Quebec Winter Carnival

Every winter for over 60 years, a carnival atmosphere atmosphere has taken over Quebec City in the month of February.

Unlike pre-Lenten festivals in other parts of the world with more moderate temperatures, the cold weather obviously dictates the kind of activities that take place; however, there is no need to feel that Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Quebec) is any less of a fun-filled experience.  If you can't beat winter, you may as well have fun.

There are accounts of pre-Lenten revelry in the early history of New France which was settled in 1608.  From the late 1800s a winter carnival was held with some regularity.  Since 1955, it has been an official annual winter event and has grown into the world's largest winter carnival.  It is third on the list of Top Carnivals after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

Quebec Winter Carnival begins the last weekend of January and lasts for 2 weeks, including three weekends.  Most of the events occur on the weekends.  In 2015, the dates are January 30 to February 15.

Bonhomme Carnaval, a jovial, life-size snowman, is seen at the events of Carnival and in the streets of the city.  Not only is he the host or mascot of the festivities, he is an internationally recognized ambassador for Quebec Winter Carnival.









There are many events held during Carnival:

• night parades;

• sporting events including ice canoe races, hockey, snowshoeing, and dog sledding;

• an international ice sculpting contest;

• a masquerade ball.

In 2015, an ice sculpture of the Iron Throne from The Game of Thrones was introduced.  It is near Bonhomme's Palace and will be on display for the duration of Carnival.  Read more

The events of Carnival, for the most part, take place just outside the walls of the old city.  The Ice Palace, the hub of Carnival, and Bonhomme's home is just outside the walls facing the Quebec Parliament buildings.  While amazing to visit any time, it is a must-see lit at night.  Many other events are on the Plains of Abraham which are also just outside the walls.

While at Carnival be sure not to miss out on sampling some of the local gastronomic traditions.  Two specific ones are 'Caribou' and 'Maple Taffy'.  'Caribou' is a well-known and potent drink brandy sherry port vodka.  If this does not keep you warm, nothing will.  Quebec is well-known for its maple products.  'Maple taffy' or 'La tire sur la neige' is another popular treat.  Maple sap is boiled to a certain heat, and then is poured onto snow.  Using a fork or a popsicle it is then picked up from the snow to be consumed.

Quebec City has many excellent eateries catering to a broad variety of tastes.  Some are your typical fast food establishments.  Others include more typical Quebecois fare such as 'tourtiere', a traditonal meat pie, and, 'tarte au sucre', a sugar pie.

There are many types of accommodation available in Quebec City.  Many bed and breakfasts are within the walls of the old city.  The Chateau Frontenac, the castle-like hotel, looks out over Lower Town and down the St. Lawrence River.  It is in the heart of the old city and is near the events of Carnival. Click here 

Another unique experience is the Hotel de  Glace (Ice Hotel).  It is located 10 minutes from the centre of the city, and is the only ice hotel in North America. Open from early January to mid-March, this hotel is made of ice and snow.  Even if you decide not to spend the night there, it is worth a visit just to see the hotel and experience it. Click here

Quebec City is easily reached from many parts of eastern Canada and the United States by excellent highways.  There are daily flights from many Canadian cities and New York City.  Via Rail also has daily service to Quebec City from many Canadian centres.

Experience 'la joie de vivre' of Quebec

For more information about Quebec Winter Carnival. click here.