Québec City in Winter: A Guide to the Carnival
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Every winter, for about two weeks between late January and mid-February, Québec City turns into a snow kingdom. The Québec Winter Carnival is one of the biggest winter carnivals in the world, and one more reason to combine skiing with the city.
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A Tradition Since 1894
Québec City's first winter carnivals date back to the late 19th century, with a large ice palace as early as the 1890s. After some irregular editions, the event became annual in 1955, with the arrival of its famous ambassador: Bonhomme Carnaval, a snowman with a red tuque and a traditional arrow sash. Since then, the Carnival has set the rhythm of the city's winter and drawn visitors from around the world.
The Carnival at a Glance
- When
- about two to three weeks between late January and mid-February; exact dates are published each fall
- Where
- mainly on the Plains of Abraham, in Old Québec and on the river
- Symbol
- Bonhomme and his ice palace
- Admission
- a wearable effigy gives you access to the paid sites
The Must-Sees
- Bonhomme's palace, built from blocks of ice and lit up at night.
- The night parades, with floats, marching bands and music.
- The ice canoe race, in which teams cross the river by paddling and pushing their canoes over the ice: a one-of-a-kind tradition handed down from the old ferrymen.
- The snow sculptures created by teams from several countries.
- The snow bath, in which brave souls in swimsuits roll around in the snow.
- The outdoor dance parties, cold or no cold.
Combining the Carnival and Skiing
The ideal plan: stay in Québec City, ski Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne during the day and enjoy the parades and parties at night. Strong skiers can add a day at Le Massif, about an hour and fifteen minutes away. Book early: during the Carnival, Old Québec hotels are often full. See where to stay in Québec City.
Québec City in Winter, Beyond the Carnival
Outside the Carnival, Québec City remains a magnificent winter city: the Dufferin Terrace toboggan slide, the German Christmas market in December, the skating rink at Place D'Youville, the decorated streets of Petit-Champlain and the sugar shacks in March. On game nights, the atmosphere at the Centre Vidéotron, home of the Remparts, is worth the trip, and if you like making hockey picks, read our article on sports betting in Québec.
Our tip: dress as you would for a day of skiing. The night parades often take place at −15 °C (5 °F) or colder, and you'll be standing for a long time.
