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The Biggest Winter Carnival in the World
Are you thinking of going to Canada’s coolest event? Great idea, because at the Quebec Winter Carnival, for 10 days, there’s diversion on ice to brighten up the coldest time of year.
Quebec Winter Carnival February 2020 — great (10 day) family fun
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Start Date: 07/02/2020 End Date: 16/02/2020
The Biggest Winter Carnival in the World
Are you thinking of going to Canada’s coolest event? Great idea, because at the Quebec Winter Carnival, for more than two weeks, there’s diversion on ice to brighten up the coldest time of year.
The opening street parade is before fun-filled 10 days from February 7th to 16th, 2020, of anything and everything snow-related. From talking snowmen to snow bathing, when the carnival activities take over Old Quebec City.
Bring your family to see the parades and enjoy snow activities, but also enjoy the ice palace and the snow sculptures.
Photo by Carnaval de Québec
From Parades to Canoes – Quebec Winter Carnival
When you get to Old Quebec City, you’ll find the Winter Carnival, reputedly now the most significant winter carnival in the world, has completely taken over the streets of this historic part of Quebec. It will have spread to several park and public areas too.
There might not be the exact identical feathered and sequinned, scantily dressed Samba dancers as you’d find in Rio de Janeiro, but the atmosphere is the same and it’s absolutely electric.
Parades
Every carnival must have a parade. Quebec Winter Carnival does better than most by boasting two which are both significant events on the Carnival calendar. The Upper Town Night Parade and the Charlesbourg Night Parade are both extravagant fantasies of colour, light and music which you just can’t afford to miss.
If you’re heading to China, witness the amazing ice and snow art in Harbin.
You’ll be amazed as you watch marching bands, dance troupes, acrobats and the themed carnival floats wind their way along the thronged routes which are more than three kilometres long. Keep an eye out for that odd, unique participant who’s doing his own thing because he just can’t bear to be out of the shindig. You’ll undoubtedly smile at his antics.
Get Snowed In
When there are a few feet of snow on the ground, the last thing you’d think of doing is wearing shorts or a bikini. Shiver in sympathy as the participants of St Hubert’s Snow Bath roll around the drifts in just their swimwear. In this annual team knockout event, the winners are the ones who can suffer the cold the longest.
While you’re at the Quebec Winter Carnival, you’ll soon find out there’s a lot more you can do with snow other than roll around it.
More Than A Snowman
Snow is one of Nature’s works of art, but snow sculptors take its beauty one step further.
The Quebec Winter Carnival hosts two snow sculpture competitions of international renown. It attracts competing artists from around the world all hoping to win the prestigious first place. There’s a lot you can do with snow, but these guys can do even more.
Photo by Carnaval de Québec
Icy Effigies and Bonhomme
A major attraction at the Quebec Winter Carnival is Bonhomme’s Ice Palace. It’s a glittering construction of pure ice and home to the walking, talking snowman mascot of the carnival, Bonhomme.
The Ice Palace is the place where you can go to meet him. If you’ve booked in advance can enjoy the Odyss multimedia experience too.
Bonhomme likes to get around and join in all the fun. In fact, he pops up everywhere. You can join him for a skating session on the Place D’Youville ice rink or mingle with him and the crowds on the sidelines as you cheer on the players of an ice hockey match.
For more fun with Bonhomme, go to watch the giant Foosball game. Instead of mini-footballers, there are human players tied to the poles just waiting for their chance to kick the ball and shout goal!
At the weekends Bonhomme’s Ice Palace turns into a working art gallery. Famous Graffiti artists create and then display some fabulous examples of their street art. It’s also the venue for the prestigious moment when the carnival queen is crowned.
Be Traditional
The Quebec Winter Carnival is a celebration of Canadian’s love of snow and ice-related winter sports. Curling, ice fishing, tobogganing plus ice skating and ice hockey are all played during the festivities. One main event not to miss is the Canoe Race.
The Canoe Race
During the Canoe Race teams of canoeists compete to cross the icy waters of the St Lawrence. The winning team is the one finishing in the shortest possible time. Though, because of the frozen conditions, there’s a lot more pushing and pulling than actual paddling which makes it highly entertaining.
