Guide to Quebec Winter Carnival 2024

Every year during its coldest months, locals bundle up to enjoy 17 days 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.

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 70 years in 2024, the Quebec City winter carnival 2024 dates are January 25, 2024 to February 11, 2024. It’s 3 days longer than previous years, which means more festive wintery fun. Let’s chat about the best new and classic winter carnival activities and events.

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 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!

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.

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.

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!

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, including a BeaverTails truck (a Canadian staple!), and a bar near the dome. The SAQ Bistro and UnGava Bar are here too, near Bonhomme’s Palace. It’s the top spot for foodies.

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 Jardins des Sculptures.

Gougoune et Doudoune M. Christie will be the place to hang out during the Quebec winter carnival. It has a Tiki Bar, succulent barbecue, and gourmet food samplings from some of Quebec City’s best restaurants. Food trucks can also be found on Grand Allée and Slide City.

Look for Bonhomme and Discover Quebec City

SAIL and Carnaval de Québec joined forces to celebrate the 70th anniversary of carnival in a fun way. It involves a mobile website, 70 years of Bonhomme effigies, good shoes, and a warm jacket.

It’s pretty easy to participate, just visit https://rallye.carnaval.qc.ca to join the fun. Follow the map to each marked location, and scan the Bonhomme when you find it. It’s a fun way to experience Quebec City in winter, and there are prizes for those who find all 70 Bonhomme effigies.

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
• 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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