To the point
Here are some suggestions for things to do in February 2024, as well as ideas for celebrating the festival of love.
Culture and lights
In Gatineau
- The Salon du livre de l’Outaouais will be held from February 22 to 25, 2024 at the Palais des congrès on the theme “À voix hautes”.
In Montreal
- Hundreds of films and documentaries will be presented at the 42nd Rendez-vous Québec Cinéma (RVQC) from February 21 to March 2, 2024;
- The immersive RIOPELLE Grandeur Nature show, a creation by Les 7 doigts de la main, will be unveiled at La Tohu from February 14 to March 9, 2024 ;
- The Quartier des spectacles hosts the 14thedition of Luminothérapie, with a series of five new colorful works. Until March 10, 2024.
In Wendake
- Onhwa’ Lumina is an enchanted nocturnal journey through the cultural and artistic heritage of the Huron-Wendat people. On certain dates until March 9, 2024.
In Quebec City
- The 11th edition of Manif d’art 11 – La biennale de Québec will welcome some sixty artists from around the world, starting February 23, 2024 ;
- The 25th edition of the Mois Multi will highlight innovative works in the field of multidisciplinary, electronic and digital arts, from February 1 to 25, 2024 ;
- The Grand-Mess parade-show, which runs until February 24, 2024, will feature an immersive experience at Limoilou’s Saint-Charles church.
Sports
In Quebec City
- From February 2 to March 10, 2024, the Nordik Village at the Port of Québec will give you the opportunity to enjoy ice fishing right downtown, in the Louise Basin ;
- The 64th edition of the International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, from February 7 to 18, 2024, will enable players aged 11 and 12 to take on teams from around the world.
In Gatineau-Ottawa
- Winterlude returns from February 2 to 19, 2024. This event offers a host of indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family;
- Every winter, the Rideau Canal is transformed into a 7.8-kilometre skating rink. Until February 20, 2024.
In Montreal
- The Botanical Garden offers a three-kilometre cross-country ski circuit that links up with the Maisonneuve Park trails. Until March 31, 2024;
- Initiations to snowshoeing and snowboarding will be offered at Montréal Boréal. The 2nd edition will take place from February 17, 2024 to March 10, 2024 in Saint-Henri.
Elsewhere in Quebec:
You may also like these activities:
- Fun at the Lac Masson skating rink (Laurentians) ;
- Frozen forest trails at Domaine enchanteur (Mauricie) and Bleuetière Goulet (Beauce);
- Winter sports at Village Vacances Valcartier, 20 minutes from Quebec City ;
- 80 km of hiking and snowshoeing trails at Parc régional Montagne du Diable (Laurentians) ;
- Illuminated activities at LUMINO in Parc du Domaine Vert (Laurentians) ;
- Shoot yourself a log at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, in the Quebec City region;
- Walking an alpaca at Domaine Poissant in Mont-St-Hilaire ;
- Do you love skiing and have an RBC Avion credit card? Don’t forget to claim your free ski ticket on Friday.
Carnivals, festivals and lounges
In Quebec City
- The 70th edition of the Québec Winter Carnival will offer a plethora of activities to discover until February 11, 2024, including night parades and snow and ice sculptures ;
- The Bulles & Whisky event is the rendezvous for spirits lovers to be held at Quebec City’s Voltigeurs Armoury, from February 1 to 3, 2024.
In Montreal
- The Montreal High Lights gourmet program will be launched on February 22, 2024. Twenty chefs and winemakers will be welcomed in some fifty restaurants;
- Electro music fans will have until February 10, 2024 to take part in the 16th edition ofIgloofest in the Old Port.
Across Canada
Putin Week returns February 1-7, 2024. As part of this gourmet event, you can sample new recipes concocted by participating restaurants.
