From January 27 to February 12, 2017, come experience one of the world's largest winter carnivals in beautiful Québec City. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Québec Winter Carnival to enjoy a host of activities for all ages, including snow bath, night parades, snow slides, giant foosball, snow sculptures, shows, sleigh rides, and skating. Bonhomme Carnaval is the ambassador of this winter celebration. The Carnival is a unique winter experience you won't want to miss!

The Classics

The Québec Winter Carnival has been a magical part of winter since 1955. Here are some of its most traditional activities:

Snow sculpture | Credit: Mathieu Plante
Credit: Mathieu Plante

International Snow Sculpture Competition

Every year, sculptors from across Canada and around the world compete to create works of art from giant blocks of snow. These sculptures transform the Plains of Abraham into a wonderful outdoor museum.

Night Parade | Credit: Carnaval de Québec
Credit: Carnaval de Québec

Night Parades

Young and old alike get to the snow-covered streets to admire a parade of colorful decorated floats and zany characters dancing to lively music. The last float of the two night parades features the star of the Carnival—Bonhomme himself!

Snow Bath | Credit: Carnaval de Québec
Credit: Carnaval de Québec

Snow Bath

Brave souls clothed in nothing more than their bathing suits join Bonhomme to frolic in the snow!

Canoe Race | Credit: Carnaval de Québec
Credit: Carnaval de Québec

Ice Canoe Race

Ice canoe racing is an extreme competitive sport where teams make multiple crossings of the frigid waters of the St. Lawrence River.

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Sites to discover

Carnaval de Québec | Credit: Québec Winter Carnival
Credit: Québec Winter Carnival

The Plains of Abraham: A Gigantic Playground for the Whole Family

See the Plains of Abraham turn into an immense playground! Carnival-goers of all ages will be treated to a host of shows and activities: snow and ice tobogganing, dogsled rides, snow sculptures, a Ferris wheel, a sugar shack, and more.

Carnaval de Québec | Credit: Carnaval de Québec
Credit: Carnaval de Québec

Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale: Bonhomme’s Ice Palace!

Bonhomme Carnaval symbolizes the spirit of fun that is synonymous with this great winter celebration. Every year, an Ice Palace is built for him that serves as a focal point for several Carnival activities. Québec City residents are always excited to see the work start on Bonhomme’s palace! If you’re looking to meet the big guy himself, this is your best chance. You can admire an amazing replica of Bonhomme that seems to change depending on your vantage point.

Carnaval de Québec | Credit: Quartier Petit-Champlain
Credit: Quartier Petit-Champlain

Carnival Streets: Celebrations all Around the City

Several  of Québec will present various Carnival activities. The merchants on participating streets will be dressed to the nines and will extend Bonhomme’s Winterland way beyond the Plains of Abraham. 

226682 Bright Bulb Idea Lamp Light Lightbulb Off On ShineQuébec Winter Carnival on your mobile
Get the most of Bonhomme's Winterland by downloading the mobile application for  and .

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