Festival Mode Activated

Time seems to move faster than ever these days. Between work, family life and the never-ending to-do list, it's easy to forget to slow down and appreciate life's simple moments. That's why my wife Karolina and I make it a priority to carve out time for a monthly date—a tradition we protect no matter how busy life gets. This month, we packed up our 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and headed to Montréal for a day at one of Canada's most popular music festivals: Osheaga. It was the perfect excuse to unplug from our routine and embrace the excitement of a spontaneous getaway.

Having the Outlander also made the transition from everyday life to weekend mode feel effortless. With plenty of space for everything we needed for a weekend away, we could simply pack up and go. Once we were on the road, features like the Adaptive Cruise Control made the drive even more relaxing, allowing us to settle in, enjoy the music and focus on the weekend ahead without overthinking the logistics.

One of our favourite tips for avoiding the crowds is to take the river shuttle to the festival. Since it departs from the Old Port, staying nearby made perfect sense. We checked into Hotel St-Paul, a boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We especially loved the cozy lobby, which offered a welcome contrast to the bustling energy of downtown Montréal.

After dropping off our bags, we wandered the streets with no real destination in mind. There's something special about rediscovering a city where you grew up. Some corners instantly bring back memories, while others have transformed so much they feel completely new. It's a unique feeling—being both a tourist and a local at the same time.

While exploring the city, we were lucky enough to see the Amerigo Vespucci, the legendary Italian three-masted training ship, which happened to be docked in Montréal for the weekend. Its impressive silhouette added a distinctly European charm to the Old Port. Later that evening, we had dinner at Romie's, one of Montréal's hidden gems. Tucked behind the preserved façade of a historic building, the restaurant is known for its zucchini appetizer, fresh pasta and creative cocktails. If you're not in a rush, ask for the pétanque set after dinner and enjoy a few friendly rounds before heading home. It's an experience we would gladly recommend.

That morning, organizers had announced a surprise addition to the lineup: Angine de Poitrine, a fast-rising band from Quebec's Saguenay region. Their music isn't typically what I listen to, but I have to admit I quickly got caught up in the fun. Their over-the-top costumes, fictional language and infectious energy created one of the most entertaining performances of the day. Festivals are often about discovering artists you never expected to enjoy, and this was a perfect example.

Later, Argentine DJ Zulan delivered a high-energy set that had everyone dancing. At one point, she invited dozens of fans onto the stage behind her, creating an unforgettable moment that perfectly captured the communal spirit of live music. Watching people of all ages simply enjoy the moment was a reminder of why festivals are so special.

One of our biggest highlights came from sombr, whose melancholic indie rock translated beautifully to the live stage. His charisma and emotional performance created an instant connection with the crowd. During the quieter songs, thousands of phone lights illuminated the audience, creating a breathtaking scene that was almost as memorable as the performance itself.

This weekend reminded us how important it is to break away from routine, say yes to spontaneous adventures and make space for experiences that bring us closer. Montréal was only an hour from home, but thanks to everything we experienced along the way, it felt like we'd travelled much farther.