There is nothing like experiencing the world’s largest winter carnival by planning a trip to Quebec City. Quebec Winter Carnival Festival is held annually and attracts many tourists from around the globe to gain the charm of winter in this unique festive atmosphere. Tourists can enjoy various events and festivals of all ages, like snow concerts, night parades, ice skating, etc. You can also explore the old town, which feels like you are in Europe. So learn everything about this famous winter carnival we have covered for the best experience on your trip.
When And Where Is The Quebec Winter Carnival
Image Credit: Marc-Lautenbacher for Wikimedia Commons
The Quebec Winter Carnival is usually held in January and February. The Quebec Winter Carnival 2025 dates are from February 7 to February 16. This carnival will be held in Quebec City, a French-speaking region in Canada. Most festival activities occur at the fairgrounds in old Quebec, situated on Abraham’s plains. This public park has many attractions, and you can enjoy ice workshops, a crazy bikini snow bathing event, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. The city is decorated with fairy lights and Ice sculptures during this carnival. Apart from this, small carnival events are happening throughout the city that allow neighbours to participate.
Also Read: Canada Travel Guide
History Of The Quebec Winter Carnival
Image Credit: Matias Garabedian for Wikimedia Commons
The tradition of celebrating from the end of January until mid-February has been around for a long time. The major carnival of Quebec City was first held in 1894. The population often faced harsh winters, so they decided to put on snow festivals to warm their hearts. The carnival resurfaced in 1955 due to the recession and the World War. To promote the economic development of the old capital, a group of business people relaunched the festivities.
The event is deeply rooted in Quebec’s history and culture and draws inspiration from celebrating French Tradition. It is like a transformation into Quebec City’s unique heritage. In today’s scenario, the Quebec Winter Carnival is a major event that continues to drive Quebec’s winter life.
List Of Events And Activities At Quebec Winter Carnival
Image Credit: Boréal for Wikimedia Commons
There is so much to do and various events to indulge in at the Quebec Winter Carnival schedule. You can try all the Canadian activities and crazy events like canoeing through ice chunks. Here is the list of things you can do and make lifetime memories with your loved ones.
Parades: The winter carnival features several parades with colourful floats, local cultural and musical performances, and fireworks that create a magical atmosphere throughout the city.
The Ice Palace: This stunning architectural feat is made entirely of ice and snow and serves as the centrepiece of the Carnival. It is open for the public to explore. Visitors can take photos, admire the historic designs, and attend special events within the palace.
Daytime activities: The carnival offers stunning daytime activities to embrace the winter landscape. Popular activities include Ice Slides, Human Foosball, Dog Sledding, Tubing, ice skating, Axe Throwing, Ice fishing, Sleigh Rides, Goon’s League Hockey, Toboggan Rides, Live Entertainment, and more.
Children’s activities: Multiple activities can also entertain children for hours. The top things that all children must try are Theme Park Rides, a Tiny Ice Slide, a large playground, a Petting Zoo, Wall Climbing, Giant Puppets, Entertaining Shows, Puzzle Games, and Floor Hockey.
Culinary Delights: As we all know, food plays a significant role in carnivals or festivals. In Quebec, various traditional dishes, like poutine, tourtière, and maple taffy on snow, are available on multiple stalls. Many artists also show their culinary creations, allowing visitors to savour the flavours.
Cultural performances: Throughout the carnival, indulge in numerous cultural performances, including traditional dance, music, and theatrical performances. These performances show Quebec’s rich tradition and promote local and international artists.
Iconic Mascots Of Quebec Winter Carnival
Image Credit: Stagiairec for Wikimedia Commons
One of the most essential and recognisable symbols of the Quebec Winter Carnival 2025 is the Bonhomme Carnaval. He is a cheerful snowman who serves as the official mascot. Despite the cold weather, the Bonhomme represents the warmth and joy of the festival with his red tuque cap and large, friendly smile. You can see Bonhomme throughout the carnival festivities. Every year, on the first night of the Quebec Winter Carnival, the mayor hands over the key to the city to Bonhomme, who is more than a Mascot. He speaks French and English, and even though his name means “good man,” he is also a depiction of a joyful spirit. You can see him at the Ice Palace or one of the parades.
Multiple Competitions At The Event
Quebec also has competitions for almost every interest that attract multiple contestants from all over the world. Some of the most famous competitions in the event are included below.
