Carnaval de Quebec, a winter wonderland nestled in Quebec Metropolis, presents an unforgettable household journey at an reasonably priced value. Discover this annual pageant, crammed with actions and points of interest that may captivate guests of all ages.

Spanning 10 days, Quebec hosts its annual carnival, or Carnaval de Quebec, from February 2-11, 2024. Be a part of a convention that dates again to 1894, and also you’ll see why it’s one among our favourite winter family vacations.

Quebec Carnival is on huge fields above the St. Lawrence River shoreline. Pursue and observe numerous winter actions on the principle grounds and plenty of public squares and venues round Quebec Metropolis.

Households are certain to maintain themselves occupied for days. Strive cross-country snowboarding alongside town’s park trails or pattern toddler rides on the outside amusement park. It is a probability to experience in a horse-drawn sleigh or dog-sledding throughout the park grounds. And because the one-time entry badge can be utilized on all days, Quebec Carnival is nice worth, too.

1. Dance in Bonhomme’s Illuminated Ice Palace

Every day guarantees special events. On opening evening Le Bonhomme, the enduring snowman ambassador for the winter pageant, welcomes friends to his Ice Palace and kicks off the pre-Lenten celebration with a magical present.

The Ice Palace, fabricated from stacked and carved ice blocks, is at place de l’Assemblée-Nationale and it’s one of many pageant’s most spectacular sights. Clear ice bricks shipped in from Montreal (the place all of the oxygen has been eliminated previous to manufacture) are organized in keeping with a distinct architectural plan every year.

Illuminated by an array of colourful lights, the Ice Palace reverberates enjoyable. Over at Parc de la Francophonie, the night additionally heats up at Videotron Bonhomme’s Campground. Take pleasure in dance music, beer, and sausage pairings — plus check out winter tenting to evoke the previous Canada of logger days.

Teenagers will love the Videotron Kart Journey, the 30-foot ice mountain, and a ball-pit swimming pool in an enormous igloo. Moreover some night occasions and the liberal serving of Caribou, a tasty, alcohol and brandy concoction spiced with cinnamon that’s Quebec’s equal of gluhwein served at European Christmas Markets, Carnival is a really child-oriented affair.

2. Chilly-weather video games & rides alongside the Esplanade

Issues cool off rapidly at Quebec Carnaval as households make their strategy to Bonhomme’s World for actions arrange only for them, together with ice skating and delicate hockey. Don’t miss an opportunity to pattern chilly treats from snow.

D’erable sur la neige (additionally referred to as tire sur la neige) is a make-your-own taffy created by rolling a popsicle stick by means of recent maple syrup drizzled on a snow-topped desk, scooping and rolling because it hardens with the chilly. While you notice that Quebec province produces greater than 70% of all maple syrup worldwide, you possibly can think about how selective they’re concerning the elements used.

Associated actions round city abound, from canine sledding, sleigh rides, skating with Bonhomme, and snow-tubing to curling and ice sculpture workshops. Check out this enjoyable video!

3. Compete in excessive sports activities, snow sculpting & Quebec Carnaval occasions

Skilled snow sculptors work their magic in a serious worldwide contest towards the tip of Carnival’s run. Households can each respect artwork and take part by touring the sculptures dotted all through the icy grounds.

A gamut of sporting competitions is scheduled all through Carnival, however beware, spectators watch from the chilly sidelines. All through the festivities, you possibly can observe (or take part in) excessive ice canoe races on the St. Lawrence River, big ski races, winter yoga, and extra. You’ll want to take a look at the scale of your fellow gamers earlier than encouraging youthful youngsters to take part in a number of the contact sports activities.

Again after a Covid hiatus, don’t miss the favored and dazzling Evening Parades. Anticipate the complete regalia — floats, lights, dance troupes, music, and Bonhomme main the best way. Households will love the proficient, Cirque du Soleil-like acrobatics going down on many floats.

