bronze sculptures, the trail creates a dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives in the heart of the city.
Combined with the city's many attractions and outstanding culinary scene, these discoveries promise to make your Thanksgiving getaway a memorable one.
Valérie Dorion
In love with words and Montreal, Valérie writes for various media and companies and creates colorful, original, but always relevant content. A true foodie and traveler, she likes to be on the lookout for anything new in terms of gastronomy and activities. On a daily basis, you'll probably find her on her laptop at the latest local coffee shop, writing or looking for the latest hot spots.