Ideas for a wellness weekend in Montréal

For many of us, going outside is a cornerstone of wellness. Whether walking, jogging, wheeling, or simply sitting on a park bench, most of us can personally attest to the benefits of fresh air and sunlight.

Have you ever journeyed to the top of Mount Royal? The sprawling central park offers over 200 hectares of natural space. Two hours on the park pathways will produce far more endorphins than anything you’ll find while scrolling on social media.

Because it’s accessible by metro, a trip to Parc Jean-Drapeau offers the benefits of stepping out of the city without any traffic delays. Use the park’s walkways for an ideal loop that includes viewpoints over the St. Lawrence River and passages through tunnels of stunning foliage.

Five islands make up the peaceful, wildlife-filled Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville. A few minutes’ drive from downtown, the park features hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

At the end of the Montréal metro's green line, you'll find the 97-hectare Parc Angrignon in the Sud-Ouest borough. A pond and the historic Fort Angrignon trail add to the feeling of being much further from the city than you actually are.

When thinking about wellness, many of us think of getting our vegetables. The city has a bounty of health-focused restaurants, most of them offering take out or delivery. For a deeper dive into the world of animal-free culinary fair, check out this ultimate guide to eating vegan in Montréal.

Soup is not only the quintessential comfort food, it’s arguably the most therapeutic culinary option. Head to one of these authentic ramen restaurants or warm up with Montréal’s top pho spots.

This list of Montréal’s best bakeries and patisserie shops will provide options that could last a season of weekends. Why not make it an adventure to sample croissants? That could be peak-wellness for many of us!

Montréal spas offer the nourishment of massages and a plethora of cosmetic treatments (such as manicures, pedicures, facials). At everyone’s favourite spa on a boat—Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau—you can enjoy the water circuit paired with a relaxing massage. For a Swedish massage, Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal is a wonderful option—and they also offer deep tissue, Thai massage with oil, and a few other luxurious techniques. On Nun’s Island, experience the thermal joys at Strøm Spa, including saunas, steam baths, relaxation rooms, and plenty of massage options.

If you truly want to make it a wellness weekend, get thyself to a hotel room. Whether a change of scenery for the whole family, a romantic weekend getaway, or a few solo nights of self-care, Montréal hotels provide plenty of options for a rejuvenating vacation.

For some financial wellness, be sure to check out these sweet deals!