Ever since 1955, the people of Quebec City have celebrated winter with the Quebec Winter Carnival. In 2006, over a million people attended the festival, making it the biggest winter festival in the world until the Harbin Ice Festival usurped its crown.
History of the Quebec Winter Carnival
The first Carnaval de Québec was held in 1894, but it was only an intermittent event until 1955, when Bonhomme (see below), the festival’s mascot reared his massive head.
Drink caribou at the city’s bars, or dine at restaurants at the outdoor patios where you can dance the night away at the Ice Hotel. The winter carnival is also a good opportunity for local businesses to develop and thrive.
Quebec Winter Carnival 2025 Dates
The next carnival is from 7 to 16 February, 2025.
Quebec Winter Carnival Activities
At the centre of the festivities is the Ice Palace, where Bonhomme resides. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies by the palace, there will be a series of activities, including:
- Building of Bonhomme’s ice palace;
- Night parades along the streets of Quebec, needless to say featuring Bonhomme;
- A series of ice canoe races across the St Lawrence River;
- Musical evenings;
- Ice and snow sculptures; and
- Outdoor sporting events, including: ice canoeing, snowboarding, ice-hockey, sleigh racing and dog-sledding.
And there is also a snowbath should you be inclined.
Quebec Winter Carnival Packages
Various companies run tours to the carnival, including Bon Voyage.
Can’t make this carnival, then try our round-up of the best carnivals around the world.
Hotels for Quebec Winter Carnival 2025
However, if you are just looking for accommodation for the festival, then make sure you book up well in advance.
Bonhomme, Mascot of the Quebec Winter Carnival
Okay, so who is this Bonhomme fellow anyway? A seven-foot high snowman donning a red cap and weighing some 400 pounds, Bonhomme has been at the heart of the festival since 1955, reflecting the Quebecois sense of joie de vivre. A childhood friend of Santa Claus, he wishes for nothing more than a reverse of climate change … and ice cream, according to the official website.
Photo Gallery
Things To Do in Quebec
For more ideas on what to do in Quebec in winter time, click here, or or visit: www.quebecoriginal.com/en-gb/