For much of the world the months of January and February are a chance to recover from the the holiday festivities of December, but for some cities the party is just getting started.New Orleans has Mardi Gras, Rio has Carnivale and Quebec City? Well Quebec City has its Winter Carnival and it may be the most fun you can have in the snow.
The third largest Carnival celebration (after Rio and Mardi Gras) and the world’s largest winter festival, Quebec’s Winter Carnival draws over 500,000 visitors, with nearly half coming in from outside Quebec. Running from the end of January to Mid-February each year, the Winter Carnival has been celebrating winter fun for over 100 years.
No visit to Winter Carnival is complete without a visit with Bonhomme. Serving as Winter Carnival’s official Ambassador, this jovial seven-foot tall snowman welcomes everyone to come enjoy Quebec’s winter festivities. Beloved by kids throughout Quebec (and as popular as Santa Claus), he is instantly recognizable by his red toque(hat for all of us English speakers), big smile and the traditional Québécois arrow sash tied at his waist. Word also has it that he also has some pretty sweet dance moves, especially if he hears his song.
While Bonhomme can turn up anywhere(he is the King of Winter after all), the best bet for meeting this jolly snowman is a stop by his Winter Palace. Located across from Quebec City’s Parliament Building, this frozen castle is Bonhomme’s home and features exhibits about the history of Winter Carnival.
A short stroll from Bonhomme’s Ice Palace (and much of Old Town Quebec), this year’s festivities took place at the Plains of Abraham, Quebec City’s version of Central Park. An effigy pass gets you access to the festivities for $15, or for $40 you get an official festival hat, drink and snack. You’ll find some traditional carnival rides like the ferris wheel (definitely worth a ride for the views of the Carnival and Quebec), but the best fun to be had is with some of the special winter activities. Fancy becoming a human bowling ball? Somehow I found myself on the inside of a giant inflatable ball, known as a zorb, running down a snowy hill towards some giant inflatable bowling pins. You know what? It was a blast and ended up being a favorite of nearly everyone in our group.
Adrenaline, fur and snow flying; dog sledding( an extra $10 per adult or $8 per child) is one activity I just had to try. A short several minute ride around the track, the dog sledding run is just long enough to whet your appetite for a longer mushing adventure. A longer, if a bit more mellow, excursion can be had with a horse drawn sleigh ride($9 per adult and $6 per child). The sleigh rides last about 20 minutes with a peaceful tour through the Plains of Abraham which glides past the Fine Arts Museum and gives great views of the St. Lawrence River.
The Winter Carnival is justly popular with families, especially with the huge children’s play area. Ice slides, climbing walls, a petting zoo, a zip line and even a giant life-sized foosball game are just a few of the activities aimed at showing the littlest festival goers a snowy good time.
After the day’s frosty adventures I was a bit famished and there were definitely some Québécois specialties I wanted to try. Quebec has 2 things in abundance during the winter- maple syrup (Quebec produces nearly 80% of the world’s maple syrup) and fresh snow; so it’s only natural they combine the two. Sugar shacks can be found throughout Quebec and are featured at the Winter Carnival; here they pour hot maple syrup over fresh cold snow to produce Quebec’s favorite candy-maple taffy. As the syrup cools I rolled it on a stick so I could take my sugary treat to go. I also got a chance to sample Caribou; a mix of red wine, brandy, maple syrup and spices often served warm. This heady mulled wine is just the thing to warm up after a day in the snow.
Discover the Best Sugar Shacks in Quebec.
A host of events take place throughout the Winter Carnival including the International Snow Sculpture Festival, where teams from as far away as France, Mexico and Argentina vie for snow sculpting dominance. Other popular events include the Opening Ceremony,snow bath, and Crowning of the Queen; as well as the epic ice canoe race, where crews of elite athletes make their way across the icy St. Lawrence River.
One event not to miss is the Charlesbourg Night Parade. Multiple Parades take place throughout the city during Winter Carnival so all of Quebec City’s communities can celebrate in the festivities. The parades feature a procession of whimsical floats, dance troupes and musicians and is of course topped of with an appearance by Bonhomme.
Practical Tips
There’s no way around it, Quebec can get downright frigid in the winter with average high of 17 degrees Fahrenheit but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the festivities. Wearing lots of layers(including a non-cotton base layer),warm clothing, snowpants, hats, gloves, a scarf and a good pair of snow boots should keep you warm for the Carnival’s frosty fun.
I stayed at the Quebec Hilton, the official hotel of Winter Carnival. The Hilton is a five minute walk to the festivities offering comfortable rooms, a heated pool, fitness center and a restaurant. Many of the rooms also have a great view of Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River.
