Published on August 17th, 2025 by Kasia

I Braved the Cold and So Should You: A Look Back at Igloofest’s "Tournée Monstre"

I took on the Igloofest “Tournée Monstre” so you wouldn’t have to, and yet, after experiencing this unique adventure, I have only one thing to say: you absolutely need to do it next year. This electrifying journey through cold and music showed me just how much the spirit of Igloofest transcends city borders while maintaining its distinctive DNA.

Each stop on this tour had its own atmosphere, a different energy, but one thing remained constant: the enthusiasm of the festival-goers, no matter the weather conditions.

Montreal: The Heart of the Festival's Legacy

Let’s start with the Montreal edition, the historical birthplace of Igloofest. Here, the community of regulars never misses an edition, proudly rocking the most eccentric outfits and fearlessly embracing the freezing temperatures. These are true warriors of the cold who won’t back down from an exhilarating night out, even at -30 degrees. They proudly carry the festival’s legacy and embody the unique atmosphere where music and freezing temperatures merge into an unforgettable experience.

Gatineau: The Newcomer with a Party Vibe

Next, we headed to Gatineau, which hosted the event for the first time. Often associated with its government workers and sometimes unfairly perceived as a boring city, this stereotype was shattered from the very first night. Thousands of festival-goers showed up to prove that Gatineau knows how to party and that its energy is just as intense as anywhere else. This first edition set the bar high and will undoubtedly mark the beginning of a long tradition.

Québec City: A Fiery Third Year

Then came Québec City, where the Tournée Monstre made its stop for the third consecutive year. Here, the so-called “bêtes de fête” showed up in full force. The atmosphere was at its peak, once again proving that every city in Quebec is always ready for a good party. Regardless of the temperature or conditions, the stage was on fire, fueled by festival-goers determined to dance until the very last beat.

The differences between these three cities brought a unique flavor to each edition, but everywhere, the joy, energy, and enthusiasm were undeniable. Whether it was a night marked by a snowstorm dumping 30 cm in 24 hours, a bitter cold of -25 degrees with wind chill, or a mild 0-degree evening (like on New Year's Eve), festival-goers braved the elements to fully embrace this winter experience. Just looking at the best one-piece suits and colorful outfits, it was clear that the cold was just a minor detail.

Of course, music was at the heart of it all. With headliners like Eric Prydz in Gatineau, deadmau5 in Québec City, and Apashe and Steve Angello in Montreal, staying home was simply not an option. And the massive crowds proved it, dancing under the frosty night sky. But it would be unfair not to highlight the incredible local talent that kept festival-goers’ feet warm, even if only for a few dances. Among the standout performances were Honeydrip, Marie Davidson, and Jeska in Montreal, DJ Pøptrt, Kat2Kat, and CRi in Gatineau, as well as TDJ in Québec City. Talent was everywhere, from the B-stage to the main stage.