How to Make the Most of a Cloudy Trip

Rainy day activities Montreal might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you plan a trip to this vibrant city, but trust me, you’ll be glad to know them. Montreal’s weather can be a little mischievous: sunshine one moment, drizzle the next, and then a full-blown downpour just as you’ve ordered your café au lait on a patio. The good news? Some of the best experiences in the city happen indoors. Whether you’re into museums, food tours, or just want to stay warm and dry while people-watching, this guide will show you the top day activities in Montreal that make a rainy forecast feel like a lucky break.

What to do in Montreal?

Why Rainy Days in Montreal Aren’t So Bad

First, let’s set expectations. Montreal weather is unpredictable. One minute you’ll swear you need sunscreen, the next you’re hunting down a poncho like it’s a rare collectible. On my last trip, I arrived to sunshine and optimism, only to be greeted by drizzle before I even finished my smoked meat sandwich.

The good news? Montreal is prepared. Between its legendary underground city, countless museums, and a food scene that could comfort even the grumpiest of travelers, you won’t run out of things to do. And if you’re a senior traveler like many of my readers — maybe with a stiff knee or a desire to avoid slippery cobblestones — I’ll also point out which spots are easiest to reach and navigate.

Stay Dry, Stay Comfortable:

UPDATE – Marriott Residence Inn – Westmount

 UPDATE – November 2022: The Residence Inn Westmount is no longer part of the Marriott Chain; It is now an independent hotel simply called Hotel 2170 Lincoln. You can find it via Booking.com or Hotels.com

When it comes to things you have to do in Montreal, booking the right hotel might not sound exciting, but trust me — it matters. If the rain keeps you indoors for a morning or afternoon, you’ll be glad you picked somewhere comfortable.

On my trip, I stayed at the Residence Inn Westmount (now Hotel 2170 Lincoln). The rooms are spacious, there’s a small kitchenette, and it’s within easy reach of both downtown and the metro. A word of warning though: when the hotel is full, the elevators can rival a Toronto rush-hour subway for wait times. Seniors please bring a little patience (or a good audiobook for elevator rides).

Other solid options include Fairfield Inn and Suites Downtown, Marriott Courtyard, or Park Hyatt. The key is to stay central so you can either dash into indoor attractions nearby or slip into the metro without getting drenched.

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Exploring Montreal by Hop-On Hop-Off (Raincoat Optional)

The afternoon of the first day was pretty much a write-off. Once I got checked in and had a nap that lasted a little longer than I had wanted. I slipped out to the IGA to get some provisions and snacks. By then, it was about sevenish. Rather than going out, I ordered in dinner, getting my obligatory Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich from Rueben’s Delicatessen.

Even in drizzle, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a fantastic way to see Montreal without soggy socks. I recommend doing the full circuit first (your ticket lasts 48 hours), then deciding which stops you’ll revisit when — and if — the rain lets up.

Here are some highlights:

• Old Montreal: The cobblestones get slippery in rain, so wear shoes with grip. But it’s worth it for the history, Place Jacques Cartier, and the Old Port.
• Fine Arts Museum & McCord Museum: Both are excellent Montreal indoor attractions with plenty of space to rest if you’re managing mobility issues.
• Saint Joseph’s Oratory: Stunning architecture, though prepare for hills. Seniors may prefer to use taxis or rideshares instead of attempting steep climbs.
• Quartier des Spectacles: Always lively, rain or shine.

Pro tip: Dorchester Square, where you start, has a tourist office where you can grab maps, exchange tickets, and — most importantly — duck inside for shelter if the skies open up.

Underground Montreal: The Secret City Beckons

One of the absolute best rainy day activities Montreal offers is its underground city, known locally as RÉSO. Spanning over 30 km, it connects malls, food courts, metro stations, and even hotels.

I once stumbled into Les Cours Mont-Royal and found myself face-to-face with an enormous Barbie doll exhibit (yes, Barbie, Ken, and even a Game-of-Thrones-themed collection). While that particular exhibit may have moved on, it’s proof of the quirky surprises you’ll find underground.

If you’re a senior traveller, you’ll appreciate the flat surfaces and escalator access. Mobility is much easier here than navigating cobblestone Old Montreal in a downpour. Plus, there are plenty of benches to rest on between shopping sprees.

Montreal’s Museums: Dry, Educational and Inspiring

Raining Harder – Go to Musee Des Beaux Arts

If it’s pouring buckets, museums are your best friends. A few of my personal favourites:

• Musée des Beaux–Arts: Classic and contemporary works, and the building itself is a piece of art. Elevators and ramps make it senior-friendly.
• McCord Stewart Museum: Focuses on Montreal’s history and Indigenous heritage. It’s compact so that you won’t feel overwhelmed.
• Biodome: Indoor ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforest to polar environments. Great if you’re travelling with grandchildren.

Museums are easily some of the most enriching day activities in Montreal — and a safe bet when the weather refuses to cooperate.

Food Tours: The Tastiest Rainy Day Plan

If you can’t decide what to do, let your stomach guide you. Montreal’s food tours often include indoor stops at markets, bakeries, and cafés.

On my last rainy day, I ended up in a burger joint on St. Laurent Blvd. Plant-based burger, sweet potato fries, and a cocktail called “Whatamelon.” It was so good, I forgot about the rain… until I had to leave and discovered my umbrella had flipped inside-out. (A very Montreal problem.)

