What to do in February? Enjoy winter!
Granted, February can be chilly (good thing Valentine’s Day is in there to warm things up a bit), but that’s no reason to hide indoors. Dress warmly, we’re headed out for some winter fun!
Free
Our region is like a giant playground with tons of free activities. So grab your warmest parka, tuque and mitts, and off we go!
Snowflake Kingdom at Winterlude
A winter tradition in our region, Winterlude is definitely one of the highlights of February! With several official sites, it offers fun for all ages. At the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park, you can try out giant snow tube slides, obstacle courses, and giant versions of popular family games, enjoy live entertainment, and meet Winterlude’s furry mascots, the Ice Hog family. With friends or family, come out and celebrate Canada’s northern climate!
Plan your visit and see all the activities here. Enjoy the STO’s free Sno-Bus shuttle and leave your parking worries behind!
Jacques-Cartier Park (north side)
February 2–19
Free
The Snowflake Kingdom has moved to a new location in Jacques-Cartier Park this year, but it’s just as easy to get to.
40th Winterlude Kick-Off Party
To get the 40th edition of Winterlude off to a great start, join the free Kick-Off Party in Confederation Park on Friday, February 2. It’s going to be a great evening, with a lively opening parade on the theme “Winter fun! Timeless memories!”, shows by Canadian entertainers and DJs, and lots of surprises!
Confederation Park
Friday, February 2 beginning at 7 p.m.
Free
Joie de Vivre Family Weekend on the Brewery Creek skating rink
Come for a skate on Brewery Creek and enjoy a host of activities, including live DJ entertainment, bonfires, skating lessons for the kids, and hot chocolate for everyone. A special family weekend filled with joie de vivre!
Brewery Creek skating rink
February 10 & 11 beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Free
Old Chelsea Skating Rink
Sometimes simple pleasures are best, like enjoying a skate on a sunny day in the heart of Old Chelsea village. Toes getting frosty? Cross the street to Biscotti & cie, and warm up with a hot coffee or a delicious meal.
11 ch Scott, Chelsea
Every day from 9h to 21h (weather permitting)
Free

Exhibition: 10 + 10 Visages du cinéma québécois
Exhibition: 10 + 10 Visages du cinéma québécois
A touring exhibition created by Vanessa Tatjana Beerli, director of the Montreal-based cultural organization Ciné Tapis Rouge, and photographer Alex Paillon, 10 + 10 Visages du cinéma québécois features 20 oversize portraits of Quebec film directors. Organized to mark Ciné Tapis Rouge’s 10th anniversary, the exhibition highlights the talent of Quebec’s creators.
Centre d’action culturelle de la MRC de Papineau
Until February 23
Free
Under $20 per person
Mosaïvernales
We were all dazzled by the beauty of MosaïCanada, and Mosaïvernales is just as fantastic! Installed on the same site in Jacques-Cartier Park, Mosaïvernales features some 30 illuminated snow sculptures created by professional snow and ice carvers from Harbin, China. Follow the 1-km trail and meet mythical gods and goddesses from various cultures.
Jacques-Cartier Park (south side)
Until March 4 (weather permitting)
$10 per person, Free for children 12 and under
Every day from Dusk to 10 p.m.
Exhibition: Butterflies in Flight
Not a huge fan of the cold? You’d rather be in the sunny South? Here’s an option that’s almost as good: Butterflies in Flight, a special exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Warm up in a tropical environment as hundreds of live butterflies flutter around you. Amazing and unforgettable!
Consult the online schedule and purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Until April 2
$5 in addition to regular Museum admission (Adult: $14 / Child [age 3–12]: $10)
Timed entry.
Under $30 per person
Winter Beerfest
Calling all beer lovers! “Discovery” is the theme of the 7th annual Winter Beerfest. And indeed, you’re invited to discover hundreds of beers and enjoy a great program of workshops and entertainment in the warm setting of the Canadian Museum of History.
OK, truth to tell, the evening will cost you more than $30 if you sample several beers, but $22 will get you in, and you can enjoy the entertainment and take home a souvenir beer glass.
Canadian Museum of History
February 2 & 3
From $21.74
Parc Oméga
If you’ve ever enjoyed feeding the elk and deer at Parc Oméga in summer, trust me, it’s well worth planning a return visit in winter. The beautiful setting and the opportunity to get up close to the wild animals are enough to make anyone enjoy the cold season.
For unforgettable family memories, take the 15-km car tour.
Parc Oméga
Open daily year round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Adult: $26.96 | Child (age 6–15): $20
Bring carrots to feed the animals.