Things To Do in Montreal Quebec in February

Montreal, Quebec is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a wide range of activities and events in February. Some popular things to do in Montreal in February include:

Winter Festivals

Montreal is known for its winter festivals, which take place throughout the month of February. Some of the most popular festivals include:

1. Montreal en Lumière: This festival takes place over several weeks in February and features a wide range of outdoor activities, music, and light shows. Some of the highlights of the festival include the illuminated sculptures on display throughout the city, the ice sculpture competition, and the free outdoor concerts.

2. International des feux Loto-Québec: This festival features a series of spectacular fireworks displays by teams from around the world. The fireworks are launched from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and can be viewed from various locations throughout the city.

3. Carnaval de Québec: This festival takes place in Quebec City, which is about a 3-hour drive from Montreal. It is one of the largest winter festivals in the world and features a parade, ice sculptures, and the famous ice canoe race.

4. Festival Montréal enneigé: This festival features a wide range of winter activities, including dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. There are also free outdoor concerts and a snow sculpture competition.

5. Igloofest: This electronic music festival takes place in the Old Port of Montreal and features performances by some of the world’s top DJs and electronic music acts. The festival takes place over several weekends in January and February and is known for its unique outdoor setting and its lively atmosphere.

All of these festivals are a great way to experience the vibrant culture and winter traditions of Montreal and Quebec. They offer a wide range of activities and events that are perfect for both outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for indoor activities.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a popular winter activity in Montreal and there are several outdoor rinks that are open to the public during the winter months. Some of the most popular ice skating rinks include:

1. The Old Port of Montreal: The Old Port of Montreal offers an ice rink that is open to the public during the winter months. The rink is located in a picturesque setting and offers stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and the city’s skyline. Skating here is free and skate rental is available on site.

2. The Olympic Park: The Olympic Park offers one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in the city, with a total surface area of more than 2,500 square meters. The rink is open to the public during the winter months and is lit up at night, making it a great place to skate after dark. Skate rental is available on site.

3. Beaver Lake: Located in the heart of Mount Royal Park, Beaver Lake is a natural skating rink that is open to the public during the winter months. Skating on Beaver Lake is a unique experience and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding park. Skate rental is available on site.

4. Parc La Fontaine: This park in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood offers a small ice rink with a cozy atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful trees and a lovely pond.

5. Atwater Market: In the south-west of Montreal, Atwater market’s ice rink is a great option for families and also offers a lively atmosphere with music and animations.

All of these rinks are a great way to experience the winter weather in Montreal and enjoy a fun, healthy activity. Skating at these rinks is a great way to stay active and enjoy the winter weather. It’s a great opportunity to experience the beautiful Montreal winter, take in the views and enjoy the fresh air.

Shopping

Montreal is a shopper’s paradise, and offers a wide variety of shopping options for visitors. Some popular shopping destinations include:

1. Underground City: The Underground City is an extensive network of underground shopping centers and walkways that connect many of the city’s major buildings and attractions. The Underground City features more than 1,600 shops and services, as well as restaurants, movie theaters, and other entertainment options. It’s a great place to escape the cold winter weather and find some great deals.

2. Rue Sainte-Catherine: This street is Montreal’s main shopping avenue and is home to a wide variety of shops, including high-end fashion boutiques, department stores, and independent retailers. It’s also a great place to find souvenirs and gifts.

3. The Plateau-Mont-Royal: This trendy neighborhood is known for its independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and designer consignment shops. It’s also home to many art galleries and home decor stores, making it a great place to shop for unique and stylish items.

4. The Atwater Market: This market is located near the Lachine Canal and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other food items, as well as handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. It’s a great place to find unique and locally-made products.

5. The Marché Jean-Talon: This market is one of the largest in North America, and offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other food items, as well as handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. It’s a great place to find unique and locally-made products.

6. The Marché des Possibles: This outdoor market takes place during the summer and features local artisans, live music, and food vendors. This market is a great place to find unique and locally-made products.

Overall, Montreal offers a wide range of shopping options for visitors, from high-end fashion boutiques to independent retailers and local markets. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods, unique souvenirs, or one-of-a-kind items, Montreal has something to offer for every shopper.

Museums and Art Galleries

Montreal is home to many museums and art galleries, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, and the McCord Museum. These institutions showcase a diverse range of art, history, and culture, making them perfect for a winter day indoors.

Some of the most popular museums and art galleries include:

1. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: This museum is one of the most important art museums in Canada and features a wide variety of art from around the world, including works by Canadian, European, and American artists. The museum has a strong collection of contemporary art, Quebec and Canadian art, international art, decorative art and design, and ancient art.

2. Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal: This museum is dedicated to contemporary art and features works by both local and international artists. The museum has a strong collection of contemporary art and offers a wide variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

3. McCord Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Montreal and Quebec. The museum features a wide variety of artifacts, photographs, and artworks that tell the story of the city and its people. The museum also has a strong collection of Indigenous art and artifacts.

4. The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History: This museum is located in the heart of Old Montreal and tells the story of the city’s past, from its earliest Indigenous inhabitants to the present day. The museum has a strong collection of artifacts from the city’s history, as well as interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations.

5. The Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre: This museum is dedicated to educating the public about the Holocaust and its impact on the Jewish community. The museum features a wide variety of artifacts, photographs, and artworks that tell the story of the Holocaust and its victims.

6. The Canadian Centre for Architecture: This museum is dedicated to the study of architecture and design. The museum features a wide variety of artifacts, photographs, and artworks that tell the story of architecture and its impact on society.

All of these museums and art galleries are a great way to experience the rich culture and history of Montreal and Quebec. They offer a wide range of exhibits and activities that are suitable for people of all ages and interests. Many museums have free admission on certain days of the week or have free admission for students and children so make sure to check the schedule before visiting.

