Jan
29
2010

Feb
14
2010
Experience Winter a Whole New Way in Quebec, Canada’s Winter Carnival
Published on October 01, 2008 by Veronica Shine, [Null]
Country: Canada
| Labels: winter carnival, winter carnival quebec, winter carnival quebec city, canada, winter festival, painting, skating, sled, snow, bonhomme
The foremost event of the year is the annual Winter Carnival. The festivities commence in late January through to early February, and have been a tradition since 1894. The Quebec Winter Carnival has garnered attention as a premier global celebration, rivaling the best of any Winter Carnival from around the globe, set amid one of most quaint and picturesque cities.
Get Going!
What can you expect at this year’s fest? This festival has it all for those who either want to join in or just be a spectator. Winter sports competition, ski and skating instruction, dog sled racing, parades, snow sculptures and painting are just a few of the activities.
Bonhomme delights the children and they love the great fairyland atmosphere in his amazing home, the Ice Palace. The Ice Palace is wonderful during the day but becomes even more enchanting at night, when illuminated with multi-color lights, making the ice sparkle like a rainbow.
Odds n' Ends
No matter where you walk in the city, there is music playing and before you know it, you will find you are even beginning to hum and tap your feet to the tunes being played.
Many events that take place during the Carnival are spread throughout different locations across the city.
The temperature in Quebec varies between -30°C and -10°C during the Carnival season, so appropriate warm clothes and snow boots are recommended to thoroughly enjoy Winter Carnival in Quebec!
Want a Guide?
- Quebec Winter Carnival - GAPAdventures.com
- Have fun French-style at the Biggest Winter Carnival in the world! Quebecers celebrate winter like nobody else. Fall under the spell of their warm welcome, and join countless athletic and cultural activities for all ages. Winter has never been so much fun.
Places to Stay
- Hotel de Glace
- An unique concept with just the right touch for the festival. Imagine staying in a hotel made of ice.
Around the Corner
- Trick or Treat During Halloween in New York!
Pumpkins aglow with spine chilling faces, sit gazing out from neighborhood porches as they await the arrival of the next trick or treat'er on all Hallows eve. Now known as Halloween, a contraction of Hallows Eve, this secular tradition is celebrated annually on October 31. Long before the days of trick or treating, corn mazes, and bobbing for apples, Halloween traditions originated from the Celts, who on the 31st celebrated the harvest and year end. This time of year was believed to be the weakest point between the bonds of life and death, and to ward off the evil spirits ...441.14 miles away.- Quebec Hot Air Balloon Flight
After check-in, you'll be transported to the take-off site where the balloon will be inflated (those that wish can participate). You will receive the required technical information and then prepare for take-off! Experience the magnificent views of Quebec from a whole new perspective. During this one hour flight, marvel over the unique breathtaking sights and landmarks the area has to offer. Highlights include Quebec City, the St. Lawrence River, the ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. During your flight, air temperature is more or less the same as on the ground and the balloon ... via Quebec City.
- Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Sainte Anne de Beaupre from Quebec
Your countryside half-day trip follows Avenue Royale through the traditional villages and farms of the Beaupré Coast. On your tour, the entertaining commentary provided by your bilingual guide will help re-create the tranquil pace and way of life of bygone years. The half-day tour includes stops of 35/45 minutes each at Montmorency Falls and the basilica of Ste Anne de Beaupre, with a short detour to the western tip of the Island of Orleans to visit the Chocolaterie. Other highlights include the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Chez Marie's bread oven. via Quebec City.- Quebec City Sightseeing Tour
Tour highlights include: Old QuebecPlace Royale, birthplace of French civilization in North America (20 minute stop)Plains of Abraham, where the famous battle between the French and English armies took place in 1759Picturesque Place d'Armes squareChateau Frontenac hotelThe Fortifications and city wallsThis tour is commentated in English, however if there are French passengers on board, the guide will give a bilingual commentary via Quebec City.- Quebec City Walking Tour
Conducted year-round, rain or shine, this walking tour starts in the Upper Town district of Old Quebec and finishes in the Lower Town. You'll discover Quebec City's history from 1608 to present on this enjoyable walking tour. While listening to the entertaining and informative commentary provided by your guide, you'll gain a sense of the day-to-day lives of the people who have lived in this lovely fortress city over the centuries. via Quebec City.- Quebec City Dinner Cruise
Cast off for fine dining aboard the Louis Joillet, Quebec City's unique cruising restaurant. As the sun goes down, take in all the magic of Quebec by night. The fabulous view from the glass enclosed decks sets the stage for a very special evening. The chef has prepared for you a meal worthy of the Captain's Table: Atlantic salmon fillets, chicken supreme, beef fillet mignon, not to mention the captain's delight - always a favorite for dessert! You will have the choice from three set menu on the night. Your wine steward will offer wine suggestions to complement your gourmet ... via Quebec City.
Books and DVDs
- Canada Travel Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
- Your first polar bear...whales out the window of your Newfoundland B&B...the Northern Lights...Canada delivers on the outdoor spectaculars, then follows it up with cities full of jazz, art and round-the-world cuisine.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Official Carnival Site
- This is the place to narrow down your search of the events you want to scedule.
- Tourism of Quebec
- Quebec Airport
- Follow the wealth of information offered prior to your arrival by plane to Quebec.
- Québec Winter Carnival, Québec City - Visitors Guide - About.com
- Every year, beginning on the last weekend of January and continuing for the the next two weeks (17 days in total), Quebec City is alive with sub-zero merri-making.
- Quebec Winter Carnival - Wikipedia.org
- The Quebec Winter Carnival (or Carnaval de Québec), held yearly in Quebec City, Canada, is the biggest winter carnival in the world. The festival typically starts on the last Friday of January or the first Friday of February and it continues for 17 days, usually with close to one million participants every year.
Media References
- Winter Fests: Embracing the Cold - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- WHEN winter comes, many people -- understandably -- flee the sleet and the snow for a warm place where they can lie on the beach, frozen drink in hand, and chortle contentedly as they hear about below-zero conditions back home.
Language Guides
French
,
Italian
,
Japanese
,
Lao
,
Portugese
,
Russian
,
Spanish
,
Turkish
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in Canada. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
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Discussion
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