Can you believe it? The Montreal HIGH LIGHTS Festival is ten years old already!

This year’s edition – running until March 1- features the usual line-up of exciting concerts, workshops, tastings and exhibitions. And that goes beyond the extensive variety of free indoor and outdoor activities for festival-lovers of all ages.

Some… well, highlights! of the HIGH LIGHTS Festival:

• Who can forget the beauty of the torchlight procession during the Celebration of Light? Probably those who are too busy tobogganing, skating, and watching the fireworks display! Plenty of free shows for families too.
  
• The ever-popular Montréal All-Nighter will close the festival, taking place on Saturday, February 28 (into the morning of Sunday, March 1). And no worries about getting home – the métro will be operating round the clock especially for the occasion!
  
• During the all-nighter, over 80 different contemporary artists will transform Montreal’s underground city into a gigantic art gallery. So grab a coffee and broaden your artistic horizons until 5 a.m.!

Make sure to bring your thermos with hot chocolate or coffee! You won’t want to miss a thing…

Great snaps brought to you by the Montreal HIGH LIGHTS Festival website!

See more by PinkMoose! http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkmoose/

Here’s a mini-guide to one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto. Want to add some can’t-miss places? Or just let me know what you think of this series? LEAVE A COMMENT!

For the sixth consecutive year, VIA Rail participated in Marketing Week 2009 by sponsoring the VIA Rail Canada Challenge.

Teams of undergraduate students from HEC, Concordia, ESG-UQAM and McGill received a case study dealing with VIA’s position on the environment. The four teams, comprising two students each, were required to submit a 30- to 60‑second video illustrating their vision along with their recommendations.

The 2009 winners, Brent Steer and David Bédard from McGill University, received a $1,000 travel voucher for their entry. According to the jury members: “The winners presented an analysis and a concept worthy of a viral marketing agency pitch”.

Congratulations gentlemen!

Can’t view it here? Watch it on YouTube!

All my ski-crazy buddies really enjoy this time of year – the limitless slopes still left to discover, the comforts of old favourites, new tricks to try and the quality of the apres ski. And what better exercise is there? Skiing tones your entire body, provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, and it improves delivery of oxygen to muscles.

So as part of my continuing commitment to your New Year resolution to get in shape, I gently suggest some great hills where you can kick-off your new winter exercise regimen!

1. Sun Peaks, near Kamloops, has 3,678 skiable acres on three mountains with 122 runs, including 12 gladed areas. This popular resort boasts “dry, easy-to-ski powder”, a world-class spa (Swedish massage, anyone?) and a very family-friendly environment.

2. Marmot Basin in Jasper offers 84 trails distributed over 1,675 acres of skiable terrain. This Rocky Mountain destionation is known for its uncrowded atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes. And what’s your best way to travel to Jasper and Marmot Basin? VIA’s Snow Train to Jasper, of course!

3. Considered one of the busiest resorts in Canada, Blue Mountain is located about two hours north of Toronto. Check out this line-up: 36 trails ranging from beginner to double black diamond, 2 terrain parks, 1 super pipe, and 14 lifts, including 4 high-speed express chairs.

4. Not to be outdone, St. Sauveur, located just 45 minutes north of Montreal, attracts skiiers from around the world with 38 slopes and the longest ski season in Quebec – 7 months! It goes without saying that St. Sauveur also offers a memorable apres ski – so don’t leave too hastily.

5. Not only does Le Massif near Quebec City have almost 50 trails and glades, but the mountain also has a stunning view of the sea. In fact, you may feel as if you’ll ski right into the water! Beauty and thrills. An excellent choice for spring break!

I’d join you but… pixels can’t ski!

For more photos by A Tea With No E, visit her Flickr profile.