31 Indoor Activities Montreal Perfect For A Rainy Day

A rainy (or cold winter day) gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the indoor activities Montreal has to offer.

I mean, we spend a good chunk of the year in -40 degree weather, so we have to be prepared for the bad, the worse, and even worse weather!

So here are 31 perfect Montreal indoor activities you can enjoy, rain or snow! 

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Don’t Trust Weather Forecast For Rain In Montreal!

Montreal and the rain have a funny relationship.

I’m warning you now, you can’t trust the weather forecast! It might say it’s going to rain, but it never does. Or even worse, there won’t be rain in the forecast but you can end up unprepared in a downpour!

Your best bet is going to be checking the radar on The Weather Network. That will give you the best idea of what’s coming your way and when.

Also, a heads up, the rain in Montreal comes down fast. If you start to feel a drizzle, you usually have about 30 seconds to take cover before the downpour arrives!

Needless to say, because of our crazy weather, we have no shortage of indoors things to do in Montreal! So let’s dive in…

31 Indoor Things To Do In Montreal

Look no further for indoor things to do in Montreal on a rainy day!

Head To The Olympic Park For Indoor Montreal Rainy Day Activities

The Olympic Park is an area in the East end of Montreal with the Olympic Stadium at its centre.

Surrounding the Olympic Stadium are other buildings that were used as venues for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Once the games were over, they were repurposed into some of the best, and most unique, Montreal indoor activities. 

The Biodôme, Planetarium, Insectarium, and Botanical Gardens are all a part of the Espace Pour La Vie and offer indoor things to do in Montreal .

P.S. When it isn’t raining, the Botanical Gardens are a must visit in the city!

1. The Montreal Biodôme

The Montreal Biodôme is quite possibly one of the best Montreal indoor activities for a rainy or cold winter day.

It’s an indoor replica of five completely different eco systems: the tropical rainforest, the gulf of the St. Lawrence, the Laurentians, the Labrador Coast, and the sub-Antarctic Islands.  

Each section of the Biodôme has its own unique atmosphere, and you feel it from the moment you step through the doors.

It’s really quite an experience when you have to completely undress due to the heat walking into the rain forest! The monkeys and birds roam completely free in the trees above you here! It’s incredible!

But the best by far is when you reach the Sub-Antarctic and you’re greeted with a motley crew of different penguins (not to mention you also have to re-dress because it’s so cold!). 

The Montreal Biodôme is perfect for all ages, I still go back every few years.

They’ve also recently renovated, so I can’t wait to go back to see what they’ve done!  Buy tickets online, and see updated prices.

2. The Planetarium – What To Do On A Rainy Day Montreal?

Interested in space? There’s no better place to come if you’re looking for Montreal rainy day activities than the Planetarium at the Olympic Park (see the website here).

A secret option is to go to the Cosmodome in Laval,  since there are less tourists there. It’s the one I always went to growing up. Visit their website here.

Whichever you go to, you’ll spend the day learning about everything astronomy.

3. The Insectarium

At the Insectarium, you’ll learn about every bug imaginable.

I’ve only been there once to see the Monarchs and butterflies. I will not lie, I’m not too keen on going back to revisit all those creepy crawlers though…  

You can see over 300 live species of insects and arachnids at the Insectarium! And that doesn’t include the more than 250 000 mounted arthropods and 20 000 specimens they have on display as well.  

The Montreal Insectarium went through a huge metamorphasis in 2022, check out the new and improved Insectarium here.

Montreal Rainy Day Activities In The Old Port

Old Montreal (a.k.a the Old Port) is a pretty large tourist hub for the city. It’s exactly what it sounds like: it’s the old port of Montreal.

Although you often visit the Old Port to admire the old-timey charm, there are surprisingly quite a few Montreal indoor activities to entertain yourself with on a rainy day.

4. Go To The Notre Dame Basilica

I’m never really into visiting churches, but if you only visit one in Montreal, it should be the Basilica Notre Dame. Plus, they even offer a few Montreal indoor activities to elevate your visit. 

Included in your admission ticket to the Notre Dame Basilica a self-guided tour (they have informational plaques set up throughout the church, buy ticket here).

But they also transform the walls of the Basilica with an immersive light and sound performance called The Aura Experience (see it here). You can even buy a combined ticket if you’re interested here.

The Notre Dame Basilica also hosts Music by Candlelight performances throughout the year. With candlelight and an orchestra, listen to musical masterpieces. The themes for the performance are constantly changing, see what it is here. In the past they’ve performed Hans Zimmer’s music, Halloween specials, and more!).

5. Visit An Exhibit At The Science Centre Old Montreal

The Montreal Science Centre can entertain you on its own on a rainy day in Montreal. On top of their permanent exhibits, they also have constantly changing temporary exhibits.

