The Québec Winter Carnival isn’t just a festival; it’s an immersive experience that transforms Québec City into a dazzling winter wonderland. Known locally as "Carnaval," this legendary event, recognized as the world’s largest winter carnival, extends a warm welcome to everyone, regardless of their French language skills. The spirit of camaraderie is palpable, and you’ll find that those in the tourism and hospitality sectors are more than happy to assist you in English, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit.
Spanning 17 days in late January and early February, the Québec Winter Carnival is a jubilant celebration of all things winter. With major attractions like spectacular parades and electrifying outdoor concerts scheduled across three weekends, the Carnival provides a perfect backdrop for families to create unforgettable memories. Beyond the festivities, visitors are also presented with a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting historic district of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era and a taste of Europe right in North America.
If you’re contemplating a winter escape to this captivating city, here’s a carefully curated list of ten must-do activities that will immerse you in the heart of the Québec Winter Carnival experience.
1. Watch Snow and Ice Sculptures Being Carved
The Québec Winter Carnival is a veritable outdoor art gallery, showcasing breathtaking snow and ice sculptures crafted by talented artists from around the globe. Throughout the festival, you’ll have ample opportunities to witness these sculptors at work, transforming blocks of ice and snow into magnificent works of art.
The Carnival’s opening weekend is a particularly exciting time to observe the sculpting process as artists begin to bring their visions to life. In recent years, the Carnival has featured over 100 unique sculptures scattered throughout the city along a designated route. Notable locations include the charming Petit Champlain district and the historic Old Port, where these frosty masterpieces stand in stark contrast to the city’s already picturesque landscape.
To enhance your exploration, the Winter Carnival app offers an interactive game. Participants can log the sculptures they discover, earning bonus points for those logged in colder temperatures – a testament to their dedication to braving the winter chill.
2. Ice Skate at Place D’Youville
Located in the heart of Old Québec, Place D’Youville transforms into a vibrant hub of winter activity with its popular outdoor skating rink. This rink isn’t just a Carnival attraction; it’s a beloved fixture throughout the entire winter season.
Imagine gliding across the ice, surrounded by the enchanting architecture of Old Québec, bundled up against the crisp winter air. Ice skating at Place D’Youville is a fantastic way to embrace the winter spirit and stay warm. After a refreshing skate, treat yourself to a steaming cup of hot chocolate, tea, or a Caribou – the Carnival’s signature hot drink of wine, brandy, and maple syrup, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
The Place D’Youville ice rink is typically open from early December to mid-March, offering free admission and eliminating the need for online reservations, making it an accessible and spontaneous winter activity for everyone.
3. Explore Historic Québec City
A visit to Québec City during the Carnival presents a remarkable opportunity to delve into its rich history and captivating charm. Stepping into Old Québec is akin to embarking on a mini-trip to Europe, with its centuries-old architecture and its status as one of the few walled cities remaining in North America.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Québec City was once the heart of New France, a vast territory that stretched all the way to Louisiana. The city played a pivotal role in the struggle between Britain and France for control of North America, culminating in the decisive Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759, a site that often serves as the Carnival’s main grounds.
Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the historic buildings, and soak in the atmosphere of this unique and culturally significant city.
4. See Bonhomme and the Opening Night Ceremonies
No trip to the Québec Winter Carnival is complete without encountering Bonhomme Carnaval, the Carnival’s official ambassador. This jovial snowman figure, recognizable by his red toque and ceinture fléchée (arrow sash), is an omnipresent symbol of the festival.
Every year, a new Bonhomme effigy is created – a small figurine that serves as a pass for admission to the Carnival grounds and other venues. Visitors proudly display their effigies as a badge of honor, signifying their participation in the festivities.
The life-sized Bonhomme figure is a true celebrity, and families eagerly line up for photo opportunities whenever he makes an appearance. His presence embodies the spirit of the Carnival, spreading joy and laughter wherever he goes.
In recent years, the Carnival’s opening night has been marked by vibrant ceremonies, followed by an outdoor concert and a dazzling fireworks display. While the ceremonies may be primarily in French, the music and pyrotechnics are universally enjoyable, and the Carnival grounds offer plenty of amusements to explore while awaiting the fireworks.
5. Tour the Ice Palace
Since the very first Québec Winter Carnival in 1955, the Ice Palace has served as Bonhomme’s official residence. Each year, this magnificent structure is redesigned and rebuilt, offering a fresh and unique spectacle for visitors to admire.