And of course, no foodie trip is complete without smoked meat (Rueben’s or Schwartz’s, though I admit I refuse to line up at Schwartz’s for hours). Looking for a guided food tour…check out this link.

For seniors, I recommend booking food tours that move at a leisurely pace and offer seating at each stop. Trust me, your knees will thank you.

Entertainment: From Drag Shows to Ferris Wheels

One evening, drizzle pushed me into the Village (Montreal’s LGBTQ+ district), where I found myself belting karaoke at Club Date and later sipping Caesars at District Video Lounge. Rainy nights are sometimes the most memorable, especially when drag queens are involved.

If you’d prefer something quieter, Montreal’s Old Port has a giant Ferris wheel, La Grande Roue, which offers panoramic views. The enclosed cabins mean you can enjoy the cityscape rain or shine. Pro tip for seniors: go midday when it’s less crowded and seating is guaranteed.

Tips for Seniors Navigating Rainy Montreal

1. Bring sturdy shoes — cobblestones get slick.
2. Use public transit — the metro is efficient, but stairs can be steep. Elevators are available at select stations (check before you go).
3. Plan indoor breaks — museums, cafés, and markets double as rest stops.
4. Stay central — booking downtown accommodation saves your energy.
5. Carry a lightweight poncho — umbrellas + Montreal winds = comedy show.

Where to eat in Montreal

Needed a Burger

After having a super spicy Caesar at District, I felt that I needed a good burger to finish up the day. When I have been travelling, I have started to use the OpenTable app. On it you can search by type of restaurant, location, by reviews and so on.

I found a highly rated restaurant that specialized in “plant-based” burgers. So, I booked my reservation and made my way over to St Laurent Blvd. St. Laurent is restaurant central when you travel to Montreal. I have had many a satisfying meal at several restaurants along this street. You will also find the infamous Schwartz’s Deli here. I refuse to line up for hours for food, so I can’t give you a review of Schwartz’s, but it is said to have some of the best bagels in North America.

The Bowhead Pub menu was not overly complex. I wanted a burger, so I ordered up their ‘Impossible Burger’ with sweet potato fries. While I waited, I sipped on a fresh cocktail – Whatamelon.

I was happy with the burger. Sometimes, with plant-based burgers, I personally find them bland. This burger, on the other hand, was seasoned nicely, but it didn’t overpower the rest of the flavours. The bun-to-meat ratio was perfect. That means the meat and other toppings didn’t overflow into your hands, nor conversely did the bun envelope the ingredients. Overall, I would recommend a visit to the Bowhead Pub.

OMG Montreal – Will it Ever Stop Raining?

Woke up my last full day to another downpour. So, I went down and had a long, lingering breakfast at the hotel. I started to edit the pictures and lounged around till about 2 pm. The rain had slowed to a drizzle again.

So out came my OpenTable app. I decided to treat myself to a higher-end dinner for the last night. I liked the looks and the reviews of a restaurant called L’Original.

The restaurant uses as many locally sourced products as they can, including their own farm. The decor is comforting and a throwback to a more relaxing time.

The menu is loaded with comfort food. But tonight, I went with the off-menu specials suggested by the servers. The appetizer was a salmon mousse quiche. It was not what I expected. Light and airy, with salmon not being overpowering. Give me more!

For my main course, as a burger guy, I was thinking of trying the bison burger. But the server then read the specials to me, and well, I decided to splurge big time and ordered up the surf’n’turf. It was a filet mignon with lobster tail and caviar. OMFG! Cooked to perfection. The flavours melded perfectly. My only complaint would be that it may have sat on the shelf a minute too long. It had cooled off a bit too much. But that said, I’d eat it again.

By now I was full. I was leaning back and loving the lingering flavours of the meal I had just eaten. Then one of the owners comes over and reads me her dessert offerings. The recommendation of the coconut cream pie was accepted. The suggestion was not regretted.

All in all, L’Original gets my highest recommendation. If you are in Montreal and looking for a piece of Canadiana, please check them out. I know I will be going back when I head to Montreal for my next birthday.

Conclusion – Guess What? It Stops Raining!

Rain doesn’t have to ruin your Montreal trip. In fact, some of my best memories were made ducking into unexpected spots like that Barbie exhibit, or finding the best Impossible Burger I’d ever had.

So the next time you’re faced with drizzle, don’t sigh but smile. Because some of the most authentic things you have to do in Montreal happen indoors, where laughter, art, and food are abundant.

Internal Links (Al Murray Travels)

• Canadian Train Trip Reviews: The Ocean from Montreal to Halifax
• 9 Montreal Travel Tips
• Fall Things to Do in Montreal
• East Coast Canada Travel Guide

External References

1. Tourisme Montréal – Official Site
2. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal
3. RÉSO – Montreal’s Underground City
4. Montreal Metro Accessibility Map
5. La Grande Roue de Montréal
6. Old Montreal Official Guide

Please note: the opinions expressed in this post should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences and those of my friends and family. Whether traveling, exercising or other activity it is always a matter of personal preference.  Find what you like and enjoy and share if you want with us all!
Also: If considering a change in diet, exercise, nutrition and or supplements, you must consult your medical practitioner to make sure that what you are about to embark upon doesn’t interfere with your current treatments.