The Science Centre also screens exclusive IMAX films that you can’t see anywhere else in the city making it one of a kind Montreal indoor activities.  

Check out their website, here, to see what they’re showcasing.

6. Shop At The Bonsecour Market (Or Any Indoor Market In Montreal)

Bonsecour Market is in a beautiful Old Montreal building that’s host to several local shops.

This is the ultimate spot to do some souvenir shopping in Montreal (p.s. find out how to buy the perfect souvenir in my blog post here).  

But the Bonsecour Market also has a large event hall. It’s used for anything from weddings to events and exhibitions throughout the year. See if there are any exhibitions going on while you’re visiting here.  

P.S. If you’re looking for more indoors things to do in Montreal, there are many more indoor markets that you can shop. You can buy some local produce or have a hearty lunch at the Jean Talon or Atwater markets.

7. Get Lost At S.O.S Labyrinth – Family Montreal Rainy Day Activities

Looking for indoor things to do in Montreal with your family? Well, this was my favourite activity as a kid, even though I did have a serious fear of getting lost in the maze!

The S.O.S Labyrinth is a giant indoor maze. But while you’re trying to find your way out, there’s also an elaborate mystery you’re trying to solve. The maze requires you to go through obstacle courses and use some of your problem solving skills.

See updated prices here.

8. Visit Château Ramezay Museum

Château Ramezay is one of Quebec’s many UNSECO world heritage sites (in fact, it was their first ever!).

It’s a 500 year old building that they’ve turned into a museum you can explore, making it one of the top indoor things to do in Montreal! You can wander through this historical building and learn the history of Québec.

They also have constantly changing temporary art exhibits to keep you coming back. See prices and current exhibit here.

9. Montreal Rainy Day Activities: Go To The Spa

Montreal’s Old Port has some of the most loved spas in the entire city. Locals’ favourite is Spa Bota Bota, which is house on an old river ferry floating on the water (visit their website here).

Imagine the slight back and forth rocking of the gentle waves as you relax. And I haven’t even told you the best part yet; you also get a skyline view of downtown! 

If a constantly rocking spa isn’t your style, you can check out the classic Scandinave Spa in Old Montreal as well as Avie Spa and Spa William Gray for Montreal indoor activities.

10. Hide From The Bad Weather In A Classic Old Port Café

There’s something comforting about sipping a warm drink while looking out onto cobblestone streets on a rainy day.

Montreal’s Old Port is no stranger to trendy cafés for either a quick coffee break or a decadent brunch.

Some of my favourite Old Port cafes include Tommy Café and Crew Collective & Café (I recommend going for the architecture alone). 

Structure Roasters is a must if you’re interested in knowing all about the coffee you’re drinking. They’ll also be able to tell you which bean is right for you!

If you’re looking for iconic Montreal coffee spot for indoor things to do in Montreal, there’s no better place to go than Café Olympico. Although their original location is in the Mile End, they’ve also opened up in the Old Port to satisfy all your coffee needs!

What To Do On A Rainy Day Montreal: Exert Some Energy With Family & Friends

It’s easy to feel a little cooped up at home on a rainy day in Montreal. So go somewhere where the weather outside doesn’t matter.

Exert all your pent up energy with exciting and engaging activities. Bring family and friends along with you!

So if you’re looking for what to do on a rainy day Montreal that lets you release some energy, this section is for you!

11. Trampoline World

Who doesn’t love jumping up and down, feeling like you’re lighter than air? Montreal has several indoor trampoline worlds to release all your built up energy!

Check out ISaute, SkyZone, or SkyTag (trampoline and laser tag in the west island).

12. Axe Throwing

I’m going to be completely honest with this one… I’m a bit terrified to even try axe throwing, but people have a lot of fun doing it.

I’m sure it’s very satisfying when you get the axe in the middle of the bullseye. But, with my lack of coordination and strength, I think I would be laughed out of the room…

So, what to do on a rainy day Montreal? Why not throw an axe at the wall at Rage and TNT (Thrill and Throw).

13. Play Mini Putt Indoor Activities Montreal

Are you ever too old for mini putt? It’s just a better, faster-paced, version of golf.

Putting Edge in Montreal will have you forgetting all about the terrible weather outside in no time! It’s black lit too, so it’s all about having fun and being transported to another world.

They have a few locations throughout the Island, visit their website here.

15. Go Bowling – Throwback Montreal Indoor Activities

Bowling is a bit of a blast from the past these day but nonetheless makes a great indoor thing to do in Montreal. Get some pizza, hotdog, and beer, and just relax knocking down some pins!

If you want a real bowling alley you’ll have to leave Downtown Montreal. Head to  Laurentian Lanes, or  Quilles G Plus (Rosebowl).

