Montreal is one of the few places in the world that have winters worse than Minnesota! The winters here stretch from November through May. Those last couple of months can be soul-crushing. I find winters becoming more and more difficult with each year. Spring is glorious here though.
It's so strange to me to see those familiar places in your pictures buried in snow because I've only ever visited Montreal when it's warm.
I imagine that Minnesota would be much more beautiful covered in snow. Like you I have only been through Minnesota in summer. The white stuff along with the freezing can ruin a nice place.
Montreal is not good for winter unless you are a party kid, then it doesn't matter haha. You just get to a bar.