Ideas for a wellness weekend in Montréal

Wellness means something different for everyone. At its essence, however, wellness means engaging in activities that remove anxiety and promote feeling better—mentally, physically, and emotionally. We have some suggestions. For those who are feeling drained, here are some weekend activities to help get your juices flowing again.

Let’s go outside

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.

When is the last time you 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 post on social media.

Because it’s accessible by metro, a trip to Parc Jean-Drapeau offers the benefits of getting 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.

Food as therapy

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 summer of sampling croissants? That sounds like peak-wellness.

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.

Massage that stress away

While not all services and experiences are available, most Montréal spas are still open for such nourishing body treats as massages and cosmetic treatments (such as manicures, pedicures, facials). Everyone’s favourite spa on a boat—Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau—is offering massages and treatments. For a Swedish massage, Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal is a wonderful option—and it also offers deep tissue, Thai massage with oil, and a few other luxurious techniques. 

Wake up somewhere else

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 hotel deals!