Food and Drink

Montreal is famous for its food and drink scene, and offers a wide variety of cuisines and styles of restaurants. Some popular food and drink experiences include:

1. Poutine: Poutine is a dish that originated in Quebec and is made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It’s a popular fast food dish in Montreal and can be found at many restaurants and food trucks throughout the city.

2. Smoked Meat: Montreal-style smoked meat is a type of deli meat that is made from beef brisket and is known for its tender texture and rich flavor. It’s often served on rye bread with mustard and is a popular dish in Montreal.

3. Bagels: Montreal-style bagels are made with malt and are sweeter, denser, and smaller than New York-style bagels. They’re often boiled in honey-sweetened water before being baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives them a unique texture and flavor.

4. Maple Syrup: Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world, and Montreal is a great place to try it in various forms like on pancakes, in candy, and in cocktails.

5. Craft Beer: Montreal has a thriving craft beer scene, with many microbreweries and brewpubs throughout the city that offer a wide variety of styles of beer. Some popular breweries include Brasserie Harricana, Brasserie Dunham, and Brasserie Les 2 Frères.

6. Wine: Montreal has a growing wine scene, with many wine bars and restaurants that offer a wide variety of wines from around the world. Some popular wine bars include Les Enfants Terribles, Le Vin Papillon and Le Vin Mon Lapin.

Overall, Montreal offers a wide range of food and drink experiences for visitors, from traditional Quebec dishes to international cuisine and craft beers. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, Montreal has something to offer for every palate and budget.

Hockey game

Montreal is home to the Montreal Canadiens, one of the most successful ice hockey teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). Attending a Canadiens game is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike, and offers a unique and exciting way to experience the city’s culture and passion for hockey.

The Canadiens play their home games at the Bell Centre, which is located in the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation. The arena seats more than 21,000 fans and is known for its lively atmosphere and passionate fans.

Attending a Canadiens game is a great way to experience the city’s hockey culture and see some of the NHL’s top players in action. The Canadiens have a strong and historic team, they have won 24 Stanley Cups, which is the most by any team in the NHL.

If you’re planning to attend a Canadiens game, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly. There are also several ticket reselling sites like Stubhub or Ticketmaster where you can buy tickets for a Canadiens game.

In addition to watching the game, attending a Canadiens game also offers the opportunity to take in the atmosphere and energy of the crowd, as well as to enjoy the amenities of the Bell Centre, such as the food and drink options, team store, and other features.

Overall, attending a Canadiens game is a great way to experience the city’s hockey culture and the passion of its fans. It’s a unique and exciting way to experience Montreal’s winter sports scene and see some of the NHL’s top players in action.

What is Montreal Quebec known for?

Montreal, Quebec is a vibrant and diverse city that is known for a variety of things, including its rich history, culture, and architecture.

One of the things that Montreal is most well-known for is its cultural diversity. The city has a strong French-Canadian heritage, and is home to a large immigrant population, which gives it a unique and multicultural atmosphere. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food, art, and festivals, making it a fascinating place to explore.

In terms of architecture, Montreal is known for its impressive and diverse range of buildings, from Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica to the modernist Habitat 67 complex. The city also has a well-preserved historic district, Old Montreal, which features cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and horse-drawn carriages.

Montreal is also known for its festivals and events, which take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Just for Laughs comedy festival, and the Montreal en Lumière winter festival. These festivals offer a wide range of activities and events that are perfect for both outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for indoor activities.

In terms of food and drink, Montreal is famous for its cuisine, which is heavily influenced by French and Quebecois traditions. Some of the city’s most famous dishes include poutine, smoked meat, and maple syrup. The city also has a thriving craft beer and wine scene.

Montreal is also known for its sports culture, particularly ice hockey. Montreal Canadiens is one of the most successful teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), and attending a Canadiens game is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike.

Overall, Montreal is a city that is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture, as well as its festivals, food, and sports. It offers a unique and exciting blend of European charm and North American modernity, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what Quebec has to offer.

How can I spend 3 days in Montreal?

There are many ways to spend 3 days in Montreal, depending on your interests and preferences. Here is a suggested itinerary that covers some of the city’s main attractions:

Day 1:

• Start your day by exploring Old Montreal, the city’s historic district. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial-era buildings, and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Next, head to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which features a wide variety of art from around the world.
• In the afternoon, explore the Underground City, an extensive network of underground shopping centers and walkways that connect many of the city’s major buildings and attractions.
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Quebecois meal at one of the city’s many restaurants, such as Chez Claudette or Au Pied de Cochon.

Day 2:

• Begin your day by visiting the McCord Museum, which is dedicated to the history and culture of Montreal and Quebec.
• Afterwards, head to the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, which is known for its independent boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and designer consignment shops.
• In the afternoon, take a hike or bike ride in Mount Royal Park, which offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area.
• In the evening, attend a Montreal Canadiens hockey game at the Bell Centre, which is a great way to experience the city’s hockey culture and the passion of its fans.

Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, which is dedicated to contemporary art and features works by both local and international artists.
• Afterwards, head to the Atwater Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other food items, as well as handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry.
• In the afternoon, take a bike ride or kayak along the Lachine Canal, which offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area.
• In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many craft breweries, such as Brasserie Harricana, Brasserie Dunham, or Brasserie Les 2 Frères.

Please note that the itinerary above is just a suggestion and you can customize it to your own interests and preferences. Also, it’s important to check the schedule and availability of some places before visiting as they might have different opening hours depending on the day or season.

Lastly

Overall, Montreal in February offers a wide range of activities and events that are perfect for both outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for indoor activities. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, food, or winter sports, Montreal has something to offer for everyone.