As quiet as the city can get in the winter, it never truly goes to sleep, at least not until the windchill dips to something abominable. Montrealers live in the streets more than people in all but a few other North American cities and this is true even during our cold, snowy winters. Part of the reason is that, whatever the season, there’s stuff to do outside. The annual winter High Lights festival (better known as Montréal en lumière) is one of my favourite annual events because it turns Montreal’s winter climate into something that actually draws people outdoors.
In a similar vein, the Féeries du Vieux-Montréal, which will take place every weekend this December, make a similar effort at getting people out into the snowy streets. Horse-drawn wagons will make their way through Old Montreal, carollers will sing each afternoon in Place d’Armes and there will be a weekly pyrotechnic and fireworks show on the Old Port. On December 14th and 15th, the Délire d’hiver 24 heures will offer games and competitions from 5pm on Friday until 5pm on Saturday. Tents will be provided for those who wish to spend the night.
All of this in addition to the usual skating at the Old Port. This year, a bar has been installed next to the skating rink, with an outdoor terrace and an interior heated to just 5 degrees. Who needs heat when you have alcohol?
Of course, all of this might seem a bit too cloyingly family-friendly for some. But there are other ways to enjoy the city en plein hiver. I’ve always thought that Mount Royal was more fun in the winter than in the summer. Why work up a sweat hiking up to the top when you can trudge up, well-bundled in a winter coat, for some hot chocolate at the chalet? There’s also the pleasure of nighttime tobogganing at the corner of Park and Mount Royal, which is just bright enough so that you can see your way but dark enough to feel illicit.
Photo: La Presse