New attractions and popular classics - The Old Port of Montréal is humming all winter long with a host of activities for the entire family

MONTREAL, Dec. 1, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Old Port of Montréal is THE place to be this winter this winter, with a wide array of activities that will delight young and old alike. This year, the Old Port has a rich, varied program that has been updated, and activities will be presented from Saturday, December 1, 2012, to Sunday, March 10, 2013.

The classics
A host of activities awaits visitors, including the return of several popular winter classics. The Skating Rink at the Old Port, where the ice is always perfect whatever the temperature, thanks to its refrigerated surface, will welcome its first skaters on December 1 and will be open every day. Skaters of all ages can enjoy Montreal's largest outdoor skating rink with its natural ice ring, while taking in breathtaking views of the historic district and the river. Don't miss the themed musical evenings starting at 7 p.m. every night, where you can skate to retro, francophone, world beat, alternative, classical, romantic or rhythmic sounds. There will also be ballroom matinees on Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon.

The fabulous musical fireworks presented as part of TELUS Fire on Ice are back on Saturdays at 8 p.m., from December 1 to January 5. This year's theme ties in with the exhibition Musik: From Sound to Emotion presented at the Science Centre, with each fireworks display associated with an era of popular music, from the 1950s to the 2000s. Elvis, the Beatles, Bowie, Cher, Leloup, Lady Gaga, Madonna and many others will be featured. You won't want to miss this popular event, now in its eighth year, which will dazzle you with light reflected off the snow and ice on the river and in the historic district.

The coolest of the winter festivals, Igloofest, will have the Old Port hopping on four weekends, one more than last year, starting January 17. This seventh edition of Igloofest will take Jacques-Cartier quay by storm for nights of pure, unadulterated fun. Old Montréal will resemble a huge open-air discotheque with thousands of night owls braving the cold and dancing to the tunes of the best deejays on the electronic scene.

Sundays, March 3 and 10, at 1:30 p.m., the Port Symphonies will be back in the Old Port, in front of the Musée Pointe-à-Callière. Tugboats and ships moored in the harbour will join the chorus of train whistles and other urban instruments to present an original composition on a Samurai theme.

What's new
This winter season will kick off on December 1 with the lighting of a magnificent stylized tree, a shimmering modern structure towering nine metres in height located on Bonsecours island. The launch of the winter season, with Olympic athletes who will lace up their skates and break in the ice, and the first TELUS Fire on Ice extravaganza on December 1, will be the perfect opportunity to come and discover this new classic in the Old Port of Montréal that will sparkle with a thousand lights.

Another new feature, the Final Countdown at the Old Port, will take place 11:59:50 p.m. on Monday, December 31. Come and ring in the New Year in the midst of a party that promises to be memorable. Start out at the Grand Ball on Place Jacques-Cartier beginning at 10 p.m. presented by Old Montreal's Extravaganza. Then, it's time for the Final Countdown. Come and experience the magic of fireworks presented by TELUS and dance at the New Year's Eve Party, courtesy of Coca-Cola.

For the first time ever, the Old Port will be presenting the Montreal Ice Canoe Challenge, on Saturday, February 23, starting at 10 a.m. at the basins of the Old Port. This race, which is part of the 2013 Circuit Québécois de Canot à Glace, is sure to delight thrill seekers. Hold on to your tuques: you'll be mesmerized by this extreme sport.

The Old Port thanks its principal partner, the Government of Canada, and acknowledges the support of its partners TELUS, Sleeman, Coca-Cola and ESKA, as well as Van Houtte, official partner of the Skating Rink at the Old Port.

www.oldportofmontreal.com
Twitter: @vieuxportmtl
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SOURCE: Old Port of Montréal Corporation

Felipe del Pozo
514-283-5879 
Cell: 514-838-4726
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