10 things to do in Montreal today: Saturday, February 1

From tasty poutines, to the Candiens, stand up comedy, Igloofest, and plenty of outdoor activities, here’s how Montreal is welcoming in the new month today, February 1.

La Poutine Week Montreal

Hopefully that 2020 diet is working out because the world’s largest poutine festival is about to kick off and you might want to find the stretchiest pants you have.

The eighth edition of La Poutine Week returns to Montreal today,  as a variety of Montreal restaurants will create their own signature poutine-dish, vying to become the city-wide champion, voted by restaurant patrons.

So yes, things are about to get greasy. Ranging from $7 to $25.95, check out this list of all of this year’s greasy pooters and the restaurants that are dishing them out.

When: February 1 to 7, 202o
Time: Varying hours per location
Where: Various locations around Montreal

• See also:
  • 33 things to do in Montreal this February
  • A holographic pop star is performing a virtual concert in Laval this spring
  • A live Titanic concert is coming to Place des Arts next week

Rex Orange County

Alexander O’Connor, better known by his stage name Rex Orange County, is an English recording artist.

He has released three albums, bcos u will never b free, Apricot Princess, and Pony and will be rocking out MTELUS on Saturday.

When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: MTELUS — 59 rue Ste. Catherine
Price: $43, available online

The Montreal Canadiens vs the Florida Panthers

The Canadiens play the first of back-to-back 2 pm games this weekend as they welcome the Florida Panthers today and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday as they look to keep pace in the standings.

When: February 1 and 2
Time: 2 pm
Where: Bell Centre — 1909 avenue des Canadiens de Montreal
Price: Varies per date and seat selection, available online

Förena Cité Thermale

Things are about to get a whole lot more relaxing in the South Shore as Saint-Bruno’s giant new spa opened to the public on Friday.

The thermal spa centre, Förena Cité thermale, set at the base of Mont Saint-Bruno will become one of the biggest of its kind in Canada, offering thermotherapy, massages, beauty care, and restoration.

Inspired by Scandinavian culture, the Förena Cité Thermale is spread over 60,000 square meters at the base of mountain.

When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 9 am to 11 pm
Where: 250 rang des vingt-cinq est, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Price: Various prices

Igloofest

There’s no better way to stick it to Mother Nature’s winter by revelling in the snow and the cold. And, Igloofest is the most entertaining way to do so.

Igloofest has entered round 2 of 4, where thousands of partiers flock to the Old Port to brave the cold with wild music, costumes, dancing, and booze.

Tonight’s lineup includes Sentimental Rave, S Y L A, Omar Hamdi, Yanneek, Tind, B2B, and many more.

When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 7:30 to 12:30 am
Where: Quai Jacques Cartier
Price: $20.50 – $89, available online

Fête des neiges

If you live in Montreal, you’re best off standing up to the snow and the cold instead of shying away from it. Luckily, Parc Jean Drapeau’s four-weekend-long winter festival is a perfect opportunity to make the most of wintery season.

The 37th edition of the Fête des neiges returns for its penultimate weekend.

Outdoor activities include snow tubing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, snow archery, an icy pirate ship, ice skating, ice sculptures, ziplining, a Ferris wheel, Tour de Lévis, axe throwing, a penguin village, a Polar Circus, snow scooters, an inflatable bouncy castle, a snow castle competition, and a mini igloo play area.

When: February 1 and 2
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Espace 67 — Parc Jean-Drapeau
Tickets: $8 – $38, available online

Natrel Skating Rink

The Natrel Skating Rink in Old Montreal is now open to the public, offering some real nice ice. If you’re brave enough to tackle the cold, strap on some skates and get moving.

Known for its outstanding quality of ice, excellent facilities, and breathtaking views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River, this is the place to go skating in Montreal.

When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Natrel Skating Rink, Bonsecours Basin
Price: $5.22 for kids six – 12; $7.83 general admission, free for kids under six

Imagine Van Gogh

Montreal has been coated with an exhibition of the works of Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous figures in the history of the art world.

The exhibition, Imagine Van Gogh, which opened in December, takes guests through the world of colours and emotions of Van Gogh’s works through gigantic murals and an immersive soundtrack.

When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Arsenal art contemporain — 2020 rue William
Price: $16 to $26, available online

Happening Gourmand

Whether you’re into pizza, steak, eggs benedict, or burgers, Happening Gourmand offers gourmet meals and a vibrant atmosphere for every food lover. Plus, the meals won’t set you back too much (we’re dreading the post-holiday credit card statements too).

Check out a full list of participating restaurants online.

When: From now until February 9
Time: Varying times per restaurant
Where: Nine participating Old Port locations
Price: $17 brunch, $25-$35 dinner

Julie Kim – The Comedy Nest

Julie Kim, the two-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee, has set up camp at the Nest this weekend, using her cheerful point of view to united the crowd with laughter.

When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 8 pm and 10:30 pm
Where: The Comedy Nest
Price: $10 – $15, available online and at the door