Le Carnaval de Quebec
January 27–February 12, 2012
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With no dearth of inspiration for celebrating their glorious (though certainly not mild) winters, Les Quebecoises go all out for their Carnaval (carnaval.qc.ca). Dating back to 1894, the Carnaval de Quebec – or Quebec Winter Carnival – puts on a pageant of winter wonderment that includes skiing, dog sledding, canoe racing and sleigh racing during the day. In the evenings, attendees are invited to stroll around vieux Quebec and view the shimmering snow sculptures on display, including a full-sized ice palace.
As the evening approaches, you can make your way through the snowy streets drinking your fill of Caribou – red wine, brandy, vodka, sherry, port and maple syrup – while you peruse the kaleidoscope of goods that vendors have on offer. Once time has sailed twilight into a sheet of black, night sky, shiny enough to mirror the falling snow, everyone assembles for the Carnaval’s boisterous night parade. No matter where you are throughout all of the festivities, the Carnaval’s jolly ambassador, Bonhomme (short for bonhomme de neige), can be found zipping around the old city, accompanied by his mischievous little knights, the Knuks.
Check out Cheapflights Canada’s Hotel Picks in Quebec City that put you near all the action for Carnaval de Quebec:
- Hotel de Glace
- Hotel des Coutellier
- Hotel Priori
- Le Capitole Hotel
- Hôtel le Saint Paul
- Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Search and compare:cheap flights to Quebec City