1. Ice Canoe Race
St. Lawrence River hosts the annual Ice Canoe race, which features many boats, each with five rowers. The crews face the difficult task of paddling across the half-frozen Lake. This is one of the risky races, where the team has to push, pull, and wrestle ice to reach the finish line. This competition is the most prestigious ice race that attracts international tourists.
Timings: noon onwards
Entry fee: $25 to $75 and VIP can experience $55
Related Post: Haunted Places In Canada
2. The International Snow Sculpture Contest
Image Credit: AlainV for Wikipedia
Every year, artists from all over the world travel to Quebec to compete in the snow-carving competition. The sculptures transform vast piles of snow into significant works of art using shovels, chainsaws, and other tools. You also get to vote on who you think might win the competition.
Timings: no timings
Entry fee: $10 to $15
3. Dogsled Race
Image Credit: Rainer Lippert for Wikipedia
Another major competition is the Dog Sled race, which attracts many tourists worldwide. The selected teams slide through the streets of old Quebec. Each team is timed individually rather than as a group. The team with the fastest 4-mile course finishing time wins the race.
Apart from the above, other competitions take place at the carnival. Some are not official events but are celebrated elsewhere in Quebec City, such as winter wrestling, snowmobile races, snowboarding competitions, and the Canadian Viking competition.
Timings: morning of the first day
Entry fee: no fees
Related Post: Confederation Bridge
Places To Stay During The Quebec Winter Carnival
For convenience, get the curated list of places to stay during the winter carnival and enjoy a comfortable stay. These hotels provide the best amenities, food and other services that will last forever.
1. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
This is an opulent heritage hotel located in old Quebec City. The hotel features stylish rooms with breathtaking views, oversized windows, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, on-site restaurants, cable TV, hairdryers, etc. Some of the top amenities include a spa, a hot tub, an indoor pool, a sauna, concierge services, a fitness centre, and an onsite Starbucks. In addition, free garage parking and valet service are available.
Price: INR 20,000 onwards
Location: 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 4P5, Canada
2. Hotel Boutique Ophelia
This is one of the finest hotels in Quebec that is only 2 minutes away from the Quebec Carnival and less than a 10-minute walk to the plains of the Plains of Abraham. While staying at this hotel, one can enjoy air conditioning, complimentary toiletries, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV with streaming channels, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and robes and slippers. This fantastic boutique hotel has an onsite ATM and two restaurants serving dinner and cocktails. A small locally made welcome kit and cookies in the lobby are a nice extra touch to stay.
Price: INR 18,000 onwards
Location: 640 Grande Allée E, Québec, QC G1R 2K5, Canada
Related Post: Canada Travel Tips
3. Hotel Palace Royal
Walk to the old fortress’s walls, next to the ice skating rink at Place d’Youville. Stay in the air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV with separate channels, a coffee machine, toiletries, free Wi-Fi, and much more. There is also an indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, fitness centre, shared lounge, sauna, concierge service, vending machines, an on-site gift shop, etc.
Price: 775 Boulevard Honoré-Mercier, Québec City, Quebec G1R 6A5, Canada
Location: INR 13,000 onwards
4. Place d’Armes Inn
This hotel is situated on the two pedestrian streets of Quebec’s corner, also close to several attractions. The rooms of the Place d’armes Inn are equipped with air conditioning and a refrigerator. Special guests can also get luxurious goose-down comforters to enjoy a lavish stay. Free public parking is available nearby.
Price: 24 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1R 3X3, Canada
Location: INR 10,000 onwards
Related Post: Summer In Canada
Places To Visit During Quebec Winter Carnival
Here are the places to visit during the winter carnival season and experience the best ones.
1. Bonhomme Ice Palace
This is the giant ice palace built for Bonhomme, the festival’s mascot and ambassador. This palace is one of the free and focal points of attraction where visitors can meet the Bonhomme. Also, visitors can experience the complex architecture and attend some events that are held inside.
Location: street from the Québec Parliament Building
Timings: Open 24 hours
Point of interest: corridor, backyard, Ice bar.
