What to do at the Quebec Carnival in 2024

The Quebec Winter Carnival

New to the winter carnival scene? Well, if you’re going to dive in, make it epic with the Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) – an absolute must-experience winter festival that lights up Quebec City from late January to mid-February. Imagine 18 days of pure magic, where the cityscape transforms into a winter wonderland, buzzing with concerts, chilling canoe races, thrilling sledding adventures, breathtaking ice sculptures, and a sparkly display of lights. Let’s not forget the nighttime parades that add a touch of enchantment, captivating everyone from the little ones to the young at heart.

This year’s Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) is gearing up for an unforgettable run, featuring over 90 official and auxiliary events from January 25 to February 11, 2024. Keep in mind, last year’s kickoff faced a slight delay due to extreme cold weather – a reminder that we’re in the heart of the Great White North. Given that, most of the festival unfolds outdoors, organizers keep a close eye on the forecast. So, gear up with your coziest snow jackets, reliable snow pants, and sturdy winter boots – because when you’re dressed for the occasion, there’s no denying it’s the best winter adventure you absolutely can’t miss.

It is a ton of fun as you can see from last year’s visit from NBC’s Today hosts Hoda and Jenna trip to the Quebec Carnival. They went tobogganing, snowshoeing and visited the Bonhomme 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.

What to do at the Quebec Winter Carnival?

Carnival-goers are invited to a range of new activities including an Urban sliding course, a silent disco, aquafit in a ball-pit swimming pool under an igloo, five evenings at Bonhomme’s Palace, and the all-new Videotron Bonhomme’s Campground!

Loto Quebec Zone

Location: Place de l’Assemblee-Nationale
Dates: Friday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 11

Located just outside of the Old Quebec ramparts at the Place de l’Assemblee-Nationale, the Loto-Québec Zone will once again welcome the Palais de Bonhomme which, as a major novelty, will offer a festive terrace with a breathtaking view of Quebec to the Carnival. Time will be at the heart of the theme as visitors will travel through past decades and Bonhomme’s life through the different rooms of the Palace. The very popular Bistro SAQ and the ice bar Spiritueux Ungava will also be back on this festive site. Several fun activities will also be offered every day.

Videotron Bonhomme’s Campsite

Location: Parc de la Francophonie
Dates: Friday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 11

Bonhomme had so much fun at his campsite last year that he wanted to do it again! So, Camping de Bonhomme Vidéotron is back at Parc de la Francophonie with a flurry of activities for the whole family and several new features! There, Bonhomme’s dream of winter camping with carnival-goers will become a reality!

During the day, the Videotron stage will offer circus/clown performances, entertainment, children’s shows and more. In the evening, the atmosphere is festive during the festive 5 to 7, with singers, karaoke performances and thematic shows (90s-2000s, mustache competition, “Glamping” drag show, etc.)

Returning are the popular Silent Disco nights. The silent disco consists of a dance party during which you will wear wireless headphones which will broadcast the music of DJ DVNSKI. This is a unique experience to enjoy during Carnival: meet at the Bonhomme Vidéotron Camping!

From Friday, February 2 to Saturday, February 3, and February 9 to Saturday, February 10,
6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

From Sunday, February 4 to Thursday, February 8 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Night Parades – Limoilou

Location: On 3rd Avenue, from the corner of 1st Street to the corner of 18th Street. 
Dates: Saturday, February 3 and February 10, 2024

Experience the carnival magic during the Night Parades, where Bonhomme’s 70th birthday will be at the heart of the celebrations!

There are not one but two Night Parades starting at 5:30 pm.  The two parades will each have a distinct route, one in Upper Town and one in Lower Town. More than 300 artists, dancers and musicians will perform during these two major events.

Insider’s Tip: The Privilege Experience includes: a place in the stands, a Carnival fleece blanket, as well as free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks until the Parade passes. Get the VIP pass for seats in the bleachers (Next to the National Assembly, on Grande-Allée, via Honoré-Mercier or des Parlementaires Street). Access is at 7:15 with the parade coming by from 8:15-9:00 pm Feb. 10)

Held on the Grand Allee, you can walk around and see the different stations.  This year there will be different stations where a variety of performers will entertain and D.J. will also be playing some tunes.  If you wear your Effigy (plastic pass of Bonhomme) you get a few bonuses including a cup of hot chocolate!

