10 things to do in March in Montreal

by Martin Morin

March may trick us into thinking that winter is over, but it’s a trap!  Don’t worry; there are still tons of exciting activities going on all month to help keep our spirits high while we wait for spring! [Image credit: iStock]

The 18th edition of Montréal en lumière kicked off on February 23rd and continues until March 11th. This year the chefs and cuisine of the French city of Lyon are being honoured, making for a delicious event well worth checking out. And don’t forget that Nuit Blanche will take place on March 4th. The Nuit Blanche of poetry is surely not to be missed, held from midnight to 2am and hosted by Marie-Louise Arsenault at the Musée d’art contemporain.

And if all this fun has made you hungry, you can wrap up your night on the town at any of a number of great late-night and 24-hour restaurants.

The kids are out of school and you’re looking for something to keep them busy? The computer and tablet aren’t exactly the answer? No problem, we’ve thought of everything, from the Festival international de films pour enfants de Montréal to the Biodôme, the Science Centre and the Granby Zoo!

Why not spoil the woman in your life by springing for a massage for two, or spending a leisurely afternoon browsing Montreal’s excellent independent bookstores. Or maybe a little classic film? You can also celebrate one of our great Montreal chefs in one of these restaurants.

Montreal isn’t lacking for pubs where you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t have Irish roots? All you have to do is make some up, no one will see anything wrong with that! On the 17th, we’re all Irish!

March also rings in the official macaroni and cheese week, which runs from March 20th to 27th. Notable among the participating establishments, are bistro La Fabrique (with a brunch version), Danny St-Pierre's La Petite Maison,  Le Gras Dur, Le Ludger and Burger Royal.

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Other good ideas:

• Take a trip to Paris without leaving Montreal
• 6 cool places to chill
• Live it up at Montreal's best nightlight destinations

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From March 23rd to 26th, lumberjacks, festive music and tons and tons of sugar will be waiting for you at this highly anticipated annual event on promenade Drive in Verdun. Some notable acts include Pépé et sa guitare, Mara Tremblay, André Lejeune and Charbonniers de l’enfer. Several bars and restaurants will be serving up sweet delicacies like French toast grilled cheese from Station W or vin chaud from Bar Palco. Also, be sure not to miss the General Store and sweets and handicrafts. We can’t wait!

Will the arrival of Claude Julien help the team out its 2017 slump?Cheer on the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge and then head out for a drink or a snack a few minutes' walk from the Bell Centre.

Organize a family outing to the Montreal Botanical Garden and go see the Papillons en liberté exhibit while enjoying the warmth of the large greenhouse. “Before you, hundreds of colourful butterflies flutter in the heart of lush nature. Their fascinating flight inspires ease and invites you to relax,” we’re promised. We’re sold! Then, go grab a bite with the children in a restaurant located near the Olympic Stadium. There are a lot more than you think!

What does Pink Floyd have in common with the opera? Another Brick in the Wall, of course! This opera, directed by Dominic Champagne and inspired by the words and music of the legendary band, will be showing throughout the month of March at the Opéra de Montréal. Now that’s an original evening out!

Winter is coming to an end, but it will be cold and the snow may not be finished. So take advantage and stay at home in the warmth and treat yourself with one of these three comforting recipes. Or why not all three?