10 Jan Quebec City Winter Carnaval 2016
Quebec City Winter Carnaval 2016
Every winter, we Quebecers embrace the snow and all of winter’s activities with the celebration of Winter Carnaval. This really is a fantastic event for friends, couples and families alike. This year’s commencement comes in with a first: The Winter Symphony, the first symphony concert at the Videotron Centre. Just completed in 2015, the Videotron Centre has featured many music greats and this Winter Carnaval the Quebec Symphony Orchestra will start the festivities alongside Louis-Jean Cormier and his band.
Carnaval Activities
Across the street from the Hôtel Manoir d’Auteuil, preparations have already begun with the construction of the Bonnehomme’s official residence: The Ice Castle. Brick by brick, workers build the castle which will be completed by the 28th of January. Each year, the magestic ice castle changes as the architects design a new castle for our famous snowman. The castle will stand just until the 15th of February, when those same workers will take the magical residence apart. This is a great activity for adults and children alike. The site does require a Carnaval Pass or Effigy for all above the age of 8. Entertainment abounds at the castle, with not only a visit from the Bonnehomme himself, but with music as well, and of course, some locals carving their snow sculptures around the site.
This year, the Winter Carnaval has over 200 events and activites. I highly recommend clicking here to see all of the activites and happenings during the 2016 festivities. The annual canoe race and night parade are two of my favorites, as well as my kid’s. Do not forget the annual international snow carving competition. World class competitors from all over the world have been coming to compete in Quebec City for 44 years in this event. For children, the best spot to be is on the Planes of Abraham: The ice slides, games and of course the big tubing trails promise to thrill.
Without a doubt, the annual parade is absolutely one of the highlights for this Quebec City event. The first night parade takes place in Charlebourg, a short drive from the Old City. This occurs on the 6th of February, with the closing night parade on the 13th of February. I always recommend coming for the second weekend over the third weekend, only because the events are not as crowded. If you really want to avoid the lines, come during the opening weekend or during the week, especially if travelling with children. This year President’s weekend falls on the last weekend of Carnaval in the United States, so expect a big turnout!
Quebec City really is a winter wonderland, so stay a little longer, take in the Winter Carnaval, and then stay and try some Canyoning, or Dog Sledding and Skiing nearby. This year has been quite a mild year temperature wise, but we still have lots of snow and it feels a little like springtime! A great winter to celebrate! Joyeux Carnaval!
