Canada, North America
Montreal in March
Sugar shack season begins outside the city. The streets are gray and wet as the snow melts.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Montreal. Sugar shack season begins outside the city. The streets are gray and wet as the snow melts.
- Weather
- Thawing, highs near 36F (2C), slush
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Montreal
March is thaw season. Highs rise to about 36F (2C), snow melts into slush, and the streets look gray and wet for much of the month. Crowds are light and prices are modest. The bright spot is maple season, as sugar shacks outside the city open their doors.
It suits budget travelers, museum lovers and anyone keen on a sugar shack meal. It is a weaker choice for walking the Plateau or enjoying parks. For winter fun, come in February; for pleasant weather and open terraces, wait until May or June.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Montreal this month.
Sugar shack season
Maple sugar shacks outside the city serve hearty meals and maple taffy on snow. Popular ones need reservations.
Montreal en Lumiere tail end
The food and light festival sometimes runs into early March, depending on the year.
Indoor culture
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Biodome and the Science Centre are ideal for slushy days.
What to pack for March
- Waterproof boots for slush
- A warm, water-resistant jacket
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Gloves and a hat
Our timing tip
Reserve your sugar shack meal a few weeks ahead, especially for weekends, and plan a car or tour since most are outside the city.
Book Montreal for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MontrealOpens a hotel search for Montreal in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MontrealWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MontrealTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Montreal for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Montreal en Lumiere
Late February, sometimes running into early March
A winter food and light festival with free outdoor installations and chef events across the city.
Things to do in Montreal
Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica
Cobblestones, the Old Port, and the basilica's blue and gold interior. The evening AURA light show inside is worth a booking.
Mount Royal
Walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout for the city view. Sunday afternoon tam-tams by the George-Etienne Cartier monument in summer are a local ritual.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
One of Canada's leading art museums, spread over five pavilions on Sherbrooke Street.
Jean-Talon Market
One of North America's largest open-air markets, open year-round. Visit in late summer for the Quebec harvest.
Space for Life: Botanical Garden, Biodome, and Insectarium
Big, family-friendly, and great in any season. The Gardens of Light lanterns run in fall.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
The island park of Expo 67 and the Grand Prix circuit, with the Biosphere, a beach, and summer festivals.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Old Montreal early in the morning or on weekday evenings; weekend afternoons and cruise days fill Place Jacques-Cartier.
- Check the festival calendar before booking: the Grand Prix weekend and the Jazz Festival push hotel rates sharply higher, while the weeks around them are much cheaper.
- Go in September for summer weather at shoulder-season prices once the festival rush has ended.
- For winter trips, use the indoor city and the metro to move between neighborhoods and save the outdoor time for the festival nights.
Know before you go
- July 1 is Canada Day and also Quebec's traditional moving day, when leases turn over. Streets fill with moving trucks, and some businesses close.
- June 24, the Fete nationale, is a public holiday in Quebec with some closures and big free concerts.
- Terraces, the Old Port attractions, and many seasonal activities run roughly May to October. In winter, the Old Port turns to skating, and the indoor city keeps shopping running.
- Sugar shacks outside the city are seasonal, mostly March and April, and popular ones need reservations.
Montreal in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Montreal?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Montreal. Sugar shack season begins outside the city. The streets are gray and wet as the snow melts.
What is the weather like in Montreal in March?
Thawing, highs near 36F (2C), slush.
Is Montreal crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Montreal; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Montreal in March?
Montreal en Lumiere (late february, sometimes running into early march).
Keep planning Montreal.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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