12 Unmissable Events and Activities in Montreal in February

What are the best things to do in Montreal in February? One thing I like about February is that I’ve become used to winter by now. This means I can fully enjoy the array of available outdoor activities.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Montreal or you’re a Montrealer looking for something to do this month, this list will have an activity for you.

I’ve included many ideas of fun things to do in Montreal and a few day trips to make the most of Montreal’s coldest month.  

Montreal Events in February

1. Montreal en Lumiere

Montreal en Lumiere is an annual winter event in Montreal. Its goal is simple: its organizers want to get people out of the house. There are a bunch of activities in theatres, restaurants, and, of course, outdoors. Most of the action occurs at Quartier des Spectacles.  

2. Taverne Tour 

Taverne Tour is a welcome newcomer for music fans to the list of events happening in Montreal this month. This festival unites over 80 bands in 25 music venues around the city for three days of action-packed musical entertainment. This year’s edition happens from the 8th to the 10th and features acts like SUNS, Marie Davidson, and Booster Fawn.   

What To Do in Montreal in February 

3. The AURA Experience

AURA is an awe-inspiring light show display in one of Old Montreal’s most beautiful landmarks: Notre-Dame Basilica. It's a great thing to do in Montreal in February and an event you’ll never forget. This activity is the perfect way to experience a blend of technological sophistication with Montreal's cultural history.

This attraction gets bonus points because it’s indoors. So you’ll have a chance to warm up before checking out the next winter activities on this list.

4. Skiing/Snowboarding in Montreal

There are several skiing and snowboarding options in and around Montreal. If hitting bigger hills and riding on a chairlift is your thing, check out Mont Saint-Bruno and the Saint-Sauveur Valley, which has many different ski hills to choose from. 

If you have a snowboard or skis and are not averse to intense physical activity, I recommend Mont-Royal. It’s free to ride here, so it’s a popular hangout spot for local winter enthusiasts. But please note there are no chairlifts at Mount Royal Park, hence the intense physical activity!

5. Ice Skating in Montreal

Ice skating is considered by many to be the winter activity of choice when visiting Montreal in February, as it’s pretty much the last month to enjoy it.

If you'd like to ice skate in nature, check out Domaine Enchanteur, a 15-km ice skating course in the forest located an hour outside the city.

If you want to stay local, try out the city’s usual skating spots: Esplanade Tranquille, Beaver Lake, Old Port, Jarry Park, and Parc Lafontaine.

6. Valentine’s Day in The City 

Montreal in February means love is in the air. Few sights are more lovely than the Old Port Ferris Wheel. With ice skaters gliding at its base, enjoy overlooking the calm beauty of the Saint-Lawrence River at night.  

Another Valentine’s Day option is dinner at one of the city’s many fine restaurants. In the Quartiers des Spectacles, Bivouac Restaurant offers a unique ‘’winter garden’’ terrace where diners can enjoy their meal in a heated bubble.

But remember, if you want to eat out at a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day, you must book a table in advance.

7. Tobogganing at Beaver Lake 

Beaver Lake is a hotspot for families in Montreal in winter, and its most popular activity is tobogganing. Kids and adults can enjoy a thrilling ride down its well-maintained hills overlooking the Saint Joseph Oratory. It’s also one of the best spots in the city to observe the winter sunset. 

8. iSaute Anjou

Looking for an indoor winter activity in Montreal for kids? I highly recommend iSaute, a massive indoor trampoline centre located in Anjou. 

Getaways and Day Trips From Montreal in February 

9. Quebec's winter Carnival

Quebec City is a popular destination in February notably due to the  Winter Carnival. The Carnival is always a hit with families, but adults will also find plenty to enjoy. Most activities and attractions are located in Old Quebec. That’s where you'll find the ice palace, the enormous Bonhomme statue, the ice sculpture competition, the ice climbing structure, etc. 

Plan your trip: What to Do in Quebec in February.

10. Saint-Sauveur Valley 

• Distance: 1-hour drive

The perfect day trip idea is visiting the Saint-Sauveur Valley. This beautiful area of the Laurentians is so much more than just a ski hill. There’s also an impressive choice of outlet stores and tubing hills, and the main street of the village of Saint-Sauveur itself is full of pleasant restaurants and day spas. 

11. Ice Fishing near Montreal in February

• Distance: 2-hour drive

Ice fishing is an extremely popular activity outside of Montreal in winter. Our favourite place to do this is in the town of Sainte-Anne De La Perade at the Centre de Peche Marchand. 

12. Weekend Getaway at Club Med Charlevoix

• Distance: 3h 45m drive

If you want a weekend getaway, consider visiting Club Med Charlevoix. The only Club Med in Canada, this all-inclusive mountain resort has luxury accommodations and on-site spas, restaurants, and activities for the whole family. 

Weather in Montreal in February 

The weather in Montreal in February is cold. As mentioned on my page about visiting the province of Quebec in winter, you must be dressed warmly whenever you go outside. Even a few minutes outdoors can become quite painful if you’re not dressed properly. 

But if you wear thermals, a neck warmer, a scarf, a toque, warm winter gloves, warm boots, a jacket and snow pants, you’ll be just fine. Carrying hand or foot warmers is also a good precaution for any outdoor activity.

While the weather might keep some people away, Montreal in February still equals a lot of play! From skiing and snowboarding to incredible events, you’re in for a treat when visiting Montreal in winter.