The Québec Winter Carnival
New to the winter carnival scene? Get ready to experience something truly extraordinary with the Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec), the ultimate celebration of all things winter! From February 7th – February 16, 2025, Québec Winter Carnival comes alive with 10 days of pure joy, transforming the historic streets into a sparkling playground filled with music, adventure, and enchantment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, this year’s lineup promises something new and unforgettable.
Picture this: dazzling nighttime parades weaving through the snowy streets, awe-inspiring ice sculptures crafted by world-class artists, and adrenaline-fueled canoe races on the icy St. Lawrence River—a unique spectacle that defines Québec’s Winter Carnival hardy spirit. For thrill-seekers, the iconic ice slides. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the famous Bonhomme Carnaval in his icy palace—a magical spot for photos and family fun.
New for 2025, the festival will feature an expanded lineup of live performances, a new immersive light and sound show at the Ice Palace, and even more food kiosks showcasing local Quebecois flavors. From maple taffy on snow to bowls of poutine, you’ll be fueled to explore every corner of this winter wonderland.
Keep in mind that weather can play a role, as last year’s opening events faced delays due to extreme cold. But with the right gear—think insulated snow pants, warm jackets, and waterproof boots—you’ll be ready to embrace the frosty fun. Carnaval de Québec isn’t just a festival; it’s a rite of passage for winter lovers. Bundle up, head outside, and discover why this is the best way to celebrate the season!
Interesting fact: Bonhomme is the official representative of the Québec Winter Carnival. White as snow, wearing a red tuque and arrow sash of heroes of the past, Bonhomme embodies the joie de vivre of Quebecers!

First appearing in 1955 he welcomes you to celebrate the best of winter fun in the capital of the province of Québec – Québec City!

The carnival has different venues. Access to some of the events requires an Effigy pass, while others are free to watch and experience. It is well worth getting a pass so that you can visit the winter castle – home to Bonhomme. Each year there is a new design and theme.
Check out the Québec Winter Carnival Program to plan your trip.
What to do at the Québec Winter Carnival?
Carnival-goers are invited to a range of new activities including an Urban sliding course, a silent disco, six evenings concerts at Bonhomme’s Palace, and the new Kraft Jukebox.
Loto-Québec Zone
Location: Place de l’Assemblee-Nationale
Dates: Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 16
Located just outside of the Old Québec ramparts at the Place de l’Assemblée-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 Québec. The very popular Bistro SAQ and the SAQ ice bar will also be making their return to this lively site.
With a DJ and 6 major musical evenings running throughout the Carnaval at the Loto-Québec Stage, the Boîte à boire La Souche and the brand new Bar de glace , with its ice sleds, will be there to guarantee you a most festive evening! From this location, you also have access to the Comptoir Genco to satisfy your little evening cravings.
DEP Videotron
Location: Parc de la Francophonie
Dates: Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 16
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In two locations the Videotron DEP, located at the Scotia Bank Sculpture Garden, and the Palais de Bonhomme in the Loto-Québec Zone, enjoy the convenience of a depaneur (corner store). Here you will find: hand warmers, lip balm, cell phone rechargers, secure lockers, and more!

Kraft Jukebox
New for 2025, the Kraft Jukebox will feature the Philadelphia Ferris Wheel, Tempo du Rock – Hekatomb Demolition Room, Musi’Quiz Kraft, the Symphonic Disco – KD Ice Instruments, and even Karaoke.
Philadelphia Ferris Wheel
Perched several meters high, it offers you a spectacular view of the city, its snowy landscapes and the excitement of the festivities. Whether you are with family, friends or lovers, the Ferris wheel is the ideal attraction to gain height and savor the unique atmosphere of the Carnival. Make your special request to the DJ, who will be happy to play your song during your gondola ride.
Symphonic Disco – KD Ice Instruments
The Ice Orchestra is an ephemeral, participatory and immersive installation by IQ L’Atelier, an original visual and musical project led by multidisciplinary artist Pascal Bouchard. During these workshops, Carnival-goers will be accompanied by musicians and invited to experience percussive music with them on instruments made entirely of ice.
Scotiabank Ice SculpturesGarden

Location: Place George-V 805 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave
Dates: Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 16
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 Québec Carnival. Don’t miss the Scotiabank Lumiglace sound and light show! For fifteen-minute periods in the evening, let yourself be lulled by a series of sounds, music and songs referencing winter.
Live Snow Sculpture
Prepare to be amazed by the talent of local sculptors who will create magnificent works of snow, on the enchanting site of the Scotiabank Sculpture Garden. Check out the schedule on the Carnaval de Québec website for exact times.
Ice sculpture workshop
12 p.m. to 4 p.m – February 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2025
Come with family or friends to the Ice Sculpture Workshops and discover the world of talented sculptors. During this one-hour workshop, you will learn how to sculpt an entire block of ice, in groups of 2 to 4 people. Register now!
Silent Disco
Building on last year’s success, the silent disco is a dance party where you don wireless headphones that will play our DJ’s music. From 6 pm – 8 pm, grab a set of headphones and enjoy the music, it’s a unique experience to enjoy at Carnaval!
At the Ice Bar in the Scotiabank Sculpture Garden, enjoy a delicious maple taffy at La Bûche Sugar Shack and shopping for other products made from this liquid gold famous around the world.
Chalet La Souche
Join the festivities at Chalet La Souche on February 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, and 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., for festive evenings. Enjoy two distinct activities: beer tastings and the Quiz du péteux de broue.
In addition, a special 71st anniversary Carnival beer, “Salut Bonhomme”, will be available for tasting!
Canoe Race
Location: Pier 19-21
Date: Sunday, February 9
One of the most exciting and interesting events at the Québec Carnival is the Canoe Race. A race over ice on the fridged St. Lawrence River from Québec 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 Québec.
Entertainment at Pier 21:
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Pre-race entertainment by the Canoe Race hosts (with DJ Reck in Lévis and DJ Lucy 7 in Québec City)
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 Québec 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!
Night Parades – Limoilou
Dates: Saturday, February 8 and February 15, 2025
Experience the carnival magic during the Night Parades, where Bonhomme’s 71th birthday will be at the heart of the celebrations!
Limoilou, Saturday, February 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: On 3rd Avenue, from the corner of 1st Street to 18th Street.

There are not one but two Night Parades. 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.
Saturday, February 15 at 7 p.m.
Location: On Grande Allée, from Avenue des Érables to the Palais de Bonhomme (site of the National Assembly on Av. Honoré-Mercier).

Insider’s Tip: The