10 Reasons to Check Out the Québec Winter Carnival in 2024

Bonhomme Carnaval is the king of the Carnival, and every king needs a castle. Bonhomme’s castle will be more impressive than ever for the Carnival’s 70^th anniversary, and will even have a second storey! Open February 2 to 11, the castle is different every year.

The Ungava Spirits Ice Bar will be serving up a very special treat: the Carnival Hot Toddy. The SAQ Bistro will be everyone’s favourite spot to warm up. Hot tip: Bonhomme swings by there several times a day, so bistro patrons are very likely to meet him!

Every year, the night parades light up the eyes of children and adults alike. Bonhomme, the floats, and the 300+ dancers, acrobats, artists, and musicians get people dancing in the streets! The parades will take place on February 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lower Town and on February 10 at 7 p.m. in the Upper Town.

Festivalgoers can book in advance to enjoy a special VIP experience with a reserved seat in the stands, a polar blanket, and drink service to help them stay nice and warm!

Teams of paddlers will brave the icy St. Lawrence River on February 4 for the great ice canoe race, sponsored by the Government of Québec. Get a front-row seat to the action with a VIP experience aboard the Québec-Lévis ferry and watch the winning team best their opponents as they paddle across the finish line.

Who can resist the beauty of a sculpture carved in ice and snow? Some forty of these stunning works of art will be on display at the Scotiabank Sculpture Garden from February 2 to 11, as will one of the biggest ice domes ever built!  

On February 11, the bravest winter revellers will get out of their snowsuits and into their swimsuits for the traditional St-Hubert Snow Bath, a very cool event where people go swimming in the snow.

The whole city comes alive for all of Carnival, but gets especially groovy during the six nights of shows on the Loto-Québec stage. Join the crowd under the big dome for these special musical events on February 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

On January 25, we’ll be attending the opening concert at Place Jean-Béliveau. Bonhomme’s Ball at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac also takes place during opening Carnival weekend. The masked winter ball features multiple performers and promises to be quite the affair! (Reservations required.)

During Carnival, Parc de la Francophonie turns into a giant outdoor playground. From February 2 to 11, visitors to Bonhomme’s Videotron Campground will get to dance in a silent nightclub, go flying through the air on a zipline, hang out at the La Souche chalet, play party games, go sledding on small ice slides, and see shows.

Carnival makes the most of Québec City’s steep hills by bringing sledding to the streets. From January 25 to 28, Côte de la Pente-Douce will be closed to cars and open to crazy carpets and snow saucers. Côte Ross will be reserved for snow tubes, while Rue de la Promenade-des-Sœurs will be the place to go snow rafting. 

Place Jean-Béliveau will host the Kraft Heinz Ice Cross from January 25 to February 18. The introductory Ice Cross course will be open to all, and there will be instructors on hand for beginners. There will also be jumps for sledding and snowskating around the site.

Bonhomme also likes his fun in the sun, as long as it’s on a frozen beach! From February 2 to 11, visitors to the Old Port can play, slide, eat at the giant Le Braisé BBQ, try ice climbing or a via ferrata on a 45-foot-high polar bear and complete an obstacle course on an electric snowracer.

Many restaurants will have special Carnival dishes on the menu from January 25 to February 11. The theme: decadent, gourmet comfort food to warm up revellers.

Book Today!
 

Feeling the Carnival vibe? The Carnival Effigy, or pass, is only $30 + tax. Check out the full program to find out what’s in store and book your stay accordingly!

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