Winter Survival Guide: Using the RÉSO to Stay Warm in Montreal

Montreal winters are legendary.

Temperatures regularly drop below -15°C (5°F), wind chills can feel even colder, and snowstorms can transform downtown streets in hours.

But Montreal has a secret advantage: RÉSO, the city’s vast underground pedestrian network.

If you use it strategically, you can:

Avoid extreme cold
Walk indoors between major attractions
Reach metro stations without exposure
Access restaurants and shopping without snow boots
Move between hotels and event venues comfortably

This guide explains exactly how to survive — and even enjoy — winter in Montreal using the Underground City.

Why Winter in Montreal Is Challenging

Between December and March:

Frequent snowfall
Icy sidewalks
Short daylight hours
Sudden temperature drops

For visitors unfamiliar with Canadian winters, even a 10-minute outdoor walk can feel intense.

That’s where RÉSO becomes essential.

What Is RÉSO and Why It Matters in Winter?

The underground city connects:

10+ metro stations
Shopping malls
Office towers
Universities
Hotels
Cultural venues

It stretches across downtown and connects major hubs like:

Place Ville Marie
Complexe Desjardins
Centre Eaton de Montréal
Bell Centre

Instead of navigating snow-covered sidewalks, you can walk indoors in heated corridors.

Step 1: Choose the Right Hotel

Your winter strategy begins with where you stay.

Hotels with direct underground access allow you to:

Reach metro lines indoors
Access shopping and food immediately
Avoid walking outside in storms

Top connected hotels include:

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel

If you’re visiting between January and February, this choice makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Use the Metro + Underground Together

Montreal’s metro stations are heated and integrated into the underground network.

Key winter access stations:

Bonaventure Station
McGill Station
Square-Victoria–OACI Station

By combining the metro and underground corridors, you can cross most of downtown without stepping outside.

Step 3: Plan Indoor Routes Between Major Destinations

Here are example winter-friendly routes:

🏒 Hotel → Hockey Game

Many downtown hotels connect indoors to the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens.

You can attend a game without facing freezing winds after the final whistle.

🛍️ Hotel → Shopping → Dinner

Move between:

Place Ville Marie
Eaton Centre
Complexe Desjardins

All indoors.

Perfect for days when temperatures dip below -20°C.

🧑‍💼 Conference Travel

Business travelers can move between offices, hotels, and metro stations entirely underground.

Step 4: Dress Smart (Even If You Use RÉSO)

Even if you plan to stay indoors:

Wear proper winter boots (sidewalks may still be icy)
Bring gloves and hat
Dress in layers

You may still need short outdoor transitions.

When the Underground Is Most Useful

RÉSO is especially valuable during:

Snowstorms
Wind advisory days
January cold snaps
Late-night event departures

It reduces physical strain and increases comfort dramatically.

Limitations of Using the Underground in Winter

It’s not perfect.

Not all sections are open late at night
Some corridors close on Sundays
Signage can be confusing
You cannot reach Old Montreal entirely underground

Always confirm building hours if traveling late.

Is It Possible to Avoid Going Outside Completely?

Almost — but not entirely.

You can spend an entire winter day:

Wake up in a connected hotel
Eat breakfast indoors
Shop
Visit museums
Take the metro
Attend a hockey game
Return to your hotel

All with minimal outdoor exposure.

However, some attractions require surface travel.

Best Winter Months to Rely on RÉSO

January (coldest average month)
February (wind chill peaks)
Early March (snow accumulation still heavy)

In December, it’s helpful but less critical.

FAQ

Is Montreal’s underground city heated?
Yes. Most corridors and connected buildings are heated during winter months.

Can you visit Montreal in winter without freezing?
Yes, if you strategically use the underground network and metro system.

Is the underground city open 24 hours?
No. Access depends on building and metro operating hours.