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Guide to Quebec Winter Carnival 2025

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 is everything you need to know about going to Quebec’s winter carnival, Carnaval de Québec in 2025.

Jennifer with Bonhomme at Quebec City Winter Carnival

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 71 years in 2025, the Quebec City winter carnival 2025 dates are February 7 to 16, 2025, 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

Bonhomme’s Ice Palace is the highlight of the Quebec winter carnival. It’s an impressively beautiful structure erected opposite the national assembly. There’s an ice bar for adults, music, and plenty of chances to meet the king of Carnaval de Québec, Bonhomme.

Ice Castle in Quebec City, Canada's festival

Night Parades during Quebec City’s Carnival

Lower Town Parade on February 8th

The parade begins at the intersection of 3e Avenue and 1re Rue, proceeding along 3e Avenue and concluding at the corner of 3e Avenue and 18e Rue.

Upper Town Parade on February 15th

Starting at the intersection of Grande Allée and Avenue des Érables, the parade moves along Grande Allée and finishes at the corner of Grande Allée and Avenue Honoré-Mercier, near the Parliament building.

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!

Ice Canoeing - Quebec City - Frederic Lavoie - Destination Quebec Cite
Photo: Frederic Lavoie – Destination Québec Cité

Slide City

There are 3 spectacular hills for tubing in Quebec City during the winter carnival. A free shuttle (just show your effigy) departs from Place Jean-Béliveau (beside Grand Marché de Québec) to each of the hills: Côte de la Pente-douce, Rue de la Promenade des sœurs and la Côte Ross.

Get Ready to Groove at the Juke-Box Kraft

This open-air site, inspired by a giant jukebox, invites you to sing, dance, and perform to the greatest musical classics in a vibrant and extravagant atmosphere. During the day, enjoy family-friendly musical shows, including a Carnaval-themed musical, dance performances by the “Maestro,” and karaoke sessions for all ages. At night, the stage transforms into a party zone with themed events like the Anti-Valentine’s Night featuring Bestov, DJ Battles, Nostalgia Night with Boy Band Story, and Guilty Pleasures Night with RSVP.

Soar on the Philadelphia Ferris Wheel

Experience breathtaking views of Quebec City, its snowy landscapes, and the lively Carnaval from the new Jukebox Ferris Wheel. Don’t forget to request your favorite song from the DJ, who will play it during your ride!

Unleash Your Inner Rocker at Tempo du Rock

Need to let off some steam? The Tempo du Rock demolition room is your go-to spot. Equipped with protective gear and tools, you can smash and break objects in a controlled environment. It’s a unique way to relieve stress, release negative emotions, and have fun while you’re at it.

Ice Cross Kraft

Located at Place Jean-Béliveau, Ice Cross is 100 square feet of trails with small obstacles. The track is made for beginners, and free for anyone with an effigy. A great family activity, and the Grand Marché de Québec is close by when it’s time to warm up and grab a hot drink or some snacks.

Roasting marshmellows

Frozen Mustache Contest

I mean, who doesn’t want to witness a frozen moustache contest?! These kinds of quirky Quebec winter carnival activities set it apart from others. The contest takes place on February 9th and the winner becomes Chief Mustache of the carnival. A true honour we’d all want, right? Haha!

Laser Game Evolution

It’s an outdoor laser tag at La Citadelle, what could be better? The event takes place February 5th to 8th and includes a tank, lots of sparkly lights, and music.

St-Hubert Snow Bath

This winter carnival tradition is the last big event of Carnaval de Québec. Dress warm, grab something from the ice bar, and watch the fun, or take the plunge yourself. Everyone who participates in the snow bath gets a $50 gift card for Strøm Spa, yay!

Ice Bath - Carnaval de Quebec - Simon Clark - Destination Quebec Cite
Photo: Simon Clark – Destination Québec Cité

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.

Under the theme of “Nordic Sanctuary,” the 2025 Ice Palace will showcase the Quebec’s northern spirit. Sculptures inspired by nature and the far north, thematic rooms and a new scenic lookout will be incorporated to enhance the elegance of the Palace, offering a unique perspective of Quebec City.

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

Bottles of Caribou and Sortilege ice shooter - Quebec City Carnival

On the other side of the parliament buildings is Camping de Bonhomme, with its ice bar. If you’re hungry, check out the food inside Chalet La Souche. There’s another ice bar (and a sugar shack) at ScotiaBank Jardins des Sculptures sculputre garden.

Gougoune et Doudoune 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, repel down and via ferrata across. Food trucks can also be found on Grand Allée and Slide City.

Snow sculptures in Quebec City's carnival

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 $39+tx for people 13 and older (children enter for free). 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 2025, they are made in Quebec from recycled maple tubing, which is kinda funky, no?

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

To get more of a VIP experience, you can also purchase the full carnival pass for $68+tx, which includes the effigy, a Carnival beanie, a hot drink, a hot toddy and maple taffy.

Purchase it online, in Couche-Tard convenience stores in the region, in certain hotels and at carnival site entrances.

Throwing axes at the Carnaval de Québec

Getting Around During the Winter Festival

From 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, a Videotron free shuttle (with your effigy) will transport you from Espace Quatre Cents to Quai Chouinard (Place de Paris) to Parc de la Francophonie (corner of d’Artigny and Jacques-Parizeau) with stops on the corner of d’Artigny and Jacques-Parizeau, at Place de Paris and at the Espace 400 Building.

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!
Jennifer with Bonhomme - Carnival in Quebec, Canada

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:

Looking for Cool Tours While in Quebec City?

Look no further! We’ve noted the best ones for you right here:

Looking to craft your own tour? Get this amazing ebook about île d’Orléans to create your own itinerary!

For a whole lot of other awesome tours in Quebec province, check out this article: 46 Ultimate Best Quebec Guided Tours You Should Book Now in the Province.

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Quebec City / Quebec Destinations / Trip Planner / What to See and Do / When to Go / Winter Holidays
About Author

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer Doré Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

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