Escape the Dark Days of Winter in the New City of Lights

Lighten up your winter vacation with a weekend getaway in Montreal

Posted: November 12, 2018 03:16 PM ET

1. Illumination of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge

A firework display is seen at night over the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Montreal

This historic landmark comes alive at night with the Living Connections light installation. Traffic, weather and social media data are collected throughout the day. Then every hour on the hour, lights on the bridge cycle through short animations to illustrate the mood of the city. Different coloured lights represent the changing of the seasons and various themes; for example, icy blue in winter or green in summer.

2. Aura at Notre-Dame Basilica

The interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica

Taking place at Notre-Dame Basilica, Aura is a two-part multimedia spectacle. First, visitors are invited to slow down and discover art installations scattered throughout the historic church. After about 20 minutes, an announcement calls people to gather for an immersive experience that combines lights and orchestral music to spectacular effect. (In fact, it was developed with a custom-built mapping system that carefully scanned the building’s architectural details.) The entire show lasts about 45 minutes.

3. Cité Mémoire

An image of a woman is projected on to a tower in Old Montreal at night for the Cite Memoire experience

One of the world’s largest projection circuits, this free outdoor art installation features dreamlike tableaux inspired by the city’s history. Accompanied by music, images and words are projected throughout Old Montreal. For the full Cité Mémoire experience, download the free Montréal en Histoires app before you go.

4. Montréal en lumière

A couple walks through wings of light while holding hands as they take in the romantic Montreal en lumiere

If you’re feeling brave and want to see the city from a different perspective, one of the best ways to take in Montreal en lumière is zip lining over it. On the ground, this festival of lights includes rides, family-friendly entertainment, illuminated art installations and a fine-dining program in restaurants featuring the best Quebec has to offer.

Need more inspiration for a weekend getaway?

Check out more great events taking place in Montreal this winter or watch a video to see what the city has in store.

Image credit: Tourisme Montréal, © Eva Blue, © Notre-Dame Basilica - Stéphan Poulin, © Tourisme Montréal - Madore - Daphné, © Montréal en lumière - Frédérique Ménard-Aubin, and © Benoit Rousseau