5 suggestions for winter day trips less than an hour from Montreal

December 08, 2025

Get ready to enjoy unique experiences and create unforgettable memories in the snowy corners of the Lanaudière region.

1. DISCOVER TERREBONNE AND MASCOUCHE

We start by taking the road to these two municipalities just outside Montreal. They offer the perfect blend of outdoors, culture and gastronomy.

We start with a hearty brunch at La Bine, located in Mascouche. This magnificent establishment, 100% Instagrammable by the way, offers an enticing menu that will charm you with its originality. The menu changes regularly to offer you ever more decadent dishes.

Once you've had your fill, it's off to Parc du Grand-Côteau, just a few minutes away. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fatbike and hiking trails, as well as a skating rink, are all available for the winter activity of your choice. If you have your own equipment, the Groupe plein air Terrebonne, just a few kilometers away, also offers downhill skiing right in the suburbs!

End the day at Île-des-Moulins, renowned for its culinary delights. Le Bâtiment B, La Confrérie and the Pub Ruisseau noir are excellent choices if you want to grab a bite to eat before continuing the evening at the Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne. It always offers a wide variety of programming. You can check it out HERE.

montage Terrebonne

2. EXPLORING REPENTIGNY

Located northeast of Montreal, bordered by the waters of the St. Lawrence River and the L'Assomption River, Repentigny invites you to a unique experience.

Start the day with a visit to the Espace culturel and the Centre d'art Diane-Dufresne to enjoy the current exhibitions. This vibrant place, where cultural excitement is in full swing, offers events that will appeal to young and old alike. Grab a bite to eat with a delicious sandwich from Espace Comptoir or a pizza from La Piazzetta before heading to Parc de l'Île Lebel, a superb 15-hectare space on the riverfront! Enjoy a 1 km illuminated ice trail with musical ambiance, as well as a heated area to put on your skates. For sledding enthusiasts, discover an illuminated hill with dedicated lanes. For a more peaceful experience, take the 3 km hiking trail. The park also offers fun trails for children, as well as outdoor relaxation areas with fire pits to warm up.

End the day with a good meal before a show at the Théâtre Alphonse-Desjardins or a good beer before an evening of board games at the Randolph Pub Ludique.

montage repentigny

3. DISCOVERING L'ASSOMPTION

A peninsula bathed by the waters of the river of the same name, L'Assomption is vibrant, lively, and totally relaxed.

Start the day gently with a treatment, a massage, or a few hours spent in the baths of the Spa Santé Corps et Âme. A certified and attentive team awaits you to offer you an incomparable moment of relaxation. Continue your day with a visit to Rustik Alpaga to learn more about the fiber transformation process and/or a visit to the Distillerie Les Esprits Tordus. You can enjoy a tasting and tour of the premises, where you'll learn more about their products and working methods!

Take advantage of L'Assomption's wide range of dining options and choose from Bistro l'Ange Cornu, Taboo Cuisine Rebelle, Le Vice-Caché, or Maître Edgar to end the day with a delicious meal. Take advantage of the fact that the Théâtre Hector-Charland is within walking distance of most of these restaurants and treat yourself to tickets to one of the many shows presented during the winter season. Check out the program HERE.

montage l'assomption

4. DISCOVER RAWDON

Just under an hour from Montreal, Rawdon offers a wide range of outdoor activities that are perfect for discovering the region's winter beauty.

You can't pass through Rawdon without stopping to watch the majestic spectacle of Dorwin Falls. Continue on to the Rawdon Golf Resort for a delicious breakfast at Le Gordie's restaurant, before exploring the trails of the Tournée des Cantons, a vast network of eco-friendly trails designed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. In total, more than 50 kilometers of trails await you!

In the afternoon, you have a variety of options. Thrill seekers will be tempted to hit the slopes at Ski Montcalm. For those who prefer relaxation, La Source Bains Nordiques is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Baths, beauty treatments, massages, and refined healthy cuisine await you at the bistro.

End the day with a delicious meal at Le Privilège or La Queen restaurant.

montage rawdon

5. EXPLORE THE CITY OF JOLIETTE

Joliette stands out for its vibrant downtown area and offers an abundance of culture and nature, creating a harmonious balance between city life and the surrounding natural beauty.

Start your day with a visit to the region's largest art museum, the Musée d'art de Joliette. It offers a diverse program, including contemporary and ancient art exhibitions, as well as a multitude of cultural activities suitable for all ages and tastes. Continue the day with a visit to a few gourmet addresses. Stop for a bite to eat at Bistro La Belle Excuse or Brasserie artisanale Albion. You can also stop for coffee at Brûlerie du Roy before indulging in some sweet treats at Choco Chocolat. They even offer chocolate-making workshops. Find out more HERE.

End the day with a gourmet meal at one of the following restaurants: Table G, L'Âtre, Sim's Irish Pub, or Resto traiteur C.A. L'Alchimiste Microbrasserie is also the perfect place to end the evening with a beer in hand. The Centre Culturel Desjardins also offers a diverse program that will allow you to end the day on a cultural note.

montage joliette

The possibilities for winter day trips less than an hour from Montreal are as varied as they are captivating. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing break, the destinations we've explored offer a wide range of diverse experiences.

So, bundle up in your warmest clothes and set off to discover these gems within driving distance for unforgettable winter days.

To learn more about our destinations, click HERE.