What to do & What’s New at the Quebec Winter Carnival 2023

Planning

This year’s Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Quebec) will run from February 4th – 13, 2023. The start date was delayed due to extreme weather warning. This should come as not surprise to anyone living in the Great White North but organizers are being cautious and it is justified. Trust me, I’ve been in Quebec City when it was -25 C and it was not pretty but you just have to dress for the weather.

Fortunately, the weather did not dissuade co-hosts of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna from snowshoeing, toboganning or visiting Bonhome Carnaval in the ice castle! Don’t let the cold weather keep you from having some of the most fun possible during a winter carnival. Thousands will visit to take part in visiting the ice castle, watching night parades, admiring snow and ice sculptures. This year, they will forgo the swim and snow bath but hopefully will still have the taditional canoe races.

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Intriguing Whale Watching Online in Quebec Maritime – #ArmchairTraveler

Online Whale Watching in Quebec Maritime Photo credit Marc Loiselle QM @Downshifting PRO Final

We find ourselves in trying times but that should not keep you from becoming an armchair traveler. Why not do some whale watching online? You can see some of the most beautiful whales in the St. Lawrence Seaway online with the help of the GREMM Project and their Whales Online website. Having been to Quebec Maritime multiple times, knowing summer is prime time for whale watching in Quebec, I was pleased to see you can still visit the region online. I found this series of 21 short whale videos along The Whale Route on the Côte-Nord (North Shore) of Quebec.

One of the most thrilling experiences I had in Quebec Maritime was going whale watching. I have an extensive guide on what you need to know when searching out these majestic mammals. Whether you see them from the deck of an excursion ship, a sea kayak or approach cautiously on a zodiac (pontoon boat), there are plenty of ways ways to learn more about whale watching in Quebec.

Minke whale watching from the shore, in the Tadoussac sector : Marc Loiselle / Quebec Maritime
Minke whale watching from the shore, in the Tadoussac sector :
Photo Credit: Marc Loiselle / Quebec Maritime

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Ultimate Guide to the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Jet Ski and Parasailing tours are available in Gulf Shores Orange Beach Alabama DownshiftingPRO
Ultimate Guide to Gulf Shores Alabama
The Ultimate Guide to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

UPDATE TO THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE GULF SHORES & ORANGE BEACH: I recently returned to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and wanted to update the activities which were available on your next visit to the area.

Although a well-established family vacation spot, you can also do a lot of fun and challenging things here as a couple or a girl’s getaway. During this visit, we were able to challenge ourselves by ziplining, making fragrant body products as well as created our own jewelry. We also decided to do a bit of shopping which included purchasing bras so we could add them to the collection hanging from the rafters at Flora-Bama. Clearly, you’ll need to read more to see what that is all about!

All new updates will be in BLUE! I know these additions will be helpful in planning your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Alabama.

 

Ultimate Guide to attractions in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama.

When you think of the Gulf of Mexico, you are more likely to think of a stay in Florida, Texas or Mexico but there are hidden gems that are family-friendly and waiting for you to discover.  If you want to go where the sunshine is bright and the seafood is outstanding, there is no better place than the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama.  Although the shoreline is only 32 miles long, it is some of the softest sand you have ever walked on. I kid you not, it reminds me of icing sugar (it is that fine). This area is very compact but has much to offer. Here is an ultimate guide to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

FC Barcelona Camp Nou Visiting the ICONIC home of Spain’s Champion’s Cup Winner – #CampNouExperience #TBEX

FC Barcelona Camp Nou @DownshiftingPRO

FC Barcelona Camp Nou

If you are a soccer (football) fan, does it get any better than a visit to FC Barcelona Camp Nou? A few years back I spent the day in one of the most iconic soccer stadiums in the world.  If you are a futbol/football/soccer fan you know all about legendary FC Barcelona.  Home of Messi and his Golden Boots and two time Golden Ball awards for the best player in the World Cup. This football club is legendary and has won… a lot. I have to admit a visit to Camp Nou was great but the highlight for me was seeing the UEFA Champions League Cup.

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