10 Things to Do in Montreal in February

If you plan to visit Montreal in February, you're in for a cold, rainy winter with lots of snow and weather-restricted outdoor activities, but also some activities that will allow you to discover the local spirit, such as cultural festivals and winter sports events.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal in February include attending the Winter Film Festival, experiencing the city's food festivals, attending the Winter Pleasures Festival, taking part in the Valentine's Challenge race, experiencing the Lachine Carnival and browsing the booths at the Foul Language literary festival.

Attending the Montreal Winter Film Festival in February is a unique cinematic experience not to be missed. During this event, the city becomes a meeting place for film lovers from all over the world.

The festival offers a diverse selection of high-quality international films, from independent dramas to powerful documentaries and auteur films. The carefully selected programming allows cinephiles to explore new cinematic horizons and delve into captivating stories, making it one of the best things to do in the winter in Montreal.

In addition to screenings, the festival also presents opportunities to interact with filmmakers and industry professionals through panel discussions and Q&A sessions.

In addition to the cinematic experience, this festival offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The streets are filled with enthusiastic cinephiles, creating a unique atmosphere. In addition, the city itself offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés and bars to enjoy before or after the screenings, allowing you to combine your passion for cinema with the rich cultural and gastronomic offerings and the best excursions in Montreal.

Experience the MTLàTABLE food festival in Montreal in February for a culinary experience that will delight all your senses. At this celebration, participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the city's rich gastronomic scene.

From exquisite local dishes to international flavours, MTLàTABLE offers a wide variety of options to satisfy any palate. Participating chefs and establishments strive to create unique culinary experiences, highlighting their creativity and talent.

In addition to enjoying the delicious dishes, MTLàTABLE is also an opportunity to discover new restaurants and charming atmospheres. You can explore Montreal's diverse neighbourhoods and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of each place while enjoying exceptional food as you tour the city by bike, tour bus or on foot.

The festival also creates a festive and exciting atmosphere, with a vibrant energy throughout the city. The opportunity to share a delicious meal with friends, family or loved ones while enjoying a special gastronomic atmosphere is something not to be missed.

If a party promises to stimulate all the pleasures of being human, then you can't miss it, especially if you're planning to visit Montreal in February. At this event you can find a world of fun and entertainment in the midst of the season, when the city comes alive with a variety of outdoor activities and attractions that celebrate winter.

From ice skating on outdoor rinks to tubing down thrilling slides, there are options for everyone at the Winter Pleasures Festival. Visitors can enjoy activities such as creating ice sculptures, sled races and interactive games, which offer fun times for adults and children alike, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Montreal.

In addition to the activities, the festival also features live entertainment, music, art exhibits and a wide range of gastronomic offerings to satisfy winter cravings. Visitors can indulge in delicious local dishes, such as the famous poutine, or savour hot beverages while enjoying the festive atmosphere for families to share.

The Feast of Winter Pleasures creates a magical atmosphere in Montreal, where the community comes together to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of winter. The bright lights, lively music and excitement in the air create a welcoming and enchanting atmosphere that transports you to a world of fun and joy.

If you are a sports fan planning to visit Montreal during the winter, you can't miss the Valentine's Challenge race, which is an ice skating race that takes place in Montreal's Vieux-Port, creating a romantic and picturesque setting.

The Valentine's Challenge offers participants the opportunity to glide across the ice in a friendly competition. Whether you are an experienced skater or a first-time skater, this race will challenge you and allow you to enjoy the thrill of skating in a special environment.

In addition to the race itself, the event also features a festive and lively atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy live music, entertainment and Valentine's Day themed activities. The lively atmosphere and competitive spirit combine to create an unforgettable experience.

The Valentine's Challenge is a different way to celebrate love and sportsmanship in an enchanting winter setting. Participating in this race will allow you to enjoy the beauty of ice skating while sharing special moments with your partner, friends or loved ones.

Discovering the alternative Art Souterrain Festival in February will allow you to enter a fascinating and unusual artistic world. This unique event takes place in the city's underground system, turning the spaces below ground into canvases and stages for various forms of artistic expression on a cultural circuit outside of Montreal's best museums.

The festival offers a wide range of contemporary artworks, from visual installations to performances and interactive exhibitions. Emerging and experienced artists have the opportunity to present their work in an unconventional setting, breaking down the barriers between art and the public.

Exploring this festival will allow you to dive into a labyrinth of creativity and surprises. As you move through the underground corridors, you will encounter unexpected artworks, film screenings and live performances that challenge the traditional boundaries of art.

In addition to the exhibitions, the alternative Underground Art Festival also offers the opportunity to interact with the artists, attend talks and workshops, and participate in collaborative activities. It's an enriching experience that invites you to learn about the cutting edge of contemporary art and contemplate the impact it can have on society.

Attending the Festival of Wonders in Montreal will introduce you to a world of fantasy and magic. This unique event, inspired by the tale of Alice in Wonderland, offers an immersive experience full of surprises and enchantment.

The Wonderland Festival transports attendees to a surreal universe, where iconic characters come to life and the settings recreate the magical places of the story. From the Flower Garden to tea with the Mad Hatter, every corner is filled with details that will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale.

