What’s on in the Outaouais in February
February is the ultimate month of love. Even if the temperatures outside are freezing, the Outaouais is bursting with fun-filled activities to warm your heart. Check out our suggestions to tap into your love of winter, especially since it’s been a long time coming this year!
GO HAVE FUN OUTSIDE
The cold thickens the layers of ice on the region’s lakes and rivers, which is essential for winter fishing! This winter, get your family or friends involved in some ice fishing. The region’s watercourses are packed with trout, even in winter! Fish in the private lakes of Kenauk Nature, treat yourself to an ice fishing package at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon or try out the sport in the Pourvoirie de la Lièvre. Who will get the biggest catch?
Make the most of the abundant snow with some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the Outaouais trails. Cover more than 500 km of trails in classic or skate cross-country skis. Challenge yourself and test your endurance by taking part in a cross-country skiing event. The Friends of Gatineau Park suggest strapping on your snowshoes at night to admire the moonlight and the stars twinkling along the trails. Take the opportunity to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna.
Fancy a fun-filled family adventure? Glide along the snow in the middle of a forest with the Gatineau Sled Dogs! Try out being musher for the day or leave it all to your guide and energetic furry friends. Warm up afterward with a nice hot chocolate and show your new canine companions some love.
If you’re still stuck for inspiration despite all our suggestions, close your eyes and choose at random from our list of 100 activities to do this winter!
For Valentine’s Day
This year, Fridays and Saturdays on February 9, 10, 16 and 17, the Loto-Québec Lac-Leamy Hotel-Casino Complex will be celebrating Valentine’s Day! Sparkling evenings are on offer for you to celebrate with a partner or with friends. Enjoy a chapel to a love bridge, a heart-shaped photo booth, entertainment, music groups to put you in a celebratory mood and a special menu in the Arôme Seafood and Grill restaurant.
On February 10, the Carrefour Culturel Estacade has got a unique activity in store for you, full of love and culture! Come together at the event for a spectacular evening with music and delicious meals crafted by Chef Moreno. Zooloo and the seaweeds—Valentine’s Day Evening, a Cabaret Dinner-Show starring a singer-songwriter who’ll take you on a journey from Africa to America through the many styles and shades of blues.
Fancy a custom-made Valentine’s Day? Check out our guide for a perfect Valentine’s Day to help you plan, or have a look at our romantic getaways for two for a hassle-free option.
An array of events
From February 2 to 19, Winterlude returns to Gatineau and Ottawa with its must-see ice sculptures, snow slides in the Snowflake Kingdom and the Rideau Canal Skateway! Along with its hundreds of indoor and outdoor activities, the event also offers shows, exhibitions, interactive street art installations, street artist performances and much more! Whether you’re on the hunt for activities to do as a family, alone, as a couple or with friends, Winterlude has something for you.
Then head over into Gatineau to the Snowflake Kingdom—Winterlude. Guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again! Take a picture with the Ice Hog Family, tackle a maze and obstacle courses, attend a world-class breakdancing competition and admire the magnificent snow sculptures lit up in evening!
From February 9 to 11, take part in the longest and oldest cross-country skiing event in North America: the Canadian Ski Marathon. Online registration is open until February 5. Last minute registration is also possible. Get in touch with the organization directly for all the details.
On February 11, check out these spots for great sports action to mark the Super Bowl. Dine on resto-pub grub and enjoy a nice refreshing beer while watching the big screens. You’ll be at the heart of the action! Plan your outing with friends in advance. The atmosphere will be electric!
From February 16 to 18, the Gatineau Loppet takes the Gatineau Park by storm. Take part in Canada’s largest cross-country skiing event. Online registration is open until February 14, or register last-minute at the event.
Calling all book lovers! The Salon du livre de l’Outaouais will be in the Palais des Congrès de Gatineau from February 22 to 25. To mark the event’s 45th anniversary, join in the happy hubbub where reading is celebrated à voix haute (loud and proud)! Meet hundreds of authors and discover some unforgettable literature! Start off in the Tout culture Lounge Zone. This vibrantly colourful space is the perfect spot to take a break on one of the comfy couches.
February 29 to March 2, the Winter Brewfest returns to Ruelle Zibi with a plethora of beers from microbreweries here and elsewhere. To the backdrop of local DJs, discover unique flavours, try made-to-order cocktails and indulge in some comforting nibbles. A little warmth goes a long way in February!
To get even more suggestions, take a look at our full program on our Events page.
More to discover in the Outaouais
This winter, come together in the warmth of the spacious Ciel et Bois chalet. Nestled among six acres of woodland, the chalet is far from city life and right next to the Nakkertok Nordique and Domaine Kanawe trail networks. For another experience in the heart of nature, the Tree house offer a light and rustic destination at the foot of Mont Ste-Marie.
Curling des Collines presents a truly original activity! You may have already seen this intriguing sport on late night TV. Now it’s time to discover your new passion. Learn the art of this game of strategy and have fun on the ice with friends.
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