What Kids hate spinach and Brussels sprouts, right? Well, if you’re looking for new ideas to warm them up to healthy eating, then you should definitely check out Les Épinards, a new bistro that makes fresh lunch boxes for children. Why Grown-ups will also find tasty eats, since Les Épinards is open for lunch from Monday to Saturday. They have a lovely selection of imported wines by-the-glass and beers from microbreweries that will be the perfect match for your rainbow trout served with lemon sauce, asparagus sauté and mushrooms.

35, ave. du Mont-Royal E., 514-657-4110, lesepinards.ca

What A new cute little shop located on Bernard Street, just a few steps away from Clark, filled with vintage stuff and beautiful miscellanea. Why The owners are from Corsica and they brought with them a collection of pretty things, including lamps, furniture, pillows, typewriters and globes. Style LABO also has exclusive imported objects from Europe and Japan that you won’t find anywhere else.

122, rue Bernard O., 514-858-9910

What The ice-skating rink of Montreal’s Quays in the Old Port is now open. Why There’s no better way to make the most of the cold than ice-skating in Old Montreal, right in front of the Bonsecours Market. When you’re done, just walk a few blocks west and enjoy a drink at Vauvert, the Hotel St. Paul’s restaurant, which was part of our Top 15 Hotel Bars in Canada. They hold Bubbly nights every Thursday; you can try out a lovely selection of different champagnes, or have one of their amazing cocktails.

Quays of the Old Port’s Ice-Skating Rink, until March 7, 2010, 1-800-971-PORT, quaysoftheoldport.com
Vauvert, 355 McGill St., 514-876-2823, restaurantvauvert.com

What This annual event showcasing the work of talented local designers is the perfect gift shopping opportunity for the i-D readers on your list. Why A unique shopping experience, souk@sat lets you chat with designers and browse unique pieces like Adieu’s poetic t-shirts, Loyal Luxe’s original accessories for animals, or Mini Machin-Machine’s cute line of clothing for children.

December 11-13, 1195, boul. Saint-Laurent, souk.sat.qc.ca

What This new urban retreat is immersed in nature, yet located just a few minutes away from downtown Montreal. The view from the spa’s minimalist building doesn’t face the city’s skyline, only the adjacent lake and surrounding trees. Why Inspired by Scandinavian spas, Strøm offers thermal therapy, massages and body treatments – we can’t wait to try the Divine Mimosa, an exfoliating treatment of champagne and raw sugar cane granules, combined with orange essential oil.

1001, boul. de la Forêt, Nun’s Island, 514-761-2772, stromspa.com

What One of the city’s top wine bars is now selling its imported wines for takeaway, as well as other delicious treats to go. Why Instead of going to the SAQ, you can pick up an exclusive bottle of Fleurie, La dot 2006, Clos de Mez, along with crab cake or calf sweetbread.

5171, boul. Saint-Laurent, 514-273-8846, bouchonne.com

What This international film festival showcases 100 documentaries from over 30 countries, from both well-known directors and up-and-coming filmmakers. Why The official selection includes many genres, from a social critique on the repressive justice system in Colombia to a Romeo and Juliet story set in Afghanistan. Watch out for a provocative film about a singular aspect of Israel’s porn industry.

From November 11-21, ridm.qc.ca/en

What A new café in Old Montreal, perfect for lunchtime respite from work or lazy weekend afternoons. Why You can sit down with a book in one of the amazing vintage chairs that the owners found in an antique shop and enjoy a latté in a place that feels a little retro yet modern and elegant.

644, rue Notre-Dame O., 514-865-2984

What Cinemania is a film festival dedicated to French movies with English subtitles. Why You’ll see the best French movies made in the past year, including Costa-Gavras’ Eden à l’Ouest and a newly restored version of his masterpiece Z. One of the most provocative directors in France, he will also be in Montreal for a lecture on his filmmaking process.

From November 5-15, cinemaniafilmfestival.com

What After two months of renovations, the restaurant at the St-James has finally re-opened its doors. Chef Michele Mercuri has developed a modern menu with hints of molecular gastronomy boasting impressive dishes like the Chatham Bay cod confit with seared foie gras. Why The new design by Montrealer Alyson Wood is refreshing, but doesn’t overwhelm the charm of the iconic building.

355 Saint-Jacques St., 514-841-5000, hotellestjames.com