Montreal's Winter Festivals Series: Caribu

UPDATE: This festival no longer exists :(

Welcome to the second part of #BRBinMontreal, discover Montreal like a local!

To get you to enjoy the winter time, Montreal offers several festivals to get you moving. The most known festival is IglooFest, self-described as “the coldest music festival in the world, brings thousands of electronic music and winter enthusiasts to the Old Port of Montreal.” There is also the Fete des Neiges & La Nuit Blanche.

This year, Caribu festival was the one that got my attention. It is a cocktail & spirits festival out in the cold Canadian winter. The festival showcases spirits, cider and craft beer from all the corners of the Quebec province, cool DJs, cocktails, food trucks and games, all in a winter wonderland scene with heated terraces. For 3 days (Thursday, Friday & Saturday), you can enjoy the craftsmanship of each local spirits and enjoy original cocktails.

On the opening night, the Festival hosted a mixology competition, la Bar Bagarre, where bartenders were battling for the most original drink. In the different stands, you can enjoy reinvented classics, hot beers, cider, daring blends with spices and tea; the talent was palpable on every stand. Gin Neige (Snow gin) from Domaine Neige is by far my favourite Quebec spirit! The gin is made with ice cider which gives the floral flavour of the gin a sweet apple hint.

To ease out the alcohol, there are food trucks with Poutine, the national dish, and waffles. Who can’t resist greasy fries with gravy and cheese curds? To make your time more enjoyable, there are also giant games, like snow volleyball & Passe-Trappe tables and a heated stand with board games is available for you.

The entrance of the festival is $10, and each drink is between $5 and $11. Personally, I thought it was a little expensive but sometimes enjoying a unique night out with friends and few drinks in a cool atmosphere and with amazing DJ, it's worth it!

There is even a photobooth. Look how pretty we look!

How to get there

The festival is in Longueuil, on the south shore of Montreal, just a few metro stations away from the city centre. You need to take the Yellow line and get down at the Longueuil station. The festival is just a few meters away.

Since you are off the island, the metro will be more expensive on your way back to MTL; I know, it sucks!