Located just a stone’s throw from the Carnival grounds and directly across from the impressive Parliament Building of Québec, the Ice Palace is a must-see attraction. During the day, Bonhomme often makes appearances at the palace, providing more photo opportunities. In the evenings, the Ice Palace transforms into an entertainment venue during the Carnival weekends, hosting concerts and other performances. Whether you visit during the day or at night, a tour of the Ice Palace is an unforgettable experience.
6. Reach New Heights on the Ferris Wheel
The main venue for the Québec Winter Carnival is the fairgrounds on the historic Plains of Abraham. These expansive grounds, conveniently located within walking distance of Old Québec, are transformed into a winter amusement park, offering a plethora of fun activities for visitors of all ages.
A highlight of the fairgrounds is the Ferris wheel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Other popular attractions include an ice castle, complete with an exhilarating ice slide, and bouncy houses for the younger crowd.
For thrill-seekers, snow rafting on the slopes is a perennial favorite. Visitors can experience the rush of sliding down snowy hills on inflatable rafts. While a small fee may apply for some premium rides, the fairgrounds offer plenty of free activities for families to enjoy. Little ones can delight in their own dedicated play zone with a tube run designed specifically for them.
7. Become a Human Foosball Player
The Carnival fairgrounds are brimming with entertaining activities, particularly for younger visitors. In addition to the mini-slide, play structures, and indoor game zone, families can participate in unique and engaging attractions.
One such attraction is human foosball, a life-sized version of the classic table game. Players are strapped into designated positions and must work together to kick the ball into the opposing team’s goal. This hilarious and interactive game is a guaranteed source of laughter and entertainment for participants and spectators alike. While the specific attractions may vary from year to year, the Carnival ensures that families will find plenty to amuse children of all ages.
8. Take a Sleigh Ride Through the City
Experience the magic of a winter wonderland with a traditional sleigh ride through the snowy streets of Québec City. Horses await to whisk you away on a charming jaunt, offering a unique perspective of the city’s historic landmarks and festive atmosphere.
A popular stop along the sleigh ride route is the maple sugar shack, a quintessential Québec experience. Here, a dollop of liquid maple sugar is poured onto the snow, instantly hardening into a delectable treat. This sweet indulgence is a perfect complement to the sleigh ride, creating a memorable and delightful winter experience.
9. Eat Beaver Tails
A trip to the Québec Winter Carnival isn’t complete without indulging in a "Beaver Tail," known locally as "Queues de Castor." This iconic Canadian pastry is a delicious, flattened donut, shaped like its namesake.
These sweet treats are typically topped with a variety of delectable options, from classic cinnamon sugar to decadent chocolate and candy toppings. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or prefer to experiment with something new, there’s a Beaver Tail to satisfy every craving.
For a more refined Beaver Tail experience, visit the lower town of Old Québec, where you can find them served next to the renowned "Cochon Dingue" restaurant. Alternatively, the Carnival fairgrounds offer a variety of options, including BBQ shacks and indoor dining areas, where you can enjoy a Beaver Tail alongside other savory treats.
10. Watch the Races and Parades
The Québec Winter Carnival boasts a variety of thrilling races and spectacular parades that captivate audiences of all ages.
The dog sled race, held on the first weekend of the Carnival, is a highlight of the event. The race begins and ends in the streets of Old Québec, near the iconic Chateau Frontenac, offering spectators a chance to witness the speed and agility of these incredible canine athletes.
Another exciting event is the annual canoe race across the icy St. Lawrence River. Teams of hardy competitors battle the elements as they navigate the treacherous waters, showcasing their strength and determination. Spectators can gather at the Bassin Louise in the Port of Québec to witness this thrilling spectacle.
For a unique perspective of the city and the frozen river, consider taking an inexpensive ferry ride across the St. Lawrence River to the town of Lévis and back. The ferry runs frequently and provides a dramatic winter experience, as the river is often filled with ice floes.
Finally, be sure to catch the Carnival’s night parades, which feature illuminated floats, vibrant costumes, and lively music. In some years, the Carnival also offers daytime parades with giant inflatable characters, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Québec Winter Carnival is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a unique blend of winter activities, cultural immersion, and festive cheer. From admiring intricate ice sculptures to indulging in sweet treats and witnessing thrilling races, the Carnival has something for everyone. So, bundle up, embrace the winter spirit, and prepare to create lasting memories at the world’s largest winter carnival.