14. Play Laser Tag

Laser tag was the BOMB growing up and honestly still is today. It just never seems to get old… well maybe until you realize how bad you actually are at it (like me). Still, it’s one of the best Montreal indoor activities.

It’s like a safer, less painful version of paintball. You’re running around a maze in the dark, shooting the opposing team with lasers, all while trying to hide to not get hit yourself. 

The best place for laser tag in the city was Laser Quest, but unfortunately it closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic after 27 years in business!

There are still other laser tag places where you can go to stay dry, like SkyTag in the west Island (visit their website here).

16. Escape An Escape Room

An Escape Room is the perfect to work together as a team with friends and family on a rainy day in Montreal.

So, you’re not exactly exerting too much physical energy, but you are definitely burning some mental energy.  

A/Maze is the Escape Room in Monreal and has several locations throughout the city that you can try, check out their website here!

17. Allez Up: Indoor Rock Climbing

Get into shape by going rock climbing at Allez Up!

Don’t worry if you’ve never climbed before, they offer intro courses for rock climbing and even bouldering. They’re also kid friendly!

Find out more information here.

18. Indoor Skating At The Atrium

Le 1000 de la Gauchetière in Downtown Montreal is an office building, where you’ll find something truly unexpected in the basement – a skating rink.  

If you aren’t into the natural skating rink that Montreal turns during the winter, you might still enjoy indoor skating at the Atrium.

You can skate here on weekends all year round! You can even rent skates if you forget yours at home! See updated prices.

Montreal Museums To Visit On A Rainy Day

Rainy days just scream ‘museum’ in my mind. When we’re travelling in a new city, we take full advantage of the rainy days to visit countless museums. Montreal is no exception to this classic rainy day activity! 

Here are some of the main museums you’ll want to visit for Montreal indoor activities.

P.S. I’ve also already mentioned visiting the Science Centre in the Old Port (go back to it now).

19. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has Montreal’s largest art collection.

They have beautiful permanent collections from Québec and Canadian artists. But they also host constantly changing temporary exhibits that are always worth visiting.  

See what’s being showcased while you’re visiting here.

20. The McCord Museum – Indoor Activities Montreal

The McCord Museum is a museum for the preservation and appreciation of Canadian history… sounds kind of dull, I know.

But they somehow manage to showcase some of the best temporary exhibitions I’ve ever seen.

In the past I’ve gone to fashion exhibitions about Balenciaga and Dior. Another time they featured influential cartoonists!

See the current exhibitions on display here. 

21. The Redpath Museum

As part of McGill University, the Redpath Museum is a natural history museum. They have sections on palaeontology, mineralogy, zoology, and world cultures.

Oh, also dinosaurs… LOTS and LOTS of dinosaurs! Find out more. 

22. The Biosphere – Indoor Activities Montreal

For the longest time I was under the impression that this giant ball on St. Helen’s Island was just for show that was built for Expo ’67.

As it turns out, this is the Biosphere with an environmental museum hidden inside. They offer several exhibits and have guided activities to take part in during your visit. Find out more.

Indoor Activities Montreal To Drink To!

Looking for what to do on a rainy day Montreal? There’s nothing better than cozying up in a café or a pub with a nice drink to warm you up.

Here are some Montreal indoor activities that all involve drinking (and not necessarily alcohol!).

23. Visit A Distillery In Montreal

Instead of just drinking alcohol, learn about how it’s made.

It’s always fun to go on a distillery tour (especially when they offer free tastings!).  And I know that distilleries don’t exactly come to mind when thinking of Montreal indoor activities, but we do have one!

Don’t confuse going to La Distillerie No.1, that’s just a bar – albeit a very nice bar, but you won’t learn about any of the distillation process here.  

The distillery you’ll want to visit is Cirka Distilleries. A tour of the distillery also comes with a tasting session, find out more on their website here.

24. Go To A Microbrewery

Montreal might only have one distillery, but we have many… many microbreweries.

So if beer is more up your alley, head to a microbrewery to taste the local brews!

Make sure to order a flight to taste the most varieties, and find your favourite!

See a full list of the best microbreweries in Montreal; my go-to is Dieu du Ciel, they’re always coming out with new beers to try.

25. Go To A Ceramic Cafe

Warm up with a drink while doing a fun art activity… YES PLEASE! There’s something so fulfilling about sipping on a hot drink while painting. 

This was my favourite activity as a kid, and it hasn’t really changed all that much as an adult… maybe except that now I have too many mugs!  

Head to the Céramic Café Studio, but keep in mind that it takes about a week for your piece of art to be ready for pickup!

26. There’s No Better Time To Enjoy Afternoon Tea In Montreal!

Afternoon tea is hands down one of the best Montreal rainy day activities. Did I even really need to mention this one? All jokes aside, my go-to is Gryphon D’Or on Monkland (in NDG).

