Winter in Montreal is notoriously long, but it's also the season of hot chocolate. While the temperatures do sometimes tend toward the glacial, there is thankfully no shortage of places to find hot chocolate in Montreal. Below are a few of my favorites.

During one of winter's particularly frigid spells, I recently came across Suite 88. Drawn in by the truffles in the window, I asked (naively as it turns out) for a small hot chocolate. Clearly used to Suite 88 newbies, like me, the woman behind the counter pointed me to an extensive listing. Beyond the classic, they offer flavors like pumpkin, ginger and sea salt (a dangerous assortment indeed). If you really want to warm up, try the cayenne chili hot chocolate. Rich and velvety, these are treats to savor, not to gulp down on the go. Whether you're at the original location in the Plateau Mont-Royal, or the newer downtown spot, Suite 88 is a definite contender for the best hot chocolate in Montreal.

Another one of favorite haunts for hot chocolate in Montreal is Juliette et Chocolat. Don't be fooled by the cute name and décor, Juliette is serious about her chocolate. In fact, Juliette et Chocolat was born because Juliette could not find a hot chocolate in Montreal that lived up to her expectations. A sommelier of sorts, her choice of hot chocolates is arranged just like a wine list with dark and milk "vintages" from the world over. I've hardly made a dent in their sublime drink selection, but I imagine anything else on their menu, from savory crepes to salads, not to mention a slew of other desserts, to be just as delightful.

Tucked away at the end of the cobblestone portion of Avenue Duluth, Les Chocolats de Chloé looks like an old-time confectionary shop. Their hot chocolates are spiced with cinnamon, cayenne or vanilla, and they'll plop in a few homemade marshmallows if you'd like. Surprisingly cheap, these hot chocolates are made to be sipped on the go. I like to pick one up on the way to the skating rink at Parc Lafontaine, just down the street. Be forewarned, their hot chocolate is seasonal, lasting only as long as the cold weather does, and is only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It almost makes me wish for a longer winter. Almost.