Summary
For some strange and inexplicable reason, Canada loves to honour its winter weather with fun and games. It’s that predilection which gave birth to the winter carnival.
There is every kind of snow-related entertainment you could possibly imagine. From high-speed tobogganing for novices to the mad rush across the frozen waste of the St Lawrence River in the Canoe Race, the Quebec Winter Carnival is a great way to shake off those winter blues. Make sure you don’t miss it.
Quebec Carnival Tips
1# Wear Bonhomme effigies
Bonhomme is the Quebec Winter Carnival mascot. The carnival is funded by the sale of small Bonhomme brooches.
To be able to participate in many of the organised activities or enter into exhibitions like the Odyss Land Of Ice, you’ll need to be wearing or displaying one of these effigies even if there’s an admission fee. Bonhomme effigies can be purchased from participating locations across the city or in the carnival shop.
2# Warm Up
If you begin to feel the cold and need to warm up, there’s a heated tent at Bonhomme’s World where you can go to thaw out. You can also draw a chair up to the fire in the Parc de la Francophonie and listen to the Carnival Storyteller narrate some fascinating tales.
3# Brush up on your French.
It’s the official language of Quebec and what the majority of people speak.
What To Do In Quebec
Quebec Winter Carnival is held in Old Quebec City, Canada. This predominantly French orientated nucleus of Quebec borders the banks of the Saint Lawrence River and is overlooked by the imposing Château Frontenac Hotel.
The pedestrianised streets of Old Quebec are a veritable time capsule and have retained their seventeenth century charm which gives the whole area an archaic, but completely magical atmosphere.
Quebec is not just about historical building nor is it only one long carnival party. What it is about though is snow, snow and more snow and making the most of Nature’s wintry treasure.
Toboggan Run
Ready for a quick thrill? You’ll get one if you slide down the slippery slopes of Old Quebec’s Toboggan Slide. Climb up the steep slope alongside the famous Château Frontenac, then take a deep breath and get ready for a serious adrenaline rush as you rocket down at high speed on a wooden toboggan while trying not to scream.
Dog Sledding
Want a unique way to get from A to B? Harness up the team then hit the snowy trails with a professional Musher on an authentic dog sled ride. It could be that once in a lifetime chance to find out if you have a latent pioneering spirit.
Evening Spa
When it’s time to chill out and maybe even detox a little after all the carnival activities, a great option is to take an evening spa at somewhere like the Siberian Station Spa. Relax under a sky full of stars with some Scandinavian-style thermotherapy in steaming hot outdoor pools. When you’ve warmed through, take a step under the vitalising ice cold cascade of a waterfall then get back in the tub to defrost. You’ll feel completely renewed and ready for your next party.
Accommodation
Going to a major carnival event is all about enjoying the atmosphere.
Old Quebec City has some great places where you can stay right in the thick of things.
Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites
- From $75 per night
- ⭐7.7 from 1295 reviews
Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites is close to the centre and convenient for all the carnival activities. In contrast to Old Quebec, this hotel is sleek and modern with rooms minimally furnished in a very contemporary style.
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N Hotel
- From $69 per night
- ⭐8.7 from 679 reviews
If you’re looking for a good bed for a good price then check out the N Hotel. The spacious rooms are fresh and very family orientated with extra stowable beds. The very reasonable rates are ideal for group bookings too.
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Hotel le Priori
- From $100 per night
- ⭐9.5 from 1403 reviews
The Hotel le Priori is a World Heritage site and although it’s antiquity may be notable from its exterior style, inside it’s up to date and impeccable. It’s also perfectly located for getting to the carnival parades on time.
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Marriott Courtyard
- From $140 per night
- ⭐8.8 from 204 reviews
Family friendly and ideal if you’re travelling with other carnival goers, the Marriott Courtyard has large rooms available which have two queen-size beds. The kids will love the indoor pool and the in-house theatre which is great for chilling out.
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Auberge Saint Antoine
- From $180 per night
- ⭐9.6 from 531 reviews
The Auberge Saint Antoine has a certain je nes se quoi which shows it’s rightfully proud of its French heritage. If you like the rusticity of oak beams and open fires, you’ll love this luxury hotel.