2. Old Quebec
Image Credit: Manikanta1973 for Wikipedia
Old Quebec is one of the most important and best places during the winter to experience the life and culture of Quebec. The entire carnival takes place in the old city and on the Plains of Abraham. The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and festive decorations create a magical atmosphere. Walking on the streets of old Quebec gives you a sense of stepping back in time and enjoying the twinkle lights covered with snow rooftops.
Location: Québec City, QC, Canada
Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Point of interest: La Citadelle de Québec, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Quebec, Plains of Abraham, etc
Related Post: Monsoon In Canada
3. Montmorency Falls
Image Credit: Manikanta1973 for Wikipedia
This stunning natural attraction is located just a short drive from Quebec City. It is a stunning natural attraction that takes you to a different beauty. During the winter, the falls often freeze partially, creating a breathtaking ice formation and picturesque landscape. The falls have walking paths and numerous platforms to watch and observe the beautiful area. There are multiple activities available, such as ice climbing, snowshoeing, etc.
Location: Québec City, Quebec G1C 1S1, Canada
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Point of interest: hiking trails, 1000-foot-long zipline, Biking paths
4. Québec City German Christmas Market
Image Credit: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez for Wikimedia Commons
The authentic outdoor European Christmas market is situated in Old Quebec. Here, you can find traditional products like mulled wine, gingerbread, and grilled sausages, as well as decorative items. Purchasing the best items in Canada is important on your trip to collect beautiful memories. Apart from this, visitors can enjoy the ambience by playing Christmas music throughout the area to add a festive spirit.
Location: Old Québec City
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Point of interest: ideal place for epicureans
Related Post: Hostels In Canada
Tips For Visiting The Carnival
If planning your trip to Quebec City, you must adhere to the following tips to enhance your experience.
Dress warmly: Quebec winter will be freezing, so wear layered clothing, covered boots, gloves and hats.
Plan your schedule: Check the carnival’s official website for the event’s schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
Try the best local cuisine: Throughout the festival, you can taste the local and traditional Quebecois dishes.
Engage with the locals: Participate in the multiple festivities and activities and connect with the locals to enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Capture the moments: Remember to bring a camera or phone to capture the vibrant colours, ice races, and even your photos with the locals and your loved ones.
Book your stay: The festival is near, and many tourists plan to visit Quebec. Due to this, hotels might fill up in advance. So try to book your stay as soon as possible.
You May Also Like To Read: Villas In Canada
The Quebec Winter Carnival is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life in the winter months. It invites everyone to enjoy the beauty of snow, culture, and togetherness and welcome the winter season. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to cherish the moments again, this winter carnival will surely give you a new and magical experience. So plan your trip to Canada now and devolve into the winter hints of warmth. The friendly competition encourages every artist to show their hidden talent and get up from their busy schedule.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Laserpdb for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Quebec Winter Carnival
What happens at the winter carnival in Quebec?
The Quebec winter carnival has competitions and events for almost every interest and attracts multiple contestants worldwide. Some of the most famous competitions in the carnival are the Ice Sculpture Competition, Dog Sled Races, and Ice Canoe Race.
Why is the Québec Winter Carnival famous?
In 1893, Joly de Lotbinière started this huge carnival to brighten up the dark winter days into the warm one that attracts the tourists. The ice palace is one of the major attractions and due to which this carnival becomes very famous.
Is the Québec Winter Carnival the biggest carnival in the world?
Yes, it is the world’s oldest and largest carnival in the Western hemisphere. This carnival attracts thousands of people from all over the world.
What is the snowman in the Québec Winter Carnival?
Bonhomme is the seven-foot-tall, four-hundred-pound snowman who wears a red sport hat, black button, and ceinture fléchée, representing the carnival in the French-Canadian style.
How long does the Québec Winter Carnival last?
The Quebec Winter Carnival lasts almost 10 days, transforming the city into a wonderland featuring numerous ice and snow sculptures. Other activities include the Ice Palace of Bonhomme, the 'Laser Game Evolution' at the Citadelle de Quebec, two-night parades, and musical evenings.
How cold does it get in Quebec City?
Quebec City's average temperature ranges from -27 °C (-16.6 °F) in January to 24.7 °C (76.46 °F) in July. The average annual mean temperature is 4.2 °C (39.5 °F). So plan your travel accordingly to spend time in these cold weather conditions.
People Also Read:
Guatemala Kite Festival Tawang Festival Takayama Festival
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
