Every winter, the streets of Quartier des Spectacles in downtown Montreal light up in celebration of Montreal en Lumière, one of the largest winter festivals in the world. The festival began in 2000 as a way of introducing people to Montreal’s winter scene. Combining performance art, gastronomy, unique art exhibits,[Read More…]
Chill Thrills
The history of Igloofest: The path to becoming one of the hottest festivals in Montreal
Every winter since 2006, Igloofest has provided Montrealers with the largest, rowdiest month-long party to occur at the Old Port. At the heart of the thumping beats and dancing people is Nicholas Cournoyer, the executive producer of the festival. Along with co-founder Pascal Lefebvre, Cournoyer thought of creating a festival in[Read More…]
La Petite Floride: The magic school bus in the Mile End
Hidden away deep in the Mile End, at the corner of Rue Bernard and Avenue de Gaspé, sits a quaint school bus, a glowing skating rink, and, sitting outside the bus, is what seems to be a bar more fitting for tropical Hawaii than wintry Montreal. The café-bar’s name is[Read More…]
Hidden hot chocolate at La Distributrice
Rich chocolate, anchored in bitter notes, is blended with robust, fruity coffee. On the tongue, La Distributrice’s decadent mocha is equivalent to a warm hug: An eco-friendly, locally-sourced hug. Walking along the busy street of Mount Royal Avenue, one could easily miss the small window shop home to this delicious[Read More…]
Montreal’s Igloofest Turns 10
For most of North America, the arrival of low temperatures brings endless nights in and inspires excuses to avoid leaving the house. In Montreal, however, many face winter head on by embracing the cold and celebrating the harshest months of the year at winter-themed festivals. One of the most popular[Read More…]
Chill Thrills: Nuit Blanche—Fresh Paint Gallery
Nuit Blanche kicked off on Saturday, Feb. 28, marking the end of this year’s Montréal en Lumière. The month-long celebration of lights, food, arts, and culture concluded with a full day and night of free art installations, gallery showings, and live music. Nuit Blanche has historically been an event tailored[Read More…]
Chill Thrills: How to entertain visiting parents in the dead of winter
It’s not often parents come to visit, with temperatures constantly dropping, and plane ticket prices always on the rise. Without summer festivals, it may seem like there is nothing to do. So if parents do eventually decide to come visit in the middle of the school year, make sure to[Read More…]
Chill Thrills: Embracing the cold at Igloofest
As the New Year rolls in every year, Igloofest opens its doors to Montreal’s partygoers. Started in 2007, this winter music festival has attracted crowds to the city’s Old Port year after year, despite sub-zero temperatures. Hosted by Piknic Electronik and the Quays of the Old Port from Jan. 16[Read More…]
Chill Thrills: Keeping it cool at Carnaval de Quebec
Before midterms start to constrict your weekends, take a short trip off to Quebec City—the old, charming, and snowy provincial capital just a three-hour drive away. Every year, the city hosts Carnaval de Québec, one of the world’s largest winter festivals, going on from now until Feb. 15. Almost a[Read More…]
Chill Thrills: Mount Royal Park
The freezing cold that marks the end of January is also prime time to bundle up and head outdoors for fun in the snow. Luckily, the perfect triad of winter activities is located in Mount Royal Park, a mere twenty minute walk from Roddick Gates. Besides being a haven for[Read More…]
