◆ The Pilot's Journal
The Quebec Carnival: winter festivals and traditions
Every February, Quebec becomes the world capital of winter festivals. The largest cold climate carnival celebrates joy, ice, and friendliness since 1894. A unique experience before warming up at Carrera Cafe.
History and traditions
Since 1894, the festival endures the cold
Born to fight winter gloom, the Carnival has become the most popular winter event in the French-speaking world.
The first Quebec Carnival dates back to 1894, but it took its modern form in 1955 with the Bonhomme Carnaval. Every February, the city welcomes millions of visitors for two weeks of festivities on ice and snow.
Heritage
Since 1894
The largest cold climate carnival in the world. Two weeks of festivities every February that transform Quebec into a city of joy.
★ Must-see
Icon
Ice Palace
Built each year near the Plains of Abraham, the ephemeral ice palace welcomes Carnival visitors.
Tradition
Must-do activities
The great winter circuit
Slides, ice sculptures, canoe race: the Carnival offers an intense and joyful program for everyone.
The Dufferin Terrace slides are the symbol of the Carnival: from the Chateau Frontenac, long ice tracks plunge toward the river. The canoe race on the Saint Lawrence is the most spectacular event, to be seen from the banks of the Old Port.
Adrenaline
Dufferin Slides
From the Dufferin Terrace, the ice slides plunge toward the river. Guaranteed speed, guaranteed smiles.
★ Classic
Extreme sport
Canoe race
Teams cross the Saint Lawrence on the ice. An unforgettable show from the banks of the Old Port.
Sport
Winter art
Ice sculptures
Sculptors from around the world create ephemeral works in the ice and snow of the Carnival.
Art
Family
Village of the Bonhomme
Ice zipline, skating rink, and free shows for young and old at the foot of the plains.
Family
Le Bonhomme Carnaval
The ambassador in arrow sash
Since 1955, Le Bonhomme has been the smiling and essential face of Quebec winter.
Recognizable by his arrow sash and astrakhan hat, Le Bonhomme is a giant snow character embodying Quebec joy. He presides over the ceremonies and meets visitors throughout the Carnival.
★ The good plan
Le Bonhomme makes appearances according to a schedule published online. Reserve your spot at the opening ceremonies to see the illuminated palace. Then join Bar 1608 or Carrera Cafe to warm up.
Places to warm up
The right stand after the cold
After a day in the cold of the Carnival, Quebec offers many places to warm up in style.
Cafe & Lifestyle
Carrera Cafe
In Petit-Champlain, the ideal pit stop after the slides. A hot latte and the Italian warmth of Carrera Cafe.
★ Signature
Historic bar
Bar 1608
In the cellars of the Chateau Frontenac, a legendary spot for a hot cocktail after the festivities.
Bar
Fine grocery
J.A. Moisan
Saint-Jean Street, the oldest grocery store in North America to put together a quick meal between activities.
Grocery
Chocolaterie
Erico Chocolaterie
A hot cocoa or artisanal pralines after the canoe race. The carnival-goer's reward.
Artisanal
◆ Barista's Tip
The recovery latte
After a morning on the slides, are your hands still shaking from the cold? At Carrera Cafe, order a oat milk latte, hot and creamy. With a Charlevoix cheese bruschetta, you're on the warming podium.
Your winter headquarters
Did the Carnival make you thirsty and hungry? The Carrera Cafe in Petit-Champlain is your ideal pit stop. Italian warmth, competition espresso.
View the menuDiscover the Carrera
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