Quebec Carnaval retains each member of the family entertained with a relentless program of exhibits, competitions, races, video games, and attractive worldwide meals. Lodges replenish quick, so remember to e-book upfront.

5. Planning Quebec Metropolis & Ice Lodge Stays, Carnaval Particulars

Make reservations throughout Quebec Carnaval for excursions and plenty of standard ice and snow points of interest. Many households get pleasure from an in a single day within the magically white and frosty Ice Lodge — image a elaborate igloo with rooms — which is erected every winter. 
The non permanent Ice Hotel exterior Quebec is fabricated from 400 tons of ice and 12,000 tons of snow and, unsurprisingly, will not be heated. Applicable outerwear is included within the charges.

If you happen to want the chilly of the good outside, strive your hand at weekend winter tenting round Bonhomme’s Palace. For extra conventional housing, search for family package deals at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec, or take a look at our information to many different fantastic family hotels in Quebec City.

A Carnival “effigy” go, which helps you to in to all points of interest (however not essentially the VIP heated venues), prices solely CAD$15 upfront or CAD$25 on arrival (although admission to many actions is free). You’ll want to take a look at our options for different fun activities for all ages in Quebec City.

6. Quebec’s Culinary Delights

Whereas having fun with Carnaval de Quebec, don’t neglect to savor the native culinary delights. Quebec is famend for its mouthwatering delicacies, and you may take pleasure in traditional dishes comparable to poutine, tourtière, and sugar pie. Discover town’s cozy bistros and eateries to expertise the wealthy flavors of Quebec’s meals tradition.

7. Cultural Experiences

Quebec Metropolis is steeped in historical past and tradition. Take a while to discover town’s museums, artwork galleries, and historic websites like Previous Quebec. Be taught concerning the area’s French heritage and immerse your self within the vibrant arts scene, all throughout the charming backdrop of a snow-covered metropolis. For advance tickets at one of the best costs, go to Viator.com

8. Household-Pleasant Lodging

Discovering the right place to remain throughout Carnaval is important. Moreover the Ice Lodge, Quebec Metropolis presents many family-friendly lodging. Many US guests just like the French-owned Accor Hotels with manufacturers to swimsuit each funds, all with a French aptitude. Contemplate choices like cozy cabins, comfy bed-and-breakfasts, or well-equipped trip leases to make your keep extra gratifying.

 9. Close by Sights

Whereas within the Quebec Metropolis space, think about venturing to close by points of interest. Discover Montmorency Falls, an impressive waterfall that’s taller than Niagara Falls. Or take a brief drive to the picturesque Mont-Sainte-Anne for snowboarding, snowboarding, and breathtaking mountain views.

Quebec Metropolis is a consumer’s paradise, particularly throughout Carnaval. Discover the charming boutiques and retailers in Previous Quebec, the place you could find distinctive souvenirs like artisanal crafts, regionally made maple merchandise, and winter attire to maintain you heat throughout your journey.

11. Journey Suggestions for a Memorable Expertise

Contemplate these journey suggestions to make sure your go to to Carnaval de Quebec is a hit. Study one of the best instances to go to, transportation choices, and easy methods to maximize your funds. Correct planning can improve your expertise and assist you create lasting recollections.

12. Eco-Pleasant Practices

Quebec is thought for its dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Uncover how Carnaval de Quebec incorporates inexperienced initiatives and promotes accountable tourism. Study efforts to cut back waste, preserve power, and defend the attractive pure environment of the pageant.

Costume accordingly. Don’t neglect, in Quebec Metropolis, temperatures get to a minimal of -3º F and don’t typically get increased than 19º F. You possibly can at all times go into one of many heated, sponsor tents to heat up or have a cocoa. Dad and mom respect dropping into the Discovery Pavilion to go to the multimedia Odysee exhibit about Canada’s historical past, open all yr.

To analysis hotter locales for Carnival enjoyable, take a look at FTF’s roundup of Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations worldwide.

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