This year, Bivouac pushes the boundaries of the boreal experience. Between sky and snow, in the heart of Montreal, the Refuges invite you to a one of a kind sensory immersion: the northern lights of the boreal forests come to life beneath Bivouac’s domes. In these cocoons filled with light and evergreens, time stands still. Enjoy a unique dinner created by Chef Xavier Dahan, a timeless moment to share with loved ones where nature, light and gastronomy come together to create magic.
After studying hospitality and culinary arts in Marseille, Xavier decided to move abroad, eager to discover new cultures and landscapes. He spent five years in London, which inspired him to go further and relocate outside Europe, heading to Montreal. For over 15 years, he has been driven by a constant quest for new flavors and creations. For him, cooking is the best way to combine his two passions: gastronomy and travel.
Born in California to an American father and a Wendat mother, I grew up in Wendake, Quebec. My love for cooking began early, when my sister and I made rainbow pancakes for our mother on Sundays. I started working in kitchens at 16, later attending culinary school and studying food science at Université Laval. I’ve worked across many areas of the food industry: restaurants, catering, large-scale events, and supporting the elders in my community. I am now the Executive Chef at La Traite, located in the stunning Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake. This warm, peaceful, forest-like space holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect setting to share my passion for cooking and my Wendat culture, and to showcase our community to guests and visiting chefs from around the world.