It’s that time of year when Montrealers make their annual pilgrimage to the Old Port. Dressed to the nines in their warmest puffer jackets, snow pants, and hats, these party people are heading to Igloofest, one of the city’s most iconic music festivals. This year, Igloofest runs from Jan. 15 to Feb. 7, featuring some freezing cold nights and incredible DJ sets.
Igloofest is an essential rite of passage for McGill students. To help first-timers prepare for the festival, The Tribune has compiled a guide of everything you need to know before embarking on this snowy adventure.
Dress (warmly) to impress
First, and most importantly, prepare for the cold! Wear thermal underwear, snow pants, warm socks, and layers on top. Bringing air-activated or electric hand warmers will help, especially when waiting in line to enter the venue. If you aren’t dressed properly, you’re bound to feel like an icicle by the time you get past security. That being said, have some fun with what you wear! Bright colours, fur, and ski goggles are easy and creative ways to add a touch of style to your outfit. Igloofest is completely unique from other nights out in the Montreal winter: A puffer jacket is part of your ensemble, and no coat check is necessary! The usual heeled boots, button-down shirts, and black tops can take a night off.
Plan ahead: Get there early for a good spot
The crowd will fill up fast, so plan ahead and arrive early for a spot close to the stage. Though taking an Uber may be most convenient, prices will be through the roof as demand for lift services is very high. Instead, opt for public transportation for a cheaper way to travel. Igloofest takes place at the Jacques-Cartier Pier, which is accessible from the Champ-de-Mars Metro station on the Orange line. Alternatively, take the 50 bus from the des Pins/du Docteur-Penfield stop all the way downtown to the Jacques-Cartier stop. Then the venue is just a few steps away!
Stay with a buddy, keep track of your friends
For a first timer, the Igloofest crowds can be overwhelming and chaotic. Use the buddy system with a friend or choose an easily accessible meeting spot to avoid getting lost. Searching for your friends isn’t only difficult in a sea of people in snowy conditions—it can be dangerous. Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading to the festival so you can stay in touch with your friends until the end of the night.
Fuel Up and Hydrate
One night of Igloofest is an adventure of epic proportions. With headliners taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. and DJs playing until 12:30 a.m., attendees must prepare for a long night ahead of them to safely maintain their stamina on the snowy dance floor. Drink water and eat balanced meals throughout the day beforehand. Though food and drinks are certainly overpriced at the venue, buying a bottle of water at the beginning of the night is worth the splurge to stay hydrated.
What NOT to Bring
Igloofest has a strict policy on what you can and cannot bring on site. All festival-goers and their bags are subject to search before entering, so make sure to leave the following items at home: Alcohol, drugs, food and drinks, and bags larger than 35cm x 35cm x 15.25cm. Speakers and video recording equipment are also prohibited, so make sure your phone has enough storage to document your night.
Consume Responsibly
For many, Igloofest is a big night of drinking and/or substance use. Pace yourself and know your limits so that you can enjoy the atmosphere and music responsibly. In addition, come prepared with a small first-aid kit containing naloxone. In the event of an emergency, naloxone can counteract laced substances and overdoses. Be aware of your surroundings and communicate with your friends if you don’t feel well or need to take a break from the crowd to get some air.
