My S is considering McGill and we are considering visiting during the MLK break here in the USA. Since it is not a holiday in Canada the campus will be open and it will be a normal day. My concern is that it may be so frigidly cold that a walking tour may be unpleasant or even cancelled. The current record cold snap is not making me feel any better about it. On the other hand, he should expect this kind of weather in Montreal. So - any thoughts? Anyone visit in the cold winter months?
Thanks!
Walking tours will not be cancelled, although they may be sparsely attended. Depending on where you are from it would be good to visit the city in mid-winter to find out what it is like. If you are from Boston or Chicago it won’t be anything you haven’t experienced before. If you are from LA or Atlanta, be prepared for a bit of a shock. Insulated coat, waterproof boots, warm gloves and a tuque should suffice. And dress in layers.
Snow days are an American concept so the university and the city do not shut down for a mere 12 inch snow storm. My son is an alumnus and greatly enjoyed his 4 years in Montréal.
A January visit may be just the thing for an American kiddo who is, after all, thinking about spending four years there. My daughter visited her Boston campus in pouring rain and wind so strong it broke our amateur little umbrella. She still went there 
Yes, you are crazy, but since your son is considering McGill, you should experience it in the winter. Winter can be long and brutal, I visit (my in laws) Canada often in the winter months, albeit Alberta. The weather is real, it needs to be factored into the decision.
You could also get a ‘warm’ weekend, you never know…
Absolutely go! Two years ago, we visited during February school break week. A foot of snow fell the day before we arrived…then it was 3 degrees when we toured. In spite of the cold and snow, my son loved McGill and it shot to the top of his list. In fact, he just finished his first semester and has said repeatedly that McGill is the best decision he has ever made. (For the record…McGill’s reputation for rigor is definitely true…and is it’s reputation for a good social life.) Feel free to reach out any time if you have questions.
The website doesn’t really specify times for tours. We would arrive Friday night and tour Monday morning but would need to leave for the airport by around 3pm. Do they do them throughout the day?
Can you not register online for a tour? I’m pretty sure we did earlier this year. It should give you a concrete time.
My D18 visited in March during a crazy blizzard. We are NOT from a cold climate, so it was good for her to experience the reality of Montreal winter (which she feels she could handle).
Edit: On Mondays in January, tours are at 10:00 and 2:30.
https://mcgillinmind.mcgill.ca/mcgill/events/campusVisitRequest.do?campusVisitRequestAction=studentcampusvisitCalendar&scheduleYear=2018&scheduleMonth=1&containerID=1&isGroupTour=N
Plane Tix bought, hotel reserved and tour scheduled (Thanks @ShrimpBurrito!) We will be there all weekend, so if anyone thinks there is something we should try and see that is outside the scope of the tour please let me know!
Yay!
If the weather is bearable, just wander the city. There is a lot of beautiful, fun, colorful public art. I like the Plateau and Latin Quarter area (Square St Louis, Blvd St Laurent, Rue St Denis). The Old Port and Chinatown are fun, too. To warm up, check out the underground mall just to the east of McGill, the churches (especially Notre Dame!), museums, or a Cirque du Soleil show. Ride the metro. It’s very easy and clean, and stops right in front of McGill. Have some poutine, and be sure to spend time people watching in a cafe and/or bar. (In case you weren’t aware, the drinking age in Quebec is 18.) Have a fantastic time. Montreal is a great place to be a college student.
Take in a hockey game if the Montreal Canadians are playing!!