Cold. Colder. Coldest.
Visit Montreal in the winter, and expect freezing temperatures with a dose of hockey and history. We’re talking 1°F or way below-zero Celsius. Bring your fur, thick socks, plentry of outerwear, and waterproof everything. I personally owe my survival to my leather, sherpa-lined L.L. Bean tall boots—stylish and, frankly, non-negotiable. We arrived via train after a record-breaking 30-inch snowfall, turning the city into a winter wonderland—cute but cold.
Now, let’s get into my design-inspired takeaways from this French-infused city with its perfect mix of North American and European vibes.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Celine Dion got married here—don’t ask how I know that.
The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a Gothic Revival masterpiece, completed in 1829. Inside, the deep blue ceilings are speckled with gold stars, soaring ribbed vaults, and intricately carved wood details. The sanctuary’s gold embellishments, stained-glass windows, and grand altarpiece make it one of the most stunning religious interiors in North America.
A dramatic pulpit, an elaborate Casavant Frères organ, and ornate wooden pews add to the grandeur. Walking in feels like stepping into a piece of history, beautifully preserved. I’m not religious, but I was raised by a very Catholic mother—so I can say this: this church was powerful. Peaceful, quiet, and absolutely stunning, I was completely mesmerized.
Maison Pepin
In contrast to the Basilica’s grandeur, we found a cool of-the-moment interior decor boutique—one part home decor store store, one part coffee shop. Espresso while admiring interiors is right up my alley. Maison Pepin stands out, my cool features.
- Graphic-Inspired Floor Tile – Penny tiles with words to live by, and larger black and white geometirc tiles layered with mud and snow from my boots. The perfect winter storm aesthetic.
- Straw Lighting – Reminiscent of beach homes and made locally, these fixtures could blend seamlessly into my coastal projects. They look like woven straw hats, but for ceilings.
- Objects and Art – Perfectly imperfect walls and frames, Greco-Roman terracotta vessels, and aged brick walls paired with modern lighting. The vibe felt very Boston-brownstone-meets-European-loft.
I’ll be back in warmer weather to see it without snow boots involved.
Instagram-Famous
My favorite hidden gems at Maison Pepin – an Instagram-famous alley, tucked away behind a locked fence. It’s so beautiful, but if you’re not careful—whether you’re distracted by traffic or just trying to avoid a snowbank—you might miss it. But here’s the cool part: you can actually rent out the alley… a clever money-making idea.
On top of that, I love that Maison Pepin makes their own upholstery in Montreal. Their designs are on-point, and while shipping to Boston may come with some border delays and possibly tariffs (hey, it’s 2025), the distance isn’t too bad. Plus, it’s a great way to support the Canadian economy just as much as the U.S., and the “give and take” scenario works well.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal gave me major Boston vibes, but with one big difference – the bold colors. I loved seeing bright shades of green, square lime green, and yellow on the exteriors, standing out against the light beige, old-school stone facades, and contrasting beautifully with the fresh snow. The combination of winter greens and white lights created a very cute scene. I also found some cool doorways, a random pin board full of public art, and a collection of portrait sketches. And of course, a great restaurant recommendation – Olive et Gourmando. The best brunch, cool interiors, and I even took home a cookbook.
Montreal Dining & Drinks
After reaching out to my people and asking around, here’s a list of some of the best spots for dining and drinks in town.
- Brunch in Old Montreal: Olive + Gourmando, Holder, Le Cartet
- Dinner in Old Montreal: Garde Manger, Barroco, Monarque
- Speakeasy in Old Montreal: Cold Room
- Dinner in Mile End / Plateau: Romie’s, Stellina
- Dinner in Downtown / Griffintown: Foxy, La Spada.
- Cocktails in Downtown / Griffintown: Atwater Cocktail Club, Cloakroom, Marcus Bar (Four Seasons)
- Dinner elsewhere: Nora Gray
Unexpected Details
After thawing out and getting my thoughts together, here are a few design takeaways from my winter visit to Montreal. Bold colors are everywhere, from the teal and gold ceilings of a historic church to the bright exteriors of Old Montreal’s storefronts. Adding a pop of color to ceilings or exterior woodwork can be a fun and unexpected design choice. Natural woven light fixtures, when used thoughtfully, offer texture and warmth without feeling too beachy, and they pair beautifully with cool art and stone or brick walls. Lastly, keeping white lights up well past Christmas feels charming—not in a holiday sense, but in a winter sense. The soft glow bouncing off the snow as the day fades creates something special. Read more about how simple travel inspires our interiors, and see some of work as a New England historic home designer.
