Quebec City Winter Carnival: An Experience To Remember

Other posts by DesertMama

Bonhomme and Beth
Bonhomme and Beth

I just returned from one of the most memorable weeks of my life – five days in Quebec City, Canada. I highly suggest you make your plans now to visit next year’s Quebec Winter Carnival, or in French, Carnaval de Quebec.

The Carnival’s history dates back to 1894 ,and while much has changed since then, I’m certain the Carnival has only gotten better. This winter event offers endless opportunities to experience this city’s kind people, rich culture and plenty of snow play. Here are a few of my favorite attractions and moments during my visit to this winter wonderland.

1. Bonhomme (meaning: “good man”) is the Carnival’s jolly mascot. You can’t miss this large snowman (minus a carrot nose) adorned in a large red cap, several over-sized buttons running down his front and a ceinture fléchée around his waist. (A ceinture fléchée is colorful arrow sash and is a Carnival tradition.) If you want to be seen with anyone – Bonhomme is the man.

2. Ice slides, ice sculptures, and the Ice Palace - There are some extremely talented ice/snow sculpturists in the world and you will certainly see some of their amazing creations at Quebec’s Winter Carnival. This photo of “stacked cards” was one of my favorites. The Ice Palace is just that, a palace made of ice, and is the location of the Carnival’s kick-off and closing ceremonies. Don’t forget to zoom down one of the several ice slides – that’s right,  slides made of ice (just make sure ski pants are your final layer!).

3. Snow bath – Would you put on your swimsuit, run outside in freezing temperatures then dance and shake your groove thing in front of thousands of spectators? Well, believe it or not, a bunch of people do it every year. If you decide to go for it, watch out for wardrobe malfunctions – remember it’s cold and you may not feel parts of you body slip out of your suit!

4. Snow rafting – The thrill of being pushed down a snow covered hill in a big round yellow raft, spinning uncontrollably is not a memory to soon be forgotten. If fact, I would do it over and over and over again.

5. Caribou - I won’t lie. It’s cold in Quebec during the winter months. But as long as you’re dressed properly (layers, boots, gloves, hat) you shouldn’t have any complaints (and that’s coming from DesertMama). Still, everyone gets to the point when it’s time to warm the insides, and there’s no better way than with a little cup of Caribou. This warm beverage is made of brandy, vodka, sherry and port is found at various Carnival sites and on the streets and it’s only a few dollars. (The original recipe stems from Ti-Père on Ste-Thérèse Street. ) Yum, I could go for a taste right about now.

Night Parade

6. Night Parade. Most of the parades I have been to have been wild, bead-catching adventures, but I have to say, the Carnival night parade (there are two parades during the Carnival Season) was absolutely marvelous. The costumes, dancers and floats were top-of-the line gorgeous. I couldn’t take enough photos.

If you want to see a Mama in action at the Quebec Winter Carnival, check out CajunMama’s video.

Bon Voyage!

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February 19, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Romantic Getaways 

Comments

11 Responses to “Quebec City Winter Carnival: An Experience To Remember”

  1. CajunMama says:
    February 19, 2009 at

    OMG. You look like you had so much fun. Isn’t the Winter Carnival a rocking event? I had a blast on a girlfriend getaway there, but I saw many families and couples having fun too. It is a wonderful event for everyone. Love your pictures!

  2. Authentic Seacoast Resorts says:
    February 19, 2009 at

    Great story on the Quebec Winter Carnival! I’ve never seen Bonhomme look so happy. Thanks for visiting Canada and sharing our wonderful places and events with the world.

  3. MountainMama says:
    February 19, 2009 at

    Okay, after your description and Cajun’s posts and videos it makes me want to go somewhere COLD via plane. Typically, since we live in a cold winter climate, we head to beach/sun/warmth. But this does look like so much fun!

  4. Ida84 says:
    February 19, 2009 at

    Your visit to Quebec sounds wonderful! The pictures are so much fun to look at. I think I felt a shiver go through my body as I read about your trip!

  5. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » How To Avoid Those Pesty Travel Illnesses says:
    February 20, 2009 at

    [...] adult sizes and Small EarPlanes for the little people (ages 1-11). I used them on return trip from Quebec because I was feeling a bit congested and worried I would have some ear pain – they worked [...]

  6. Lanora says:
    February 20, 2009 at

    So, did you participate in the snow bath? How long do people tolerate the exposure? Looks painful to me!

  7. Allyn Evans says:
    February 20, 2009 at

    I’ve seen the ice sculptures on TV and have always wanted to see. The snow bathing…hmmmm, I know I would pass on that one.

    Thanks for introducing me to new places…places I would never think about seeking out. I am building a list!

    Allyn Evans
    allynevans.blogspot.com

  8. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » How To Avoid Those Pesky Travel Illnesses says:
    February 20, 2009 at

    [...] adult sizes and Small EarPlanes for the little people (ages 1-11). I used them on return trip from Quebec because I was feeling a bit congested and worried I would have some ear pain – they worked [...]

  9. Barbara Techel says:
    February 20, 2009 at

    Wow, what a delightful time you had!! I love all your photo’s and sure would love to go to this next year. I have a school in Canada that wants to meet Frankie in the worst way, so this might have to be put on our agenda. :)
    ~Barbara
    http://www.joyfulpaws.com

  10. Prill Boyle says:
    February 22, 2009 at

    My favorite post so far! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this! I’m a snow lover. Nothing would make me happier than snow bathing or snow rafting. Great photos, too!

  11. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » A Night At The Ice Hotel In Quebec, Canada says:
    February 24, 2009 at

    [...] like a chic, swanky, luxury hotel, doesn’t it? Well, the “real” Ice Hotel in  Quebec, Canada, certainly can be described as swanky and the fur pelts on the beds are absolutely chic but luxury [...]

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