Across Quebec
There will be many festivities in the province:
- Rouyn-Noranda Winter Festival (Abitibi, February 23-25, 2024) ;
- Festival St-Côme en Glace (Lanaudière, February 3-18, 2024);
- Saguenay en neige (Saguenay, February 1-11, 2024) ;
- Saint-Jean-Port-Joli Winter Festival (Chaudière-Appalaches, February 16-18, 2024) ;
- Showfrette (Belœil, Montérégie, February 23 and 24, 2024);
- Village sur Glace Roberval (Lac-Saint-Jean, until March 10, 2024);
- Rendez-vous polaires 2024 (Sainte-Catherine, Montérégie, February 3 and 10, 2024);
- Festival Feu et Glace (Repentigny, Lanaudière, February 3-4 and 10-11, 2024);
- Festival des petits poissons des chenaux (Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Mauricie, February 3-18, 2024);
- Festiglace de Pont-Rouge (Quebec City region, February 21-25, 2024).
What to do on Valentine's Day
This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday. The most ancient origins of this festival date back to a pagan celebration called Lupercales, in ancient Rome.
Here are a few suggestions for indulging in this celebration of love:
Dining in a heated dome
- On the terrace of restaurant Bivouac (Montreal) ;
- On the roof of the William Gray Hotel (Montreal) ;
- On the terrace of the Ophelia restaurant (Quebec) ;
- In the garden of the Hotel Bonne Entente (Quebec).
Relaxing at the spa, saying sweet nothings to each other
After your day’s work, head to one of the province’s many spas to soothe away the day’s tensions. Among them:
- Le Strom Nordic spa (five locations) ;
- Le Bota Bota (Montreal) ;
- Le Scandinave (Mont-Tremblant) ;
- Le KiNipi spa nordique (Trois-Rivières) ;
- Le Balnea (Bromont) ;
- The PAUS spa experience (Saguenay).
In the comfort of your home
- Try your hand at a recipe or have a gourmet meal delivered;
- Order sushi at the Sushi counter at home;
- Turn your bathroom into a spa with candles and bubbles;
- Book an in-home couple massage;
- With the kids, do Valentine’s Day-themed crafts or themed activities.
Don’t forget to use your Cobalt American Express card at restaurants or for home delivery: this card earns you 5X points for these purchases.
A tête à tête at the hotel
For Valentine’s Day, many hotels are offering a romantic package or special promotion on certain dates:
- Hovey Manor in North Hatley;
- La petite Auberge de Jouvence in Orford ;
- Le Manoir Saint-Sauveur;
- The Delta Hotel by Marriott at Mont-Sainte-Anne ;
- The Monville Hotel in Montreal;
- The William Gray Hotel in Montreal.
You could use your points to save on your hotel bill. It couldn’t be easier: with the American Express Membership Rewards program, 1,000 points give you a $10 credit on your spending.
And if you book a Marriott hotel for Valentine’s Day, you can even transfer your Membership Rewards points to the Marriott Bonvoy program or use your Marriott Bonvoy points.
Sometimes Valentine’s Day can be a day that doesn’t say anything to you or makes you feel sad a bit. Take the opportunity to get rid of your negative energy by going axe throwing. It feels good!
Why is February 14th the original date for the lovers' festival?
Valentine’s Day is linked to the Roman priest Valentine, who was beheaded on February 14 in the third century. In those days, marriages were forbidden, but this priest nevertheless continued the unions clandestinely.
What is the history of Valentine's Day?
In ancient Rome, the Lupercalia period took place in mid-February. According to custom, these festivities enabled men and women to couple up.
It was Pope Gelasius I who put an end to the Lupercalia. Shortly afterwards, the Catholic Church made February 14th a feast day to honor the martyr Valentine, patron saint of lovers.
Who are the three Valentine saints?
At least three saints are named Valentine: Valentine of Rome, Valentine of Terni and Valentine of Rhetia.
Who was Valentine, the patron saint of lovers?
According to history, Valentine was a Roman priest. He was beheaded on February 14, in the third century, for clandestinely celebrating Christian marriages.
What gift ideas are there for Valentine's Day?
On Valentine’s Day, everything depends on your Valentine’s tastes: a romantic outing to a restaurant, spa, cinema, flowers or chocolates.
What chocolate dessert for Valentine's Day?
To show your love this Valentine’s Day, you could make or buy a decadent dessert: chocolate fondant, chocolate mousse, chocolate soufflé or a classic chocolate cake with a chocolate and cream ganache.
Which flower for Valentine's Day?
The rose is a must-have flower for Valentine’s Day, a date that makes florists very happy. Certain seasonal flowers are also popular for celebrating the festival of love, such as tulips and violets.
