Don’t let those winter blues get you down. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should stay inside all day at the library. So, to bring some variety to the snow-filled months that lie before us all, the Tribune has compiled a list of the winter activities Montreal has to offer.
Tubing
The exhilarating feeling of whizzing down an icy slope on a piece of plastic never seems to get old. So, if you want to go tubing, it’s nice to know that every year Mount Royal grooms the hill near Beaver Lake into organized tubing lanes. You can bring your own $5 Canadian Tire sled, or rent an inner-tube at the hill. Get your friends together and see who can make the longest run or race each other down the slope. Loser buys the drinks later.
Renting an inner-tube costs $9 for the day, which gives you access to the exclusive inner-tubing lanes. The hill is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Montreal’s Ice Village
For the first time in North America, an ice village has been constructed at Parc Jean-Drapeau. This village consists of an ice hotel, igloos, an ice restaurant and ice bar, snow sculpture exhibit, snow labyrinth, a giant snow slide, and replicas of Montreal buildings.
Unless you feel like splurging $195 per person to stay in a Polar Igloo for the night, or $295 for a standard room in the Ice Hotel, make a day trip to check out the village for a much more affordable price of $17. While their activities program has yet to be officially released, visitors can look forward to a snow sculpture contest, outdoor evening dancing with guest DJs, and live music.
Having just opened this month, the ice village is here until March 31. To get there, just take the yellow metro line and get off at the Jean Drapeau stop.
Skating
Montreal has two excellent skating venues to suit your fancy.
Frozen during the winter, Beaver Lake on Mount Royal turns into an outdoor rink. Grab some friends and go for a few laps around the lake, day or night. Frequented by families and groups, there’s absolutely no pressure to perform a triple Salchow or to dress to impress. Practicality is the name of the game. Make sure to bundle up well and wear good gloves, since it’s pretty difficult to skate with your hands in your pockets.
You don’t need to worry about owning skates, as they can be rented on-site for $8.50 for two hours.
Beaver Lake is open to skaters from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. You could make a full day of it by adding some tubing into the mix.
If you prefer to remain indoors, make your way down to Atrium Le 1000 located at 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West. With an admission price of just $6 with your student I.D., you can enjoy a smooth rink and lively music.
Different nights bring a variety of activities such as Girl’s Night Out on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. where admission is two-for-one. Wednesdays are Date Night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Couples can enjoy two-for-one access and romantic music while they skate. Also, two-for-one admission is available to couples on Valentine’s Day. Then, on Thursdays, all students can enjoy two-for-one access starting at 4 p.m.
Not only that, but February 27th is an “all-nighter” evening with the rink open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Skate rentals are $6.50.
Hot Cider at Else’s
After spending the day out in the cold, it’s always nice to finish the evening off in a warm, cozy environment. There’s no better place to do this than at Else’s.
Located in the Plateau, at 156 Roy Street East, Else’s small space, dark walls, and dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. The music is of the jazz/blues variety, and isn’t so loud as to stop conversation from flowing.
Not only does it boast a great beer selection as a microbrewery along with good food, but Else’s hot alcoholic ciders just might be the best thing to warm your insides when it’s cold outside. Not only do they taste great, but they look good and keep your hands warm too.
The closest metro to Else’s is Sherbrooke metro on the orange line. While you may have to dress warmly, the walk to the bar will be worth the trip.
Decadent hot chocolate at Juliette et Chocolat
If you’re craving chocolate, Juliette et Chocolat is the place to go. With over 20 chocolate drink selections, there’s something for everyone. Their many hot chocolates will surely have you saying ‘mmm’ as you seek refuge from the cold.
Boasted as one of the best in the city, their hot chocolates come in three varieties–traditional, dark vintage, and milk vintage–each with a number of options to choose from. For those who want to mix it up, they also offer alcoholic chocolate beverages such as the Snow White, Chocolate Ruby, and Irish Chocolate.
On its website, Juliette writes that it all started with her search for the perfect hot chocolate: “I wanted a hot chocolate like our grandmothers used to make, a thick and velvety drink that warms, consoles and nourishes.”
And, if you’ve worked up an appetite after tubing on the mountain, they have plenty of food to choose from too, including delicious crepes.
Juliette et Chocolat is located in multiple venues around the city. The closest location to the McGill campus is at 3600 St. Laurent on the corner of Prince Arthur. In the Plateau you can find it at 377 Laurier West on the corner of Parc and at 1615 St. Denis.
