Canada Calendar in February 2026: Holidays, Festivals, Major Events, and Winter Celebrations
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| Canada Calendar in February 2026 |
February 2026 is one of the most exciting winter months in Canada. Despite cold temperatures, the country comes alive with national holidays, cultural observances, world-famous winter festivals, and major sports and community events. From coast to coast, Canadians celebrate heritage, family time, and winter traditions in meaningful ways.
This guide provides a complete, easy-to-read overview of the most important holidays, festivals, and big events across Canada in February 2026, along with helpful context for travelers and planners.
National and Provincial Holidays in February 2026
Family Day – February 16, 2026
Family Day is the most widely recognized public holiday in February. It falls on the third Monday of the month and is observed in several provinces, including Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and others.
The holiday is dedicated to spending quality time with family and loved ones. Many schools, government offices, and businesses close for the day. Popular activities include winter outings, skating, skiing, museum visits, and family-friendly festivals organized by local communities.
While not a statutory holiday in every province, Family Day has become an important mid-winter break for millions of Canadians.
Read more: Family Day In Canada: Date, Celebration, History, Meaning
Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2026
Valentine’s Day is celebrated nationwide, though it is not a public holiday. Couples mark the occasion with dinners, gifts, and special events, while restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues often offer themed promotions.
Major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal see increased activity in dining and hospitality sectors around this date.
Black History Month – All of February
February is officially recognized as Black History Month across Canada. Throughout the month, schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations host events that highlight the history, achievements, and contributions of Black Canadians.
Expect exhibitions, public lectures, film screenings, and cultural performances, especially in large urban centers such as Toronto, Halifax, and Montreal.
Read more: How Many Statutory Holidays Are There in Canada in 2026?
Major Festivals and Cultural Events
Winterlude (Ottawa and Gatineau)
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| Winterlude |
Winterlude is one of Canada’s most famous winter festivals, typically held from late January through mid-February. Centered in Ottawa and Gatineau, the festival celebrates winter culture with ice sculptures, outdoor activities, cultural performances, and family programming.
Key highlights include skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, snow playgrounds, and illuminated nighttime events. Winterlude attracts both domestic and international visitors and is a major tourism draw in February.
Read more: What is Winterlude - Canada’s Iconic Winter Festival: History, Key Highlights, and Significance
Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec)
The Quebec Winter Carnival is one of the largest and oldest winter festivals in the world. Usually running from late January into mid-February, it features iconic events such as snow sculptures, winter parades, ice canoe races, and outdoor concerts.
The festival mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval, is a symbol of winter fun in Quebec City. The carnival plays a major role in Canadian winter tourism and cultural identity.
Chinese New Year – February 17, 2026
Chinese New Year in 2026 falls on February 17 and marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Celebrations take place across Canada, particularly in cities with large Asian communities such as Vancouver, Richmond, Toronto, and Markham.
Festivities include parades, lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, fireworks, and traditional food events. The celebration extends beyond a single day, with events often lasting several weeks.
Sports and Winter Events
NHL and Professional Sports
February is a busy month for professional hockey in Canada. NHL teams across the country are in the middle of the regular season, with games drawing strong attendance in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
Other winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and curling competitions, also take place nationwide throughout the month.
Community Winter Festivals
Many cities and towns host local winter carnivals and outdoor celebrations in February. These events often include ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, winter markets, and live entertainment. While smaller in scale, they are important to local culture and community life.
Travel and Planning Tips for February 2026
February is peak winter season in Canada. Travelers should prepare for cold weather, snow, and potential travel delays, especially in northern regions. Booking accommodations early is recommended during major festivals such as Winterlude and the Quebec Winter Carnival.
For families, Family Day weekend is a popular time for short getaways and ski trips, so prices and demand may be higher.
Summary
February 2026 in Canada offers a rich mix of public holidays, cultural celebrations, major festivals, and winter sports events. From Family Day and Black History Month to world-renowned winter festivals and Lunar New Year celebrations, the month showcases Canada’s diversity and love of winter traditions.
Whether you are planning travel, events, or content around the Canadian calendar, February remains one of the most active and engaging months of the year.