Their scones and lemon curd are TO DIE FOR, they offer a wide variety of high quality tea to choose from, and it has such a cozy atmosphere. It’s also down the street from where I live, so I might be a bit biased… 

For the best afternoon tea in the city, I love Le Parloir. Or for a very fancy experience, head to the Ritz Carlton’s Palm Court for high tea, you’ll have to make a reservation in advance here.

More Montreal Indoor Activities!

Next on the list of Montreal indoor activities are some Montreal specials! 

27. Shop In The Underground Mall

You’ve probably been to an indoor mall before, that’s nothing special. But, have you ever been to an underground mall before?

Due to our frigid weather for the better half of a year in Montreal, the city’s created an underground city. I’m serious! Sometimes you can get everything you need without ever having to go outside.

The underground city connects 7 metro stations, a train station, countless malls, restaurants, office towers, and hotels. I wasn’t lying when I said that you’d never have to leave! 

Alternatively, you can also go to one of the many shopping malls on the island, like Fairview Pointe-Claire in the West Island. You can also go off the island to Carrefour Laval.

Both these malls will have the same stores as downtown, but will be less busy. Plus a change of scenery never hurt anyone!

28. Never Leave The Pepsi Forum On A Cold Day In Montreal

This is a true Montreal gem, perfect for a rainy day. Remember when I said that you never had to leave the underground city, well the same could be said for the Pepsi Forum.  

The Forum used to be where the Habs would play (until they outgrew it and moved to the Bell Centre). You’ll notice that it looks like an old arena inside, with the circular floors. The seats in the centre are the originals as well! 

So, why don’t you ever have to leave? There’s a huge movie theatre that plays a lot of great indie films along with box office hits.

The third floor has a bar with bowling, and an arcade with pool tables, and a bar (2024 update: The Games Centre closed for Covid in 2020 and hasn’t reopened…

Plus, if you stay long enough, a club opens up later at night! Now do you believe me that you literally never have to leave? The Pepsi Forum has Montreal indoor activities for everyone to enjoy

29. Tour The Bell Centre

Many people will have been to the Bell Centre, either for a hockey game or concert. But, very few people know that there’s a museum and tour that gives you an all access backstage pass to the Bell Centre.

The museum and backstage tour is primarily focused on the Habs, which is perfect if you’re a fan! But even if you aren’t into the Habs or even hockey, it’s still a worthwhile Montreal experience – especially if you’re looking for indoor things to do in Montreal.  

They’ll tell you about the building itself, and take you places you normally don’t have access to (like the locker rooms!).

See ticket prices and options here.

30. VIP Cineplex

A rainy day equals movie and popcorn to me! You can forget how bad the weather is outside in a dark theatre and escape to a whole new world.  

But kick your movie experience up a notch by going to the VIP Cineplex in DixTrent. This theatre will serve you a full course dinner service while you watch the latest box office hit on the big screen. 

See what’s playing here!

31. Gamble Responsibly At The Montreal Casino

Even if you aren’t much of a gambler, the Montreal Casino is a fun way to spend a rainy day. I swear, it’s so easy to get lost inside.

The building itself is also just magnificent (looks like a ship, especially when it’s all lit up at night!) 

Plus, did I mention the free drinks!?

My Montreal Rainy Day Activities Must-Haves

Need A Place To Stay In Montreal – Hotel Recommendations

I love going on staycations at Hotel Nelligan in the Old Port of Montreal. It’s in a great location, walking distance to everywhere you need to be. When you stay there you can’t miss out on their unique roof top terrace above the hotel. See room rates & availability.

I’ve also stayed at the newly built Homewood Suites in Montreal Midtown (west of the city) and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a hotel that isn’t in the city centre. But they also have a branch downtown as well. It has a little kitchenette in every room and breakfast is included. Even though it isn’t downtown, you aren’t far from it. It’s walking distance to the Namur metro station, which will get you downtown in less than 20 minutes. See room rates & availability.

Here are some other alternatives I’ve heard about if you’re looking to stay in Downtown Montreal;

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Downtown Montreal check out Auberge Les Bons Matins. This is a one of a kind stay perfect for a romantic getaway in Montreal. In this charming inn in Montreal, you’ll get a taste of local life. See room rates & availability.

You can also stay Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites if an auberge isn’t your style. Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites is in a supreme location in between the orange and the green metro line that get you anywhere else in the city. Breakfast is also included with your stay! See room rates & availability

For more accommodation options in Montreal, see Booking.com.

More Local Montreal Guides

• What To Wear To Survive Montreal Winters
• What To Do In Montreal In The Fall?
• What’s Actually The Best Time To Visit Montreal – A Local Opinion

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Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API