Montréal — Saint Paulin — Trois-Riviéres

This 7-day itinerary starts in Montréal, visits the rural grandeur of Saint Paulin and ventures into Trois-Riviéres before returning to Montreal along the scenic northern banks of the St. Lawrence River. This is a perfect winter getaway that blends art, food and culture with a bit of pampering and wellness.

Day 1: Montréal

In 2006, Montréal became the first city in North America to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network — urban centres around the world that use creativity as a driving force for sustainable development.

It should come as no surprise that Montréal was the first on the continent to be awarded this City of Design designation. Art can be seen throughout the city, both in the design of the buildings and in art galleries but also in public displays. In the winter, heading underground to experience art is always a fun option that allows you to stay warm.

The free, self-guided Underground City Tour takes about an hour, covers a kilometre and showcases 15 works of art, including a fragment of the Berlin Wall. This tour utilizes a portion of the city's 32 kilometres of pedestrian pathways that run under downtown Montréal (linking 2000 stores and prestigious buildings).

The tour is just one of the many self-guided tours created by Art Public Montréal to showcase the city's many art displays that are free to the public.

After a day of exploration, go for dinner at L'Express, a Montréal staple since 1980. When the giant jar of pickles (made in-house) lands on your table, you'll know you're in the right place.

Day 2: Montréal

Montréal is a joy to explore in any season, and the winter months are no exception. The season beckons travellers to enjoy the many beautiful interior spaces, such as galleries and churches, and then cozy up for a pleasant walk through the scenic snow-covered streets of Old Montréal.

Take at least a full day to enjoy the many cultural institutions in the city. Start the day at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal), a must for any art lover.

The Museum’s collection showcases Québec and Canadian heritage, Indigenous art and international art comprising close to 47,000 works of art from antiquity to today.

Next head to Montréal's Mile End neighbourhood for lunch at one of the city's iconic spots. Try a famous Montréal bagel from St. Viateur Bagel, which has been serving them since 1957.

Or try another Montréal institution, Wilensky Light Lunch, which has been serving their famous 'Wilensky Special' (an all-beef salami or bologna sandwich with mustard) since 1937.

Stick around the Mile End neighbourhood to take in some of the charming shops and venues. Visit the striking Mordecai Richler Public Library, which is housed in a converted 1910 church, or catch a show at the Rialto Theatre, which is a National Historic Site, and was built in 1923.

Wind up the day with dinner at Damas, which serves Syrian cuisine. Try the chef's seasonal tasting menu, which consists of 10-12 dishes to share.

Day 3: Montréal

Start the morning with a trip up Mont Royal, where you can go skating or snowshoeing for a good outdoor workout with scenic views.

Then head to the spa for a day of pampering. Montréal has several luxurious spas to choose from, depending on your vibe.

Located on Nuns' Island, Størm Spa Nordique is just a few minutes from downtown Montréal but feels secluded and lush. Enjoy everything from hot and cold baths to Finnish saunas and eucalyptus steam baths.

Bota Bota is located on a refurbished boat floating on the St. Lawrence River in the Old Port and features saunas, steam baths, cold baths, whirlpools and a plethora of treatments.

There is also Scandinave Les Bains Vieux-Montréal in Old Montréal, the Guerlain Spa at the Four Seasons and the Moment Spa inside the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, among others.

After a day of pampering, stop in at the Notre-Dame Basilica to marvel at the stained glass and architecture before heading out for dinner.

Day 4-5: Saint Paulin

Head out of the city and into a rural wonderland for a two-night stay at Le Baluchon Eco Resort.

Located in quaint Saint Paulin, Le Baluchon is a sprawling resort with four inns, eight chalets, a farm and a relaxing spa.

Guests have access to everything they need for a fully immersive winter experience, from activities like snow tubing, cross-country skiing and skating to gourmet dining, horse-pulled sleigh rides and a thermal spa.

At the helm in the kitchens of the Le Baluchon's two restaurants is award-winning Chef Alex Hanna. Fresh, local ingredients are at the heart of his dishes. You can enjoy all your meals at Le Baluchon while relaxing in the natural surroundings.

Day 6: Trois-Riviéres

After two relaxing days at Le Baluchon, head to Trois-Riviéres. This riverside city may be much smaller than Montréal but its packed with museums, shops and restaurants.

In the winter it is best to plan your visit over a weekend as some places may be closed or have reduced hours during the week.

If you plan to check out several of the local attractions, it might be best to purchase a Museum Pass, which is valid for one year so you can come back in any season. Check out the full list of museums here.

The pass includes entrance to the POP! Museum, which is a must-see when in the city, especially with kids. It is attached to an old prison, which does offer tours on the weekends but only in French (ages 8 and up).

After visiting a few attractions, enjoy a stroll through the downtown core, just a few steps from the St. Lawrence River.

There are plenty of options for dinner. Try Le Castel for iconic French-inspired cuisine.

Day 7: Trois-Riviéres

Start your day with a leisurely brunch at Le Bette, which has a small but inventive menu. Then go for a stroll through the quaint old town to admire the architecture and history.

While in the old part of town, visit the Musée des Ursulines. The Ursulines are a Roman-Catholic female religious order that has been active in Canada since the 1600s. The Museum allows access to the 300-year history of the monastery in Trois Riviéres.

Head back to Montréal along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.