Snow Days and Nights at Fête des Neiges 2015

The joys of a real Canadian winter abound at Fête des Neiges de Montréal, a free outdoor event for snow fans of all ages. Get in on the fun every weekend from January 17 to February 8, when Parc Jean-Drapeau becomes a playground for winter sports and high-energy entertainment.

Montreal’s reputation as an urban winter wonderland goes back decades, boosted in recent years by international-profile events such as Igloofest and MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE paired with the snow-capped traditions of family-friendly Fête des Neiges. Skating, snowshoeing, skiing and snow-tubing return this year along with less traditional fare – zip lines, an illuminated Ferris wheel, giant foosball and food trucks – and new Saturday night dance parties that light up the park. All that and a spectacular view of the city skyline too.

Kids get special attention every weekend at Fête des Neiges. Not only can they ride down the park’s massive ice slide and snow-tube down the hill all day, they can also wander a snowy labyrinth, traverse an obstacle course, ride a carousel or play soccer while encased in personal plastic bubbles (as hilarious to watch as to play). Giant inflatable bouncy castles and a play zone just for them keep kids aged six and under happy. There’s even a rest area for babies and parents (conveniently close to the metro station), with changing tables, rocking chairs, nursing pads, bottle warmers and microwaves.

On the fest’s main stage and throughout the snow-covered site catch musicians, circus acts, lumberjacks, ice sculpting, storytelling and more. Live music and DJs add a club-inspired atmosphere to Saturday evenings, so plan on staying out a little later than usual. Access to Fête des Neiges is free, as are most of the festival’s activities and entertainment, while pay activities remain affordable – dog sledding and horse-drawn carriage rides are especially worth their modest price tags.

Fête des Neiges also knows that one of the best parts of playing outdoors in winter is warming up. Gather ‘round a fire pit, relax in the “ski chalet” and warm up from the inside out with food and drink, from hot chocolate to mulled wine, sandwiches to beaver tails, maple syrup taffy to marshmallows. Gastronomic variety is the name of the game every Saturday evening for the fest’s new Trippe Bouffe event, featuring creative twists on street food from Montreal food trucks: try gourmet pizza and poutine, potato doughnuts, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes and more. Put on your parkas and snow boots, grab family and friends, and make some memories while making the most of winter weather.

Fête des Neiges de Montréal, January 17 to February 8