Québec Winter Carnival

Fun in the heart of winter!

Deep into winter, at the end of January, all roads lead to the Ice Palace of Bonhomme Carnaval, the snowman Carnival Ambassador. Every year, Bonhomme opens the gates of his Palace to the residents of the Québec City Area and the thousands of visitors who come from the four corners of the world to celebrate winter.

From his glistening Palace, Bonhomme overlooks the festivities and is a living symbol of winter. The Québec City Winter Carnival, is the Carnival in Rio... northern style. It's samba dressed up in a flannel shirt.

The Carnival program fills up seventeen straight days during which everyone joins in wholeheart-edly. The Carnival is inaugurated in front of the majestic Ice Palace and then the festivities begin.

Among the most popular Carnival activities, are the snow sculpture exhibitions. Teams from over twenty countries compete in producing veritable works of art sculpted in snow. It is impossible to talk about the Carnival without mentioning the two magical night parades. Large crowds turn out every year to watch the dozens of floats. The canoe race between Québec City and Lévis over ice flows in the St. Lawrence River is also a popular attraction. Other favourite events include Place de la Famille, dogsledding demonstrations, theme parties and so much more!

The Québec Winter Carnival is a major event for the local tourist industry. It has grown in importance and popularity ever since its creation in 1955. Today, its international reputation makes it one of the world's major winter festivals. The organizers of the event aim to liven up the winter season, strengthen winter tourism, and stimulate the local economy, as well as contribute to social, artistic, and recreational activities in the area.

When the Mayor of Québec City gives Bonhomme the keys to the city, the Snowman becomes in command of the city. And that is the beginning of the festivities. People in Québec City are waiting for you to come and celebrate winter with them... in the snow capital with the warmest welcome!