Guide to Quebec Winter Carnival 2026: Le Carnaval de Québec

Every year during its coldest months, locals bundle up to enjoy a week of Quebec winter carnival fun or “Le Carnaval de Québec”. It’s a time when Bonhomme is king, and a bigger celebrity than Santa Claus. There are tons of things planned and to see, like ice sculptures and ice canoe races, as well as parades and concerts.

It’s a winter party like no other, in one of North America’s oldest cities. Trust me, it will make you forget all about the cold in an instant! Here’s everything you need to know about going to Quebec’s winter carnival, Carnaval de Québec in 2026.

What Is the Quebec Winter Carnival?

The first Quebec winter carnival took place in the late 19th century as a way to take locals’ minds off the realities of frigid Quebec winters. We don’t know a lot about those early winter carnivals, aside from the fact that they were a hit and became an annual tradition, for a time.

The Quebec winter carnival paused during both world wars and the Great Depression. It was sporadic after that, until the birth of the official Carnaval de Québec in 1955. The new, modern winter carnival introduced extra fun activities, a 7 ft snowman ambassador named Bonhomme, and tourists eager to experience winter in Quebec City.

What to Do at Carnaval de Quebec?

Celebrating 72 years in 2026, the Quebec City winter carnival 2026 dates are February 7 to 15, 2026, back to its regular length of festive wintery fun. Let’s chat about the best new and classic winter carnival activities and events that your “effigy” will get you into.

Ice Palace or Palais de Bonhomme

Bonhomme’s Ice Palace is the highlight of the Quebec winter carnival. Watch out for “Palais de Bonhomme”. It’s an impressively beautiful structure erected opposite the national assembly (Place de l’Assemblée nationale) in the Loto-Québec zone.

This year, the theme is Local Legends with a bunch of folk tales and stories from my province. Ever heard of La Chasse-Galerie (my favourite!)? The Seven O’Clock Man? Rose Latulippe?

There’s an SAQ ice bar for adults, music by DJs, and plenty of chances to meet the king of Carnaval de Québec, Bonhomme.

This is also where Country Storm will mark the opening of the Quebec carnival at 6:30 PM with a musical performance.

Night Parades during Quebec City’s Carnival

Lower Town Parade on Saturday, February 7th

The night parade begins in Limoilou neighbourhood at the intersection of 3e Avenue and 1re Rue, proceeding along 3e Avenue and concluding at the corner of 3e Avenue and 17e Rue. It starts at 5:30 PM on February 7th.

Upper Town Parade on February 14th

Starting at the intersection of Grande Allée and Avenue des Érables, the parade moves along Grande Allée and finishes at the Bonhomme’s Palace. It starts at 7PM.

Ice Canoe Race

The ice canoe race has been a part of the carnival since the beginning, in 1894. It takes serious skill to traverse across the Saint-Lawrence River, heavy with ice floe, in a canoe. Now make it a competition. The race can be watched from the port, which can be quite cold at times, so bundle up!

It’s gonna happen on Sunday, February 8th 2026 on docks 19 and 21 (Quais 19 et 21) in the Port of Québec at 12:30. Don’t miss it!

Join the Biggest Valentine’s Day Pyjama Party

On February 14th at 10 PM, get ready to dance the night away at the Cercle de la Garnison de Québec. It’s gonna be an immense all-night pyjama party presented by Pop Underwear and it will end at 6 am, perfect for brunch time! 🙂

Soar on the Ferris Wheel at Place Érable du Québec (Place George-V)

Experience breathtaking views of Quebec City, its snowy landscapes, and the lively Carnaval from the Ferris Wheel (Grande roue des couleurs Érable du Québec). Don’t forget to request your favorite song from the DJ, who will play it during your ride!

Rappelling Down the Château Frontenac

Yeah. You read that right. I had to double-check as well when I read this. SOOO COOOOL, right? It’s gonna give you once in a lifetime bragging rights to bring home! It will be happening from 10 to 4 so don’t miss it if you’re in town on those days (Thursday 12th to Sunday the 15th)!

Laser Game Evolution

It’s an outdoor laser tag at La Citadelle, what could be better? The event takes on multiple nights and includes a tank, lots of sparkly lights, and music for 6 to 9 PM.

St-Hubert Snow Bath

This winter carnival tradition is the big event of Carnaval de Québec, on Sunday 2 PM. You need to register in advance as places are limited, but everyone can go and watch.

