The Burlington Winter Carnival was where the 1st International ice Hockey game took place.

2 teams from Montreal, Quebec (Montreal Hockey Club and Montreal Crystals) played the local Van Ness House Club on February 26, 1886 at Lake Champlain by the Central Vermont railroad slip. It was protected on three sides by docks which gave spectators an excellent vantage point.

The Burlington Coasting Club was the original organizers of the "week of winter sports" which turned into the Burlington Winter Carnival.