This Free Winter Festival By Montreal's Lachine Canal Will Have Live Music & A Heated Igloo

Montréal Boréal is bringing a taste of Northern Quebec's cold-weather traditions to the streets of Saint-Henri. Over four weekends in February and March, the free winter festival will have everything from fat biking and axe throwing to maple taffy tasting and live music played inside a heated igloo.

The festival kicks off with a Trek Fat Bike showcase on February 17 and 18, where attendees can test their mettle on a specially designed course. TNT Axe Throwing will also open up their cage for visitors to try their aim and precision.

Local breweries and distilleries, like Montreal Brewer and CIRKA Distillery, will provide a taste of regional beers and spirits. For those with a sweet tooth, Délices MG will offer maple taffy, a classic winter treat.

Two people in winter coats chat under fairy lights, while others line up for drinks at an outdoor bar.Solène Broisin; Courtesy of Montréal Boréal.

Dog owners will have their moment during the Winterpaw Festival in the Dog Zone from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., a special event dedicated to furry friends.

Music and entertainment are a major part in the festival lineup. On February 17 at 7 p.m. Ian Kelly will take to the stage, followed by Carotté at 8 p.m. The following weekend, on Saturday, February 24, the Nordic Disco by Corridor Culturel and Vinyl Caravan will host a dance party in the igloo from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Performances by Christine Boudrias, Matt Cerf, and MightyKat on March 9 will make the final weekend a memorable one.

Other events include demonstrations by the Mac Woodsmen at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on February 24. For those looking to warm up, free hot chocolate will be provided by Desjardins from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on February 24 and 25, adding a sweet touch to the chilly festivities.

So, before you get too disheartened about what feels like neverending winter, just remember the best way to get through it is to embrace the cold.