Bonhomme Masked Ball

Location: Fairmont Château Frontenac, 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC
Date: Saturday, January 27th, 8 pm

Treat yourself to this special event held at the historic Fairmont Château Frontenac– the Bonhomme Masked Ball is an eccentric evening event, let yourself be transported to a strange world with a hint of the supernatural. This immersive experience will feature fascinating decorations, illusions, music and poetry. Masked participants will enjoy innovative entertainment, unusual performances and culinary delights. This reception breaks from the conventions of the Masked Ball by offering a new level of extravagance and folly!

Cité de Glide!

Location: Côte de la Pente-douce, Rue de la Promenade des sisters and Côte Ross
Date: Thursday, January 25 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 26 and Saturday 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From January 25 to 28, the Carnival will take over three popular slopes in Quebec City, allowing you to slide in a unique way. Free activities will be available at the bottom of each slope! To recap:

↠ The Côte De la Pente-douce will be dedicated to sliding on snow carpets (crazy carpets) and saucers;
↠ At Côte Ross, you will be invited to slide on inner tubes;
↠ Promenade-des-Sœurs Street will offer an urban sliding experience with rafting and cyclones

Traditional Dufferin Terrace Slides

In addition, don’t miss Swing & Glide, a festive event bringing together the 1884 slide on the Dufferin Terrace and the ice rink at Place d’Youville. Throughout the event, DJs will take turns to make you dance near the skiing sites: traditional music, disco, funk and swing will punctuate the free family entertainment. 

Canoe Race

Location: Pier 19-21
Date: Sunday, February 4

One of the most exciting and interesting events at the Quebec Carnival is the Canoe Race. A race over ice and fridged St. Lawrence River from Quebec City across the water to Quai Paquet, in Lévis. You are invited to attend it free of charge on Piers 19 and 21 of the Port of Quebec.

Entertainment at Pier 21:  
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Pre-race entertainment by the Canoe Race hosts  
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Departure of the Canoe Race 
3:15 p.m. – Awarding of prizes

Insider’s Tip: The Privilege Experience gets you a ringside seat to the races. The Privilege Experience includes: a seat on the North Shore ferry docked in Quebec and its decks (heated and unheated), an open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks), with music and a festive atmosphere on board the ferry. This a unique opportunity to see the athletes up close and discover this winter sport in all its splendour! 

Scotiabank Ice SculpturesGarden

 Location: Place George-V 805 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave
Dates: Friday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 11

Always a favourite, the Scotiabank Ice Sculpture Garden is back. There will be a giant ice dome, plus snow and ice sculptures at Place George-V, discover this magical space where artisan sculptors will bring to life, before your eyes, works inspired by the most beautiful traditions in the history of the Quebec Carnival.

At the Ice Bar in the Scotiabank Sculpture Garden enjoy a delicious maple taffy at La Bûche Sugar Shack, in addition to shop for other products made from this liquid gold.

St. Hubert Snow Bath

Location: Fontaine de Tourny, Place de l’Assemblée nationale
Date: Sunday, Febrary 11, 2 pm

Similar to a Polar Swim, but not in water, the St. Hubert Snow bath permits you to roll around in the snow – just for fun! This is another paid but truly unique activity, put on your tuque (beanie), and your swimsuit, and come take part in this rather… sensational experience! Each participant will receive a $50 gift card for Strom Spa. Additionally, a winter therapy space will be available for everyone! Registrations end on January 28, 2024.

Participants must comply with rigorous safety standards. The event starts with a mandatory intensive warmup session lasting 30 to 45 minutes. This is followed by a first outing to the Snow Bath of 2 to 4 minutes, in small groups. Each group goes back inside to warm up and dry off. The second outing (still in small groups) will last 4 to 6 minutes. The duration of the outings will depend on the temperature on the day of the event. After the second outing, everyone must go back in to warm up and dry off, except the final group, who must stay outdoors until the end of the St-Hubert Snow Bath. For the third and final outing, all the bathers will join the final group from the second outing, for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes.

Mr. Christie Flip-Flop & Down Jacket Site

Location: Plateau Espace Quatre Cents – 100 Corridor du Littoral, Québec, QC
Dates: Friday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 11

To celebrate his 70th birthday, Bonhomme decided to take his Carnival people to enjoy his heavenly beach in the south. And when Bonhomme says “in the south”, he really means all the way to the “south”! Welcome to Bonhomme’s brand new winter beach, where water slides are replaced by inner tube slides on the Blizz Slide, and where a 45-foot ice climbing bear will be erected!

