Quebec Winter Carnival
Carnaval de Québec
One of the largest winter carnivals in the world. The snowman mascot Bonhomme, the Ice Palace, night parades, and ice canoe racing bring the whole city to life.
The Quebec Winter Carnival began in 1894, and its modern form has run since 1955. It takes place each year from late January to mid-February in front of the Parliament Building and across the Plains of Abraham. The mascot, the snowman Bonhomme, and his Ice Palace are the symbols of the event. Activities include night parades with floats, snow baths, ice sculptures, snow slides, and ice canoe racing on the St. Lawrence River, which is full of floating ice. To enter the main festival grounds, you must buy a pass badge in the shape of Bonhomme. Nighttime temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, so dress very warmly.
Opening hours
Approx. late January–mid-February each year (check official schedule)
Nearby sights
- Parliament Building (Quebec)
- Observatoire de la Capitale
- Rue Saint-Jean
- Grande Allée
- Fortifications of Québec
- Citadelle of Quebec
- Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)
- Old Québec