Canadians demonstrated their affection – and opened their wallets – for Valentine’s Day 2026, with spending across the country showing a significant increase compared to the previous year. Although, it was Québec that truly stood out, exhibiting a particularly robust surge in consumer expenditure during the romantic period. This year’s Valentine’s Day spending reveals interesting trends in consumer behavior and highlights the enduring appeal of traditional gestures of affection, even amidst economic considerations.
Data released by Moneris, a leading Canadian payment processor, indicates a nationwide increase of 48% in Valentine’s Day spending week-over-week. The report, published February 23, 2026, analyzed transactions across various retail and hospitality sectors, including florists, restaurants, grocery stores, and jewellery retailers. While the national increase is noteworthy, Québec significantly outpaced the rest of the country, with a remarkable 63% jump in spending during the same period. This places Québec ahead of Ontario, which saw a 52% increase, solidifying its position as the most romantically inclined province in Canada.
Québec Leads the Nation in Valentine’s Day Spending
The substantial increase in spending in Québec suggests a strong consumer appetite for celebrating Valentine’s Day. According to Moneris data, the province’s 63% increase in spending during the week leading up to February 14th was the highest recorded across Canada. This surge in expenditure reflects a willingness among Québec residents to invest in experiences and gifts associated with the holiday. The data is based on credit and debit card transactions compiled by Moneris, providing a comprehensive overview of consumer spending habits.
This trend isn’t isolated to overall spending; specific sectors within Québec experienced particularly dramatic growth. Florists, in particular, benefited significantly from the Valentine’s Day rush, witnessing an astounding 711% increase in revenue compared to typical weeks. This surge in demand led to reports of long queues and depleted stock in flower shops across the province. Grocery stores also saw a substantial boost, with sales increasing by 37%, indicating a preference for romantic dinners at home.
The Broader Canadian Picture
While Québec led the charge, the rest of Canada also participated in the Valentine’s Day spending spree. Nationally, spending rose by 48% week-over-week, demonstrating a widespread inclination towards celebrating the occasion. Ontario followed Québec with a 52% increase, while British Columbia experienced the smallest increase at 26%. This regional variation suggests differing levels of enthusiasm or economic constraints across the country.
Sean McCormick, Vice President of Business Development, Data Services at Moneris, noted the significance of Valentine’s Day as a key spending event. “Moneris data shows that Canadians ramped up their spending on Valentine’s Day in 2026, with total national spend rising 48 per cent week-over-week,” McCormick stated. He further explained that increases across key categories like florists, restaurants, and grocery stores indicate a balanced approach, with Canadians combining dining out with at-home celebrations.
Florists Experience Unprecedented Demand
The most striking trend observed by Moneris was the phenomenal growth in spending at florists. Nationwide, total spending at florists surged by 457% compared to the previous week, with transaction counts climbing by 505%. This dramatic increase was observed across all provinces, with Atlantic Canada leading the way with an 861% increase, followed by Québec at 711% and British Columbia at 492%. Even in provinces like Alberta and Ontario, florist spending rose significantly, by 399% and 366% respectively.
The surge in demand for flowers underscores their enduring role as a central component of Valentine’s Day celebrations. The sharp rise in transaction volume suggests that more consumers than ever participated in the tradition of gifting flowers, rather than simply higher average purchase amounts. This indicates a broad-based enthusiasm for expressing affection through floral arrangements.
Economic Context and Consumer Sentiment
Despite the robust spending figures, it’s important to consider the broader economic context. Recent surveys have indicated that many Canadians are concerned about the cost of dating. An index by BMO Real Financial Progress revealed that nearly half of single Canadians (49%) do not believe that dates are financially worthwhile. This suggests that while consumers are willing to spend on Valentine’s Day, they are also mindful of their budgets and may be seeking more affordable ways to express their affection.
The fact that grocery store sales also increased significantly alongside florist purchases supports this notion. Preparing a romantic meal at home can be a more cost-effective alternative to dining out, allowing couples to celebrate without overspending. The combination of increased spending on both flowers and groceries suggests a pragmatic approach to Valentine’s Day celebrations, balancing tradition with financial considerations.
Looking Ahead: Continued Spending Trends?
The strong Valentine’s Day spending figures provide a positive signal for the Canadian retail and hospitality sectors. Moneris’s data suggests that Canadians view Valentine’s Day as a significant occasion for spending, comparable to events like Black Friday and Boxing Day. As McCormick noted, “Vu sous cet angle, les dépenses sont considérables. Elles sont comparables à celles du Black Friday ou du Boxing Day pendant les fêtes de fin d’année au Canada.”
The next key economic indicator to watch will be the retail sales figures for February, which will provide a more comprehensive picture of consumer spending across all sectors. Statistics Canada is scheduled to release the February retail sales data on March 22, 2026. This report will offer further insights into the sustainability of the current spending trends and the overall health of the Canadian economy. Consumers and businesses alike will be closely monitoring these figures for indications of future economic performance.
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