• Ice Climbing Bear – This imposing structure, almost 45 feet high and wide, is a true symbol of the gougoune & doudoune (flip-flop & down jacket) Mr. Christie site. It offers extreme sports enthusiasts two legs intended for ice climbing as well as a via ferrata installed on the bear’s back. Younger children will also be able to enjoy traditional climbing routes. 
  
• Tiki Bar – A Tiki Bar under a geodesic dome offers Carnival-goers the opportunity to enjoy cocktails designed especially for the occasion. A guest bartender will warm up the evenings at the Tiki bar with impressive tricks (fire juggling, levitating can, etc.).

• The Piste of three electric skis – This track will offer the pleasure of winter sports, in a three-electric ski formula. Carnival goers will have to avoid various obstacles throughout the activity, sure to promise an extraordinary experience!

• Lively tasting – The giant Barbecue Le Braisé, developed in collaboration with Grand Chef Daniel Vézina, will be the scene of culinary demonstrations by chefs Vincent Chatigny (Biceps BBQ), Raphaël Vézina (Laurie Raphaël), Frédéric Cyr (Fairmont Le Château Frontenac) and Raphaël Théberge ( Kundah Hotel), who will offer you appetizers to end their activities. The ideal opportunity to settle into a relaxation area allowing you to relax while tasting delicious local products.

• Blizz Slide – An inner tube slide with a length of 150 feet and a height of more than 25 feet, the Blizz slide will be a must-see.

• Ball pit – A ball pool (which transforms into a mobile discotheque in the evening) will be installed

Instagram Your Photo with Bonhomme

The international ambassador of fun, Bonhomme is an iconic representation of all things Carnival in Quebec City.

Other Events in the Quebec Region

Carnival coincides with other events in the Quebec region and is worth consideration in your travel planning. From Wendake to Saint Apollinaire, through the Ile d’Orleans, the activities are multiplying and there is something for everyone.

Onhwa’ Luminai

Location: 110 Rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake, QC
Dates: All winter long

Seek out Onhwa’ Luminai In Wendake, 20 minutes from Old Quebec City, and discover an enchanted journey celebrating the life and values ​​of the great Huron-Wendat Nation. Developed by the world-renowned Moment Factory and the Huron-Wendat Nation this 1.2 km outdoor trail is an immersive multimedia experience with laser lights, sound and video projections to illustrate the story of the Huron-Wendat. Under the starry sky, soak up the ancestral rhythms and songs. Enter the Great Circle and feel your connection with all living beings. 

Onhwa’ Lumina was developed in collaboration with artists, musicians, historians, editors and members of the Nation. It draws on the rich Huron-Wendat cultural and artistic heritage to explore the themes of life cycles, the transfer of knowledge, and what connects living beings to each other.

Different stations, like the traditional longhouse, the Great Circle and stars and the future generations that are coming. Lasting approximately one hour, you can then warm up by the cozy fire at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations (The First Nations Hotel and Museum). Enjoy a drink with a side of a delicious assortment of homemade boreal-flavored nuts.

Lotbiniere Grizzly Diet Challenge

Location: 70 rue des vignes, Saint-Apollinaire, QC
Dates: February 10 & 11, 2024

The Lotbinière Grizzly Diet Challenge is the largest sprint category sled dog race in eastern North America. More than 200 teams of professional mushers from Quebec, Canada and even the United States, accompanied by more than 1,200 canine athletes, will compete for the absolute title and a purse totaling more than $30,000. 

On site, a ton of free activities for the whole family and a unique show in a magical winter setting. Come live the ultimate dog sled racing experience, you will be amazed!

Winter Terrace at the Microbrasserie de L’Île d’Orléans

Location: Île d’Orléans Microbrewery
Dates: January 26-28, February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11

There is the Polar Plunge at the Port of Quebec, hot chocolate & cookies at the Aquarium de Quebec, tasting-menus at restaurants in the Grande Allee, There is also a Carnival Market where you can pick up some local souvenirs!

Visit the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) – Village Valcartier

The only Ice Hotel in America the Hôtel de Glace is reincarnated with a new theme every winter to amaze you. The 2024 there is Historic Timeline. A winter wonderland greets you as you enter the Great Hall. Let yourself be seduced by themed rooms and suites decorated with majestic sculptures. Below is a video of my visit in 2018 – with details about how its constructed and theme.

Do not miss the beautifully decorated chapel, where people from all over the world come to get married in magical splendour. To add a touch of warmth to your visit, top it off with a cocktail served in a glass of ice.

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