Last updated on June 9th, 2024 at 12:58 pm

Last year we got to check off a bunch of our adventure bucket list items thanks to the Quebec Carnival that takes place every winter. You may call us crazy for recommending going on a weekend getaway to Quebec City in freezing temperatures. But, you’ll also thank us for the incredible fun you’ll have if you decide to go here for your next winter vacation.

On a serious note, though, the winters in Canada are not to be taken lightly. It’s very important to come prepared with the right winter gear. Here’s our in-depth post on what to wear in Canada winters.  With that in tow, allow the festivities to raise your spirits up as the temperatures drop for these winter activities in Quebec carnival are too tempting to pass.

This year Quebec Winter Carnival 2020 is scheduled from February 7-16th

TIP: As much fun as this festival is for adults, it is extremely family-friendly as well. Kids will get to enjoy and experience a variety of winter adventures during this time. We’ve posted videos from our trip on our Instagram Page under story highlights if you are interested. Here are our favorite activities from the Quebec Winter Carnival –

1. Experience the Winter Wonderland

We have been to Quebec City in the summer a few times but visiting in the winter felt like our first time here. The city looks like a Winter Wonderland postcard. The old Quebec City will transport you to a European village without even leaving the continent. Although French is the first language in Quebec most people speak English as their second language.

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You might enjoy this 2-Hour Christmas Magic Tour in Old Quebec.

2. Meet Bonhomme and explore his very own Ice Castle and Ice sculptures

Who is Bonhomme?

He is the star of the Quebec winter carnival! The tallest snowman we’ve ever seen who can walk and talk. Since everyone in the town is looking for him, give a big hug when you see him as he might disappear the next second.

He even has an entire Ice Palace and a Royal Court built with elaborate ice sculptures and an indoor animated show which is sure to mesmerize kids and adults alike.

3. Enjoy the Opening Ceremony and the Carnival parade

On the first day of the Quebec Carnival, the city organizes an opening ceremony party with tons of outdoor and indoor events. The opening ceremony area has an ice bar and maple taffy station which you must not miss. There also have drinks & food stations both outdoors as well as indoors with live music.

There are also a bunch of outdoor winter games including axing, video game competitions to keep everyone entertained. TIP: There is a long queue to get inside the ice castle on the evening of the opening ceremony so come early. 

The winter carnival parade takes place the same night after the opening ceremony. Since it is an outdoor event come prepared to stand in the cold for an extended period of time.

4. Participate in the fun winter activities, games, and events

There are so many fun events and activities to choose from during the Quebec winter carnival that you’ll momentarily forget about the cold. You cannot miss the oldest snow toboggan slide in North America on the hill behind the Chateau.

In addition, there are plenty of winter games organized such as Ice Hockey, Petanque, etc to keep you and the kids busy in Old Quebec City. Tip: Make sure you have a cup of delicious hot chocolate at Cafe Au 1884 behind teh Chateau after the toboggan slide.

5. Go Dog Sledding

This activity has been on my bucket list forever and to be honest, I thought I might have to go to Scandinavia to scratch this one off. But as I’ve said before, the winter wonderland is right in our backyard.

About the ethical nature of this adventure ride, most dog-sled companies in Canada take very good care of their dogs. Moreover, Huskies are a species that love running in the cold outdoors. In fact, the dogs on our slides wouldn’t stop howling since we were stationary for a long time.

6. Try Ice Fishing

The marina in Quebec City gets frozen enough for them to set up a Nordic village over it. Expect igloos and holes drilled all around so you can catch your own fish for lunch. TIP: You need to be extremely patient to actually be lucky to catch a fish here. Unfortunately, we weren’t that patient so we headed to lunch shortly after exploring the Nordic village.

7. Take a ferry ride on the icy St. Lawrence River 

It’s incredible to watch the ferries cross St. Lawrence River cutting through sheets of ice. These are local ferries which provide public transport to people in Quebec City. It’s definitely worth going on a ride to experience a unique view from the icy river.

8. See the Ice Canoe Race

We were amazed to even find out that there are boats running over icy St. Lawrence River let alone think of a canoe race. But the locals are tougher than our imagination. Every year during the Carnival a canoe race is held on the first Sunday of the festival. In order to get past the ice sheets, the participants not only have to paddle but they have to sometimes use their legs in the icy cold water to push the ice away.

9. Eat, Drink & Party 

Try the local traditional frozen maple candies called Maple Taffy while you are here. Warm up with the seasonal cocktail called “Ponce Du Carnaval” which is made of Chic Choc spiced rum, Bonhomme’s syrup, and hot water. Don’t return without trying “Ski Shots” of local liqour called Caribou.

And of course, grab some good Poutine (Canadian french fries with Cheese curds and Gravy). Not to mention there are plenty of good restaurants to choose from in Old Quebec City.

10. Stay in unique Quebec City hotels

Nothing can beat the palatial 125-year-old Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City where we were hosted. The best part is that Fairmont Chateau runs guided tours of their hotel property which we highly recommend signing up for. I loved seeing the rooms that were themed after world famous artists followed by visiting the conference room where WWII peace strategies were once discussed. And then learning the emotional story behind the famous golden letterbox in the hotel which is now eternalized by Korean drama series ‘Goblin’. You have to take the tour to know what I mean!

If you are adventurous then consider staying in North America’s only Ice Hotel – Hotel de Glace in Quebec City. It is completely made of snow & ice and opens every winter in January. Hilton Quebec would be another good alternative within walking distance to the Ice Palace and other Old Quebec City attractions.

Find even more fun things to do in Quebec City!

How to get tickets for Quebec Winter Carnival 

You’ll need to purchase an effigy tag in order to access all the events we’ve mentioned above in the Quebec carnival. Find out more on how to buy carnival tickets on the official Carnaval de Quebec website.

Note: We were hosted by Carnaval de Quebec for the weekend but all opinions in this blog post are our own.

For those residing in the US or Canada, you have no reason to miss this winter carnival. And no, winter is not a reason anymore!

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More on winter travel:

• How to Dress For Winter in Canada – The Essential Winter Packing List!
• Best Winter Activities to Do in Washington DC This Christmas Holidays
• Christmas in Ottawa – Things To Do in Winter Holidays
• Visiting Isle of Capri in Winter – A Fun Day Trip From Naples or Sorrento

Happy Traveling!