MONTREAL – Feeling lazy? Tired? Down in the dumps? Well, you’re not alone.
Now that the holiday season is behind us and winter is in full force, experts say many will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
It’s defined as a type of depression that causes irritability, low energy and even weight gain.
According to The Canadian Mental Health Association, Monday, January 19, is the most depressing day of the year.
Not only because of dreary weather and lack of sunshine, but also because this is the time people start getting their bills from all that holiday shopping.
It’s also the time where many start foregoing their new years resolutions.
But instead of hiding under the covers munching on stale left-over candy canes and month old turkey stuffing, here are a few ways to beat those winter blues.
1. L’Hivernale at the Olympic Park
Bundle up and head over to the Olympic Park’s Winter Village for L’Hivernale.
Every weekend, the Olympic Park transforms into a giant outdoor party, which includes a bar, on-site chefs cooking up delicious street food and local DJs to keep the crowd warm.
Winter lovers can also take advantage of the park’s refrigerated skating rink.
Where: Pierre-de Coubertin, Pie-IX/Sherbrooke
When: Fridays and Saturdays till March 7, 2015
Price: Free
2. Outdoor Spa
If you’re feeling blue on those frigid days when the mercury drops to -30 degrees, why not relieve some stress in an outdoor hot tub.
If you’re really brave you can even dip your toes into a polar bath – it might sound crazy but it’s definitely an experience worth trying!
Where: Bota Bota, Sky Spa, Spa le Finlandais, Strom Spa
When: Find some free time and make an appointment!
Price: May vary
3. Fête des neiges
Celebrate winter’s frosty delights at the 32nd edition of the Fête des neiges de Montréal.
Over four weekends, Parc Jean-Drapeau is transformed into a winter wonderland with a number of outdoor activities that might actually make you fall in love with the colder weather.
Tubing, dog-sledding, sleigh rides, a giant Ferris wheel, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor shows, food – the list goes on.
Where: Parc Jean Drapeau, Île Ste. Hélène
When: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. till February 8, 2015
Price: Free
4. IglooFest
Grab your tackiest, most vintage looking snow suit and head over to the Old Port for one of Montreal’s best winter electronic music festivals.
Igloofest is back for its 9th edition and the party for the big kids just gets better every year.
You’ll forget all about the cold while dancing under the stars to great music from local and international DJs.
Where: Jacques Cartier Pier in the Old Port
When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.
Price: Single-day tickets: $20 online or $25 at the door. Weekend passes: $45. VIP tickets: $75 online or $80 at the door.
5. Poutine Week
Nothing keeps Montrealers warmer than a cheese oozing, gravy dripping, crispy french fry delicacy known as poutine.
La Poutine Week is a fun food contest that includes 30 carefully selected restaurants from all over the city.
On February 1, indulge and vote for the best poutine in the city.
Don’t even worry about your calorie-intake because Poutine Week wraps up with a group fitness event.
Bon appetite!
6. Night skiing/snowboarding
Hitting the slops during the day is fun, but it’s nothing compared to skiing or snowboarding under the stars.
Granted, it is colder at night so you’ll have to dress warmer, but smaller crowds means shorter lines and longer runs.
Luckily, Ski Bromont, which claims to have the largest illuminated ski terrain in North America with more than 75 trials, isn’t too far away.
On most nights, lifts run until 10 p.m., but you can also ski into the wee hours of the morning every second Saturday during les Nuits Blanches.
Where: 150, Rue Champlain, Bromont
When: Sundays – Thursdays until 10 p.m. Fridays – Saturdays until 10:30 p.m. Nuits Blanches till 2 a.m.
Price: Lift tickets start at $35
7. Movie Marathon
If none of the above peak your interest and you really just prefer to stay in on those chilly nights, why not catch up on the eight movies nominated for best picture at the Oscars?
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