Dress warm, grab something from the ice bar, and watch the fun, or take the plunge yourself.

For a full list of activities and events, check out the program on the Carnaval de Québec website.

Carnival Food and Drink: Travel Guide to the Goods

There is something for everyone at the Quebec winter carnival, including foodies. Many restaurants have carnival specials, and some have outdoor ice bars, too.

The yummiest experiences, however, are part of the Carnaval de Québec program. Here is where to eat and drink during the Quebec winter carnival.

Zone Loto-Quebec is the main food and drink location. There’s food trucks, and a bar near the dome. The SAQ Bistro and Ice Bar are here too, near Bonhomme’s Palace. It’s the top spot for foodies at Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale. It’s also a place where prizes and gifts are often given to the first people to arrive on site when the Carnaval opens, so make sure to check the daily programming for your change to bring home some cool free souvenirs!

On the last Sunday of the festival, you’re even invited to graffiti the palace!

If you’re hungry, check out the food inside Chalet La Souche. There’s another ice bar at ScotiaBank Jardins des Sculptures sculpture garden (Parc de la Francophonie), where you can also see Lumiglace 15-minute light shows and a ton of DJ sets.

Gougoune et Doudoune (Quais de l’Espace 400) will be the place to hang out during the Quebec winter carnival. It has a bar, succulent barbecue, and gourmet food samplings from some of Quebec City’s best restaurants. But it also offers a giant bear you can ice climb (L’Ours d’escalade) and repel down.

There will also be a 150-foot slide and a winter mini-golf as well as fatbike initiations and a giant ball pit and big winter games that will have kids screaming for joy.

Look for Bonhomme and Discover Quebec City with your Effigy

You can simply walk around Quebec City and see some of the sites from the outside, however to get into most zones and take part in the best activities, I recommend your purchase an effigy for $29+tx for people 13 and older (children enter for free) until January 11th. Prices go up after that (39$ CAD).

It’s basically a rubber keychain that you attach to your winter coat. It’s also a collector’s item, as some people have been keeping them for decades. This year, in 2026, they are made in Quebec from recycled maple tubing, which is kinda funky, no?

To get more of a VIP experience, you can also purchase the full carnival pass for $59+tx, which includes the effigy, a Carnival beanie, a hot drink, a hot toddy and maple taffy.

You’ll also receive a winter discount booklet to save during your time in Quebec City.

Purchase it online.

Getting Around During the Winter Festival

Everything can be done on foot except for a few things like the Limoilou parade, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

However, a Videotron free shuttle (with your effigy) will transport you every 30 min from Espace Quatre Cents to Quai Chouinard (Place de Paris) with stops on the corner of d’Artigny and Jacques-Parizeau. Download the app to see the live schedule.

What to Know Before You Go

• Carnaval de Québec is one of the best winter experiences in Canada. The weather can be sketchy, so dressing in layers, a warm jacket, and boots with good traction is imperative. There are a lot of hills and stairs to climb, which get slippery in winter.
• If you’re driving to the Quebec winter carnival, look for parking lots or garages outside Old Quebec and plan to walk or take the bus.
• Is Quebec City Safe? Yes, absolutely and clicking on the link will bring you to a complete guide about the city, but feel free to walk around at night during Carnaval.
• If the weather is really bad and you need a break from rain or snow and warm up a little, we have some great indoor activities suggestions here.
• Bring your skates if you’d like to use the rinks, or no worries, you can rent some for a few dollars!
• Hot pads and toe warmers are really practical if you’re ill-equipped!
• If you can, avoid backpacks in the really busy peak hours, you’ll have more fun walking around!
• The most important thing to remember is to have fun!

Now that you have a good idea of what Carnaval de Québec has in store for you, here are some other tips and tricks that will help you make your stay a real memorable getaway:

• A 3-Day Quebec City Winter Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Quebec City in December
• Quebec City: Best Things to Do in March
• Winter Activities in Quebec City
• The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Quebec City: Original Ideas for an Unforgettable Weekend
• Well-Kept Secrets: 5 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City
• 2 Days in Quebec City Itinerary: a Perfect Weekend Getaway
• 5 Best Quebec City Escape Rooms and Games
• 7 Best Sushi in Quebec City
• How to Get From Montreal to Quebec City

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