MONTREAL, Dec. 7, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Old Port of Montréal is launching its 2018–2019 winter program along with the official opening of the Natrel Skating Rink. There will be a cornucopia of new festive activities this year with over 20 events featuring music, sports and fireworks, in addition to traditional favourites such as the Ice Canoe Challenge, Igloofest and the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Grand opening of the Natrel skating rink 

Starting at 10 am on Saturday, December 8, Montrealers will be able to lace up their skates and enjoy the magnificent Natrel Skating Rink with its breathtaking view of the city. The rink will be animated day and night with a fuller schedule of activities and some exciting additions.

Starting December 15, Natrel Fire on Ice, presented by Van Houtte, will be back for four spectacular, illuminated evenings "Honouring Female Icons of Song". January will see the return of the popular DJ on Ice evenings, with recognized Montreal performers bringing their unique sound to the turntables.

Lots of new activities

• Cardio on ice - noon and evening
  The Old Port skating rink will offer a unique gym routine. In January, a training program on the rink will help people get (or get back into shape. This year, there will be a professional coach and a fuller schedule with the addition of lunch hour sessions.
• Ice dance performance by the internationally renowned troupe Le Patin Libre
  On February 2, Le Patin Libre will be featured at the Natrel rink. Hailed by The Guardian as "joyously engaging", the troupe will offer an afternoon of games and workshops alongside a series of breathtaking performances.
• Skate and mingle for singles
  On Valentine's night, singles who like to move will congregate on ice. In collaboration with Rencontre sportive, the Natrel rink is reserving a romantic evening for people to meet on ice while enjoying the outdoors.
• Karaoke on Ice
  On Saturday, March 2, skaters can show off their vocal talent at the rink. Karaoke on Ice will be a blast with a colourful host, the famous drag queen Chouchoune.
• Salsafolie
  The weather is going to get a lot warmer on January 11, February 8 and March 8 as dancing and latin music will take over!
• Voiles en Voiles launches its first winter version
  The summer adventure park is adding a version under the snow for a multitude of year-round outdoor activities.

On the winter programmation:

• Tube slides more than 20 feet high
• Snow scooter
• Winter aerial adventure course
• Target archery
• Quadricycle
• Segway
  
• A unique Voiles en Voiles addition: Archery combat
  Battle with a bow on a life-size boat and immerse yourself in the world of 18th-century pirates to emerge victorious this winter. To ensure adrenaline and safe amusement for all, several time slots will be reserved for families.

Stars on stage for New Year's Eve and Igloofest

Hubert Lenoir and Lydia Képinksi performing on New Year's Eve at the Old Port
Celebrate the arrival of 2019 with your favourite artists: Hubert Lenoir, Émile Bilodeau, Lydia Képinksi, Andréanne A. Mallette and Africana Soul Sisters. Enjoy the varied program, with the subway open all night and lots of free activities. This is the place to start the new year, dancing until the wee hours of the morning under a spectacular fireworks display.

Igloofest:  Above & Beyond, Polo & Pan, and Diplo
Do not miss the coldest festival in the world for nine unforgettable electronic nights from January 17 to February 2. Jump to the beat and warm up with internationally renowned artists like Above & Beyond, Polo & Pan, Diplo and many more.

Inimitable Old Port classics

• The Montreal Observation Wheel: an amazing view 60 metres in the air and heated cabins!
• MTL Zipline: for a dose of winter adrenaline
• Bota Bota: a spa to relax with an incredible view, day or evening
• Science Centre: 5 permanent exhibitions and 2 IMAX films for a family mission accomplished
• Montreal Ice Canoe Challenge: a 100% Quebec extreme competition whose history dates back to 1894

For the full program of winter activities at the Old Port of Montréal, click here

For photos and videos, please visit the electronic press room

About the Old Port of Montréal

For more than 25 years, the Old Port of Montreal has offered a variety of participatory, cultural and leisure activities as well as opportunities for scientific exploration at the Montreal Science Centre. Bordering a 2.5-kilometre stretch of the St. Lawrence River, the Old Port of Montreal is the most popular recreational tourism site in Quebec, with six million visitors annually.

SOURCE Old Port of Montréal Corporation

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