Red-zone friendly things to do in Montreal this week: February 15 to 19

Feb 15 2021, 8:26 pm

Montreal is currently in Red Zone, Level 4–Maximum Alert — the government’s strictest tier in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Between 8 pm and 5 am, Quebecers must not leave their homes except in cases that justify travel. Travelling between regions is “not recommended,” per the government, and all COVID-19 protocols (indoor mask-wearing, two-metre physical distancing, and frequent sanitization, must be followed.


Just because the entire city is under red zone restrictions, it doesn’t mean there aren’t pandemic-friendly things to do.

Montreal’s COVID-19 protocls are strict but newly-eased measures has given citizens a little bit more freedom to do things, especially outdoors.

One visitor from another address is allowed to gather with other “bubble families” outdoors, but indoor activities are restricted to people at the same address.

With that said, here are a few things worth considering across Montreal this week, February 15 to 19.

 Espace pour la vie

Montreal Biodome

@espacepourlavie/Instagram

The newly renovated Biodôme de Montréal has reopened amid Quebec’s latest round of eased COVID-19 restrictions.

In fact, both of the Espace pour la vie venues have reopened as of last Monday. The Jardin botanique is open to the public as well.

The Biodôme is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and the Jardin botanique is open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm. Tickets cost a smooth $19 to enter each one.

In September, before the second wave of COVID-19 shut down venues and museums across the province, Espace pour la vie reopened after more than two years of construction and refurbishment work.

The iconic space’s renovations are highlighted by a new “multisensory and immersive experience” as guests can make their way through five ecosystems of the Americas.

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)

Montreal museum fine arts

Shutterstock

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) has reopened its door for the first time in over four months.

Four exhibitions will be on display which are “brimming with artistic discoveries and reflections on the major issues of our time will be presented.”

The MMFA is following all COVID-19 protocols and “enures customer safety.”

Elisa Lam Documentary

If you don’t feel like heading outside (we don’t blame you), check out Netflix’s newest crime documentary, Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, the chilling series that investigates the mysterious disappearance and death of Elisa Lam.

Lam, was a 21-year-old psychology student at the University of British Columbia who went missing in 2013 and hasn’t been seen since.

Take a stroll through Old Montreal

montreal winter

Chat des Balkans/shutterstock

Restaurants and bars don’t need to be fully open in the Old Port to appreciate the European-like beauty of Old Montreal.

Enjoy cobblestone steps, narrow streets covered in snow, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the glistening dome of the Bonsecours Market, or soak up a breathtaking nighttime view of the landscape of downtown Montreal.

La Grande Bibliothèque

Montreal library

@banq_officiel/Instagram

If you’re sick of watching movies and shows, why not dive into a book?

La Grande Bibliothèque, the biggest library in the city, opened to the public last week.

It’s a gorgeous photo opp as well.

Luminothérapie – Loop

Ulysse Lemerise

Quartier des Spectacles is lit.

The Quartier des Spectacles’ public square is hosting the 11th edition of Luminothérapie with Loop, a series of luminous, music-playing, interactive art pieces.

Because if anything can lighten up the bleak year start of the year, it’s Luminothérapie, Quebec’s largest temporary public art installation. Loop will be on display every day from noon to 7:30 pm until March 14.

Illumi

drive thru lights

@illumicavalia/Instagram

Illumi has been shining bright in Laval since the fall. It was initially set to close after the holidays but has been extended until March 7.

The drive-thru site offers 17 different scenes, 15 million LED lights, and over 3,000 structures.

This year’s exhibition offers visitors a “magical and safe experience” by car, on foot, or by mini train. The mini-train journey costs $19.50 for children and $28.50 for adults. A family package for groups of four is available starting at $64.

Ziplining

montreal ziplining

Arbraska/Facebook

Nature lovers and adventure seekers, this one should be on your radar.

Located about an hour’s drive from Montreal, the Arbraska park in Rawdon is open for a ziplining experience in the snow.

The site’s aerial courses, about a two and a half-hour circuit, will be open until March 28th. After a long day of tree-top trekking and ziplining through the forest, you can also warm up with hot chocolate around an outdoor campfire.

Cross-country skiing

mount royal ski

Mount Royal Park/City of Montreal

Similar to golf this past summer, cross-country skiing has become the go-to hobby for a lot of Montrealers.

There are a slew of great trails around the island, ranging from easy to hard.

Plus, with more snow on the way this week, it might be easier than actually driving.

DH Montreal StaffDH Montreal Staff

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