Aside from the stunning sets, the party also offers interactive activities, live shows, music and entertainment for all ages. You can enjoy carriage rides, themed games and indulge in historically inspired delicacies, making it one of the best things to do in Montreal at night.

Visiting the Feast of Wonders is an experience that will give you the chance to escape reality and fly away to a dream world. It is an opportunity to awaken your imagination and be amazed by the creativity of the organisers.

Participating in the Montreal Snow Festival in February will allow you to experience one of the most popular events of the Canadian winter. During the festival, the city is transformed into a snowy paradise with a variety of activities and attractions for people of all ages.

One of the main attractions of the Snow Festival is the ice sculpture. Talented sculptors create magnificent works of art with blocks of ice, providing a stunning and beautiful display for visitors to admire. There are also live ice sculpting competitions.

Apart from the sculptures, the Snow Festival offers activities such as ice skating, snow slides, sleigh rides and thrilling races. Attendees can enjoy moments of laughter and joy while participating in these exciting winter activities and get discounts on city tours or cruise tours on the St. Lawrence River.

The festival also features live entertainment, music, games and a variety of dining options to satisfy visitors' cravings. It's the perfect time to enjoy delicious local dishes such as the traditional tourtière, or savour a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Celebrating Valentine's Day in Montreal is an enchanting experience that will give you the opportunity to share special moments with your partner in one of the most romantic places in the world during winter. The city dresses up in the colours of love and offers a wide range of activities and places to enjoy this special occasion.

Strolling through the picturesque streets of Montreal on Valentine's Day is a magical experience. Parks, squares and gardens are filled with themed decorations and flowers, creating a romantic and cosy atmosphere.

The city also offers a wide variety of intimate and cosy restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner. From restaurants with panoramic views to cosy bistros, there is something for everyone during the Canadian winter, which is one of the best times to visit Montreal.

In addition to dinner, you can also surprise your partner with special activities. From horse-drawn carriage rides to dinner cruises on the St. Lawrence River, there are options to make this day an unforgettable experience.

Experience Montreal's Lachine Carnival in February and take part in one of the city's great traditions. Held in the bustling borough of Lachine, this festival offers an inimitable experience to enjoy winter to the fullest.

The Lachine Carnival features a variety of exciting activities for all ages. From snow sculpture competitions to sled races, there is something for everyone. Visitors can take part in outdoor games, enjoy live entertainment, listen to traditional music and indulge in a wide range of cuisine.

One of the highlights of the carnival is the parade, where decorated floats and groups of people in costume parade through the streets creating a festive and colourful atmosphere. The parade is filled with music, dancing and a great deal of fun that engulfs the community, not only in Montreal, but also in Quebec and Ottawa.

In addition to the activities and the parade, the Lachine Carnival also offers the opportunity to discover and learn about local cultural traditions.

If you want to take part in one of the most significant cultural events on the winter calendar, you can't miss the stalls at the Foul Language Literary Festival. This alternative festival celebrates the diversity of literary expression and brings together authors, poets and artists in a vibrant and creative environment.

The stalls at the Dirty Tongues Literary Festival offer a variety of literary and artistic works that defy traditional conventions. From experimental poetry books to avant-garde novels, there is something for everyone. Moreover, the tour will take you approximately 2 hours, so it is compatible with a short stay in the city. If this is your case, here are some ideas for discovering Montreal in 2 days.

In addition to the literary offerings, the festival also offers talks, poetry readings, performances and interactive workshops. Attendees have the opportunity to interact with writers and artists, participate in debates and learn more about the world of avant-garde literary creation.

Temperatures in Montreal in February are typically cold and winter-like. During this month, the city experiences wintry weather with average temperatures ranging from -10 to -5°C, although they can drop even lower on the coldest nights. Snowfall is common, creating a picturesque, white-covered landscape.

I recommend that you pack warm coats to protect yourself from the cold and snow during your excursions, as despite the cold temperatures, the city continues its active and vibrant life, with numerous winter festivals and activities celebrating the beauty of winter.

The number of tourists in February can vary compared to other months of the year. While winter may be a less popular time to visit the city, the destination still attracts tourists looking to enjoy its winter charms and themed festivals, albeit without the volume of tourists that summer in Montreal generates.

It is important to note that cold temperatures and the presence of snow and ice can affect the accessibility and planning of outdoor activities. However, Montreal has a wide range of museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops that provide options for enjoying the city in a warm and sheltered way, even on the coldest days.

Prices in Montreal in February can vary depending on a number of factors. In general, February is considered part of the low season for tourism in the city, which can result in lower prices for accommodation, flights and tourist activities compared to peak months.

For accommodation, you can find deals and discounts on hotels and vacation rentals during this time of year. Many establishments offer special rates to attract visitors in the low season.

February is a time of low temperatures and heavy snowfall, so I suggest you pack the following items:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Thermal socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woollen hats
• Woollen scarves
• Sunglasses
• Woollen jumpers
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece
• Rain jacket
• Umbrella
• Snow shoes