Stylings of a Montreal Winter

January 28, 2015 · by Peter Rawski RE · in A+ Popular, A+ Property Investment, Real Estate Montreal. ·

An aerial view of Montreal En Lumiere

Once more, we have the privilege of sharing local writer Justin Lee’s thoughts on how to enjoy Montreal in all its winter glory.

By Justin Lee

“As the frigid cold of winter engulfs the city, there is still warmth to be found through the simple thoughts of what Montreal itself has to offer. And while I approach the eve of a “well-deserved” peaceful staycation, I can’t help but think that the city of Montreal is in fact absolutely stunning and downright ideal during this relatively short sojourn from the hotter months of the year. Yes, looking at the mounds of dirty grayish snow outside while inhaling breaths of sub-zero air isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when “taking a break”. And okay, I admit that my frugality and lack of funds have grounded me to the slushy and slick roads of Montreal, but that shouldn’t stop me (or you for that matter) from simply enjoying life. And with that rare wisp of positivity it got easier and easier to be convinced that this city was just heaps of fun, even during the winter.

Sitting on my couch I reminisce on the sun soaked days of spring and summer, not of what’s ahead of us, but rather of the last two years living in Pointe St. Charles (recollected in a spotlight piece of my neighbourhood featured a couple of months ago in fact). Although gone are the days of bike rides down the canal and treks to the trendiest watering holes (for now) that I had lovingly highlighted, I must say that Montreal still maintains that incredible joie de vivre that is so very recognizable even in the face-numbing temperatures of the Great White North. That being said, here are a few notable events to tap that wintery spirit.

Igloofest

The fun-loving crowds of Igloofest

First on the radar, what better way to heat up than to dance to the beats of some of today’s most notable local and international DJs at the ninth edition of Igloofest at the Jacques Cartier Pier in the Old Port. Running from January 16^{th (that’s tomorrow!)} to February 8^th these four energetic weekends will give you the opportunity to revel from 7pm to midnight to some of best head-bopping tracks of the electronic music world. Having gone three years in a row, I must confess that it does get unbelievably cold (you’re pretty much right beside the water), but like all Montrealers, we’re well-equipped with stuff you’ll see on arctic expeditions. Aside from the ridiculously bright neon green ski suit and goggles, and marshmallows to toast on some bonfires, make sure to bring some reliable gloves and perhaps those disposable hand warmers if you can- they help steer you away from bailing within that crucial first twenty minutes upon arrival.

Fête des Neiges de Montréal

The tube sliding area at Fete des Neiges

Running in tandem with Igloofest, between January 17^th and February 8th is the Fête des Neiges happening over at Parc Jean-Drapeau (another advantage to living in the Point with its proximity if I may add). There you can partake in a vast number of winter activities such as tube sliding, dog-sledding, skating along the St. Lawrence River, and even zip lining. The zip lining and the placement of a ferris wheel are actually nice touches, but again, bring some warm gloves or you’ll be trying to breath hot air into your cusped hands every five minutes. A nice addition to this event is the appearance of several food trucks for Trippe and Bouffe; a winter food truck festival that will happen at around 4pm onwards every Saturday.

Montreal en Lumière

Luminescent spheres at MTL en Lumiere

Although taking place well into February, the Festival of Lights brings the arts to center stage slowly closing out the winter season. Starting February 19 and ending March 1^st, music, theatre, and the culinary arts gets a nice highlight throughout the city and attracts thousands of people time and time again getting even the most anti-cold Grinch to explore the concrete jungle. With many of the activities taking place at the Quartier des Spectacles (a fitting little warm-up exercise for the Jazzfest or Francofolies), there is one particular excursion that is quite exclusive to a handful of cities around the world; Nuit Blanche. There, night owls can adventurously wander the underground city (more like a network of tunnels) taking in some of the most interesting pieces in visual art and music. The list of activities alone will tempt you to try and access everything but it’s impossible with the countless businesses, exhibitions/museums, and commercial environs active all at once til 4 or 5AM! In the end you’ll be tired, but it’s a good tired. Just plan ahead, that’s the best advice I can muster. Mark Saturday, February 28 on your calendars!

I must confess, what started out as a supporting piece on my neighbourhood has shifted into somewhat of a love letter to the city I live in, during what some may see as the only harsh seasonal condition we live – that being the standard Montreal winter. To those not yet used to the cold or those who simply hate this unique Canadian wintertide, or to those on the outside who are simply intrigued or even scared, I offer my sympathies. Montreal in the winter cannot guarantee comfort, but what it will offer you is the chance to become much tougher (against the elements) as well as more interesting, and most importantly it will offer a great time.”

More on – IGLOOFEST –

Igloofest is fun!

One of our favourite correspondents, Justin Lee, recently visited Montreal’s premiere winter festival, Igloofest, down in the Old Port. Check out the highlights and crowds in this photo report, and get ready to feel the warmth!

Despite it being, from what I learned a few hours prior, the coldest night for the next three weeks, an old friend of mine and I still boldly took a crack at the opening night of Igloofest this last Friday, January 16. Walking in from Rue de la Commune, as the distance shortened, the excitement started to build as this vibrant oasis of indigo, blues and yellows started to come into view and the bass and hum of music echoed into night sky. As we approached the lineup to the entrance we did our very best to resist the sobering effects of the cold, but soon enough I knew we’d be feeling the comforting thought that so many others have come out united to defy the frozen conditions just to go through such an incredible and fun experience. This is how they handled it.

The entrance to the frosty festival

Table hockey tables lit up in neon

Sapporo’s drumming up support

The colossal crowds of Igloofest

Crowds can see the light

The selfie station at Igloofest

The neon sights of Igloofest

We hope you enjoyed this brief preview of Montreal’s favourite way to spend the chilly winter months. For more information, feel free to consult the Igloofest website, and be sure to stay tuned for our coverage of the the High Lights Festival and upcoming Nuit Blanche in February!