I was graciously hosted by Quebec City Tourism, but as always all opinions are my own.
Stephen Garone says
If you can stand the frigid weather, this looks like great fun. Love the frozen billiards table! Thanks for the post.
Aparna says
This sounds FANTASTIC!!!! I have always wanted to do dog sledding, and that zorb sounds scary but fun!
christine says
Looks like so much fun!
Brianna says
It totally was!
Prianka | Map Halves says
I always loved Winterlude (in Ottawa) growing up, but I somehow never made it down to Quebec City for this one. Probably because of the cold ^^ I really want to try that Caribou alcohol!!
Andi says
I have never heard of this festival – and it’s the third largest – incredible! I was so enamored with all your Instagram photos, especially the ice bowling! I have to look into my own trip there because it looks like a blast!
Jamie Italiane says
I have been thinking about revisiting Quebec and this gives me even more inspiration!
Brianna says
Any reason is a good reason to go back to Quebec!
Vik says
Am going to Canada this summer. Will definitely check this out..
Brianna says
I’m fairly sure that the Winter Carnaval will be over by the summer 😉
Reginia Cordell says
I really wish I could tolerate such cold temperatures because this looks absolutely amazing. I’ve never tried dog sledding and that would be top on my list. One day…
Brianna says
Just bundle up and enjoy some Caribou and you’ll be just fine.
Amanda Williams says
This looks like such good fun.
Brianna says
So much fun, I can’t wait to go back!
Mellissa Williams says
This looks such a fun festival. I haven’t been to Canada but would love to visit one day.
Brianna says
It’s definitely a must for any winter time visit to Quebec.
Tami says
What a great way to take advantage of and even celebrate winter weather! How fun!
Brianna says
I loved how the entire city was out to celebrate.
Megan says
Looks like a fun place to visit. I love the idea of playing pool on the ice table.
Brianna says
It’s such a fun festival, you should go!
noel says
OMG, that looks amazing, what a fun event. I would love to do this next year – especially the night parade so wonderful
Brianna says
Noel Quebec in the winter is just magical and the Carnaval’s festivities are so much fun!
Hyper Gypsy says
I am totally in love with snow, but haven’t seen much of it!
Brianna says
Looks like you’re overdue for a trip to Quebec.
Trish says
Winter is my favorite season. I’ve been to Montreal but not quite to Quebec City yet. It looks like a lot of fun – for children and grown ups alike!
Brianna says
Looks like a trip to Quebec City is in order!
Wandering Carol says
I had no idea that the Quebec carnival was the third largest Carnival celebration there is. I can’t believe I still haven’t made it there, especially as I’m just one province over. You’ve made it sound so much fun.
Brianna says
You should totally go next year, it was so much fun!
Portia @ Migrant Muse says
Oh how I would’ve loved to visit Carnival! I was in Montreal last month a week before Carnival started so didn’t get a chance to head up to Quebec City unfortunately. Maybe next time 🙂 The maple taffy is something I’d definitely want to try plus dog sledding! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
Brianna says
Maple taffy and dog sledding, how can you go wrong?
Lesley says
I still haven’t gone to Carnival even though I lived in Quebec for a bit and I’m from Nova Scotia. Every time I see photos, it looks like so much fun. It is going on my 2017 list for sure.
Brianna says
You will have a blast, it was so much fun!
Vicky and Buddy says
I’d never heard of this festival, but it seems like a lot of fun and a great way to stay active during the winter time. Quebec seems to have a lot of charm, so I can’t wait to go there for myself one day.
Brianna says
You should totally go, you’d love it!
Brenda Tolentino says
I don’t mind the cold at all during fun festivals like this! Looks like so much fun! We haven’t been to Quebec City in over a decade, would love to explore during this winter carnival. That maple syrup looks delicious!
Brianna says
The maple taffy is reason enough to go lol.
Laura says
Wow. I’ve never loved snow this much, but that looks like a really fun time! Dog sledding, horse carriage rides!
Brianna says
Such a fun festival, I highly recommend going!
Mar Pages says
LOVE the ice slides! I don’t think I could get enough of winter festivals.
Brianna says
The most fun you can have in the snow!
Alyssa | Adjust Your Focus® says
Like many others, I hadn’t heard of this festival but it sure looks like a lot of winter fun! Dog sledding is something on my bucket list. Love all your pictures.
Brianna says
Quebec is fun any time of year but especially in the winter.
Emma says
Just the photos make me feel like packing my begs and visit the carnival asap! 😀
Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
It was so much fun, you should definitely head out next winter!
Lesley says
I’m heading to Winter Carnival for the first time this year. I’m so excited!