Five cool things to do this week (February 15 to 22)

1. Get green thumbs

Whether you have a 350-square-foot shared lot, hanging baskets off the balcony of your condo, or acres of land, nothing will get you geared up for spring like perusing the plant section of your local garden store or taking in a blooming garden show.

Feb 20-24 BC Home and Garden Show, Vancouver

Feb 21-24, The International Home & Garden Show, Toronto

2. Save on fresh flowers

The day after Valentine's Day is one of the best days of the year to snag deals on fresh flowers (and chocolates!).  Didn’t have a Valentine? Declare it “Flower Friday” and treat yourself.

3. Visit a museum after hours

Want to do something different in the evening? Museums and aquariums are opening up late night so you can take in a little culture with your post-work wind-down.

Feb 15 Half Price Friday Nights, Gardiner Museum, Toronto

Feb 20 After Hours Adults-Only: The Secret World of Sharks and Rays, Vancouver Aquarium

Feb 22 Plan ahead! Get your tickets this week for Nature Nocturne, in Ottawa

4. Take time out Monday

Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan call it Family Day, Prince Edward Island calls it Islander Day and Manitoba calls it Louis Riel Day. Wherever you are it spells the same thing: Monday off work! Cozy up with a book you’ve been meaning to get to or get a head start on the week ahead by making a bulk batch of heartwarming soup.

5. Get active outdoors

The Weather Network is calling for another snowfall this weekend, so skip the gym, lace up your skates and take pride in being a Canuck. Our picks: The Rideau Canal in Ottawa provides 7.8 km of ice paths, The Bonsecours Basin outdoor skating rink in Old Port Montreal offers a beautiful view of the city and Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto brings city dwellers together for an evening of shinny.