Ice Palace, Winter Carnival, Montréal, 1884
Alexander Henderson, 1831-1913
MP-1975.19, Notman Photographic Archives
©McCord Museum of Canadian History, Montréal

The hotel was favoured by popular gatherings and seasonal festivities held in Dominion (now Dorchester) Square which attracted thousands of Montrealers and tourists from all over North America. The first Winter Carnival of 1883 was a unique attraction for tourists who came to visit the ice palace and danced at the ball marking the annual Winter Carnival at the Windsor Hotel. Winter carnivals were held from 1883 to 1889.