Montreal winters are harsh, cold and dark…But, because we are now used to it, Montrealers have come up with different activities and festivals to finally make peace with their endless winters. Here are 5 activities to make peace with winter in Montreal.
-Luminotherapie
until January 26th
Every winter, a fun, luminous and interactive art installation lights up the Quartier des Spectacles. For the 10th edition of Luminotherapie, Montrealers and visitors are invited in the universe of POP!, a surprising interactive installation by Gentilhomme creative studio.
POP POP POP! Celebration means amazing surprises, music and dancing! POPO, POPUP, POPLI, POPETTE and POPOTIN are five fantastical creatures who love to party. They’re waiting for you to entice them to leave their mysterious luminous monoliths for an electrifying fiesta that will bring joy and light to the depths of winter. Gather in front of them, and your collective energy will awaken the whole gang. They have quite a surprise for you!
-Igloofest
from January 16th to February 8th
Carving out its own brand of open-air winter party, Igloofest ranks high on the list of things you can say only in Montreal about. Part of the diverse fabric of Montreal’s electronic music scene and the cool-weather compliment to summer-long Piknic Électronik, Igloofest mixes major international names with local stars and extraordinary VJs over four extended weekends – every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night on two stages on the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port of Montreal. Feel the music from deep in a crowd of dancers or on a VIP terrasse, illuminated by awe-inspiring visual artistry on the site’s massive screens. Play icy games, hit the bar and snack on gourmet poutine, burgers and sweet treats in the Igloovillage.
-Happening Gourmand
until February 8th
Because January is the less-busy month of the year for restaurants, the Happening Gourmand food festival is back again for a 13th edition (from January 16th to February 9th) at 10 participating Old Montreal restaurants. A great way for restaurants to stay busy, and for clients to keep going out to restaurants without breaking the bank. For the occasion, reduced-price table d’hôte menus are offered at : Brasserie 701, Bevo Bar + Pizzeria, Kyo Bar Japonais, Maggie Oakes, Mechant Boeuf, Modavie, Taverne Gaspar, Verses Bistro, Jacopo and Vieux-Port Steakhouse. There, you can enjoy a two-service brunch menu, happy hour specials or 3 courses table d’hôtes, all offered at less than 30$ per person. Find out more and choose your Happening Gourmand menu here.
-Old Port Skating Ring
until March 8th
Among Montreal’s many wonderful winter activities, you can enjoy ice skating at the lovely Old Port of Montreal ice skating rink, where you can rent skates and sip on hot chocolate too. On Thursday nights, there’s a DJ and live music and The Montreal Great Wheel, located right next door, is also heated and open every day/evening if you wish to combine skating + sightseeing. The perfect family night out!
-Montreal snow festival
until February 9
Winter is a blast in Montreal thanks to Fête des neiges, a popular event for all ages to celebrate wintertime in all its frosty glory! Spanning four consecutive weekends, this unique outdoor family experience features shows, activities, food, music and more in Espace 67, Parc Jean-Drapeau’s new event playground.
Whip down one of 16 tube sliding runs with a spectacular view of downtown, explore a giant ice ship with slides, or glide along the St. Lawrence River on a skating path through the woods. To this, add a mini-ski slope, ice sculpture shows, a sports zone and an array of entertainment!
by Catherine Maisonneuve
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