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TIP – Check out the hotel which suits your budget and book early because the carnival is a popular event. Leave it to the last minute and you could well find yourself sleeping in a self-made igloo.
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Where to Eat
There’s no shortage of good food in Old Quebec which is renowned for its high level gastronomy. Get a good start to the day with a decent breakfast somewhere like Le Cosmos who serve everything from a plain croissant to a smoked salmon bagel or JaJa where the influence is all Italian with a dash of city-inspired culinary flair.
D’orsay
If you enjoy a cosy pub-style atmosphere then a plate of mussels and a draft beer at the D’orsay would suit you well. This is a great place to hole up for lunch, but don’t be fooled as even though there are burgers on the menu, this pub-restaurant dedicates itself to some serious gourmet dining.
St Hubert’s
In true French style there’s not a shortage of bistro’s or brasseries to choose from where you can indulge your taste buds in dishes influenced by Quebec’s forefathers. But if you’re looking for an economical hangover cure and just fancy something simple like chicken and chips, head over to St Hubert’s rotisserie and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
La Bûche
For a truly traditional dinner, a la Québécois, pop into La Bûche and give the rabbit wing starter a try. Yes, you read that right. Rabbit wings. Their menu makes for some interesting and very entertaining reading.
Chez Victor
There are meat free and Vegan options on many restaurant menus. Chez Victor offer a selection of veggie burgers and a Veganator guaranteed to quell your hunger pangs.
Bachir
A Lebanese/Mediterranean restaurant, serve some spicy falafel and many vegetable orientated middle eastern dishes.
For the ultimate dessert, don’t forget to get some very traditional maple taffy on ice to suck on while walking the streets.
How To Get There
Airport
International and domestic flights arrive at the Jean Lesage Airport from where it is approximately a thirty minute drive to Old Quebec.
Public transport services from the airport to Old Quebec are available and the journey takes around an hour and a half, but check the time schedule before considering as the direct service is limited.
You can also take the leBus from the airport to Place St Jaques and change there for the Metrobus service 800 which runs every half an hour and takes around one hour and twenty minutes.
Car rental, including limousines, can be collected at the airport and there are also plenty of taxi and Uber services too.
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Ferry
Heading to the carnival from Levis? The ferry service takes just twelve minutes and operates even when the river is frozen over. It does carry cars but consider during the carnival period parking will be at a premium and as it docks right where you need to be, you might want to leave your vehicle at home.
Buses
If you’ve disembarked from the Levis ferry, the Parcours 11 bus service will take you from the port area all the way through Old Quebec right up to Uppertown.
If you’re arriving to Old Quebec on any of the RTC Metrobus 800 services from outer-lying areas of Quebec, such as Wendake, Beauport or Charlesbourg, you’ll be right in the heart of the carnival action if you leave the bus at the Gare du Palais terminal.
From Quebec centre itself, take leBus 3 to Station d’Youville and you’ll be just a five minute walk from Esplanade Park, one of the main carnival sites where Bonhomme’s World is situated.
Trains
If you coming from outside of Quebec and taking the train in, it’ll leave you at the Gare du Palais terminal which is Old Quebec’s main train station and an historic building in its own right. Once you’re out of the train station you’ll be straight into the carnival action.
Driving
If your planning on driving to Old Quebec form somewhere in the province for the Winter Carnival, leave plenty of time for the journey and take care on the roads.
Example journeys
From Montreal to Old Quebec is approximately a three hour drive and on the train it’s around a three and a half hour journey.
Sherbrooke to Old Quebec takes just over two and a half hours. A bus journey will take from three and a half to four hours.
Once you’re there
Once you’re at the Quebec Winter Carnival, which is held on the streets and in the park areas of Old Quebec, you’ll find all the activities are within reasonable walking distance from each other.
History Of The Event
In the late 1890’s, disparate and relatively disorganised elements of winter festivities were combined and consolidated into the first real winter carnival although they didn’t maintain any annual repetitive pattern.
The seasonal celebrations continued in a sporadic fashion until the mid 1950’s when, along with the introduction of Bonhomme the snowman as envoy, the winter carnival took on its role as the largest event on Quebec’s calendar and a major visitor attraction.
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