by Martin Morin
Looking for something to keep you busy in Montreal this February? You’re in luck! No matter the season, Montreal hums 24/7. Whether indoors or out, there's always something to do and discover – including tons of places where you can simply enjoy… doing nothing. For visitors and locals alike here’s a list of just a few of the many activities that can help keep your calendar filled. Don't forget your toque!
Rumour has it that staying inside in winter is against the law. (A quick search through city by-laws will confirm it.) In fact, you shouldn’t fear winter. You don’t even need a car or to get out of the city to enjoy winter’s pleasures. Why not go snowshoeing in Mount Royal Park. You can also go ice skating at one of the city's many outdoor rinks – there's now one on the Olympic Stadium esplanade. Check out our list of winter activities!
It's hard to talk about February without mentioning Valentine's Day. Why not take your sweetheart – or someone near and dear (and yes, kids count!) out for a meal? If that doesn’t fit the bill, you may want to go for a gift that's simpler and more original, or simply stick with a classic: chocolate!
Did you know that Montreal has an official Poutine Week? From February 1st to 7th, no fewer than 100 restaurants – including 50 in Montreal – will be serving up an extra-decadent poutine in honour of the occasion! Why not visit the top 25 Montreal eateries taking part, tuck in, and don’t look back!
For the past 18 years, Montreal en Lumière has laid on a program of events to make us forget the horrors of winter: entertainment, great food, all-nighters... Pick and choose what tickles your fancy from the festivities taking place this year from February 23rd to March 11th. To get you stoked here's sample of what's in store:
Live shows include Daniel Lavoie, Karen Young and Coral Egan, the play "La Canatarice Chauve," Bobby Bazini, Al Di Meola, Champion et ses G-Strings.
As for food, there will be a culinary voyage to Lyon, guest chefs from everywhere, Institut Paul Bocuse in attendance, beers and appetizers, the local cheese festival, and more.
Make the most of the spring break by discovering (or rediscovering) one of the city’s most beautiful festivals, the Festival international du film pour enfants de montréal (FIFEM), which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. It’s a true delight for both the young and the young-at-heart alike!
Perhaps you'd rather go to the Biodôme, Planetarium, Insectarium or the Botanical Gardens and learn about Space for Life. It’s an excellent idea for children. And when the kids get hungry – and they will – don't forget to check our list of restaurants near the Olympic Stadium where you can take the kids for a meal.
From February 22nd to March 4th, the 35th Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois (RVCQ) awaits you! The main feature? The première of the highly anticipated film "Ca sent la coupe" by Patrice Sauvé (Grande Ourse), based on the novel by Matthew Simard and featuring Louis-José Houde.
Luckily, there's no need to wait for the RVCQ to enjoy le septième art. Montreal's many independent movie theatres provide you with an opportunity to catch an art film. There are even places to pick up a poster of your favorite movie afterwards.
More of a music person? Not a problem! Montreal is full of clubs where you can enjoy all kinds of music. And no need to wait for the Montreal International Jazz Festival to hear it!
From February 23rd to March 4th, the 8th Montréal / Nouvelles Musiques (MNM) festival will fill your ears with a program of over 20 classical concerts, including Berliner Momente by Walter Boudreau and Brahms revisited by Russian conductor Vasily Petrenko.
Maybe you’d still prefer spending more time indoors, relaxing and staying warm, which is never a problem. Even if you’re not a student, you could always pretend by hanging out at one of Montreal's many trendy cafés. Otherwise, why not pick up your SO and pamper yourselves at one of the many luxury day spas that dot the city?
February always gets a bad rap, but with so much to do how can you hate it? If you’re still not convinced, take heart: spring is around the corner!
