Galentine's Day

Galentine's Day History

Galentine's Day celebrates female friendships. Primarily celebrated by women, the day highlights liberation, self-love, affirmation, and empowerment for all women, irrespective of their relationship status. Its philosophy aligns closely with the principles of women's equality movements, with a focus on recognition, appreciation, and mutual support among female friends.

The concept of Galentine's Day originated in North America within the popular television series, "Parks and Recreation." In an episode aired in 2010, the show's main character, Leslie Knope, gathers her female friends for breakfast on February 13th, calling it "Galentine's Day." This concept has since been adopted by many across the globe, including Canadians who resonate with its affirmation of sisterhood and positive female friendships. In Canada, Galentine's Day serves as an addendum to Valentine's Day, adding dimensions of inclusivity and gender equality to traditionally romantic celebrations.

On Galentine's Day, Canadian women celebrate by hosting or attending various events. These range from cozy breakfast gatherings, like the original Parks and Recreation's event, to larger social gatherings, wellness retreats, or even weekend getaways. These events are often filled with laughter, enriching conversations, and mutual appreciation. Similar to the U.S., Galentine's Day in Canada is celebrated on February 13th – a day before Valentine's Day, providing an additional opportunity to celebrate love beyond its romantic confines.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Galentine's Day in Canada

• The tradition was famously established in the 2010 episode Galentine's Day of the sitcom Parks and Recreation, where the protagonist Leslie Knope organizes a brunch to celebrate her female friends the day before Valentine's Day.
• The term Galentine's Day has transitioned from fictional dialogue to linguistic legitimacy, having been officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 2022.
• In Canadian cities like Winnipeg, the observance has taken on a philanthropic dimension through grassroots community events that provide services and gift bags to women in need at local resource centres.
• The celebration is characterized by its signature "breakfast-style" menu, with Leslie Knope's preference for waffles, frittatas, and mimosas serving as the standard culinary blueprint for gatherings.
• Many Canadians have embraced Palentine's Day as a gender-neutral evolution of the holiday, extending the focus on platonic love to include all friends regardless of gender identity.
• National organizations such as YWCA Metro Vancouver utilize the occasion to host empowerment workshops and support groups, highlighting the importance of sisterhood and social connection.
• The original television episode described the event as being like Lilith Fair, a reference to the famous Canadian-founded all-female music festival, but "minus the angst."
• Canadian retailers like Indigo and Sephora now offer curated collections specifically for the day, reflecting a shift toward gift-giving that prioritizes friendship over romantic partnership.
• While February 13 is the traditional date, the flexibility of the observance allows friends to gather throughout the month for winter-themed activities like ice skating or cozying up at a ski lodge.
• Leslie Knope’s over-the-top gift-giving habits, such as writing 5,000-word essays or creating mosaics from crushed soda cans, continue to inspire enthusiasts to exchange personalized and eccentric tokens of appreciation.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Galentine's Day

Top things to do in Canada for Galentine's Day

• Spend time with your girlfriends. Go to brunch, enjoy happy hour, or plan a nice night out at a fancy restaurant.
• Watch the episode Galentines Day. It is the 16th episode of the 2nd season of Parks and Recreation. In it, Leslie attempts to reunite her mother with her teenage flame.
• Afternoon Tea at Chateau Lake Louise: Grab your girlfriends and treat yourselves to a relaxing brunch or afternoon tea with a breathtaking view of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta.
• Host a "Galentine's Day Craft Night" - A night of crafting, chatting, and snacking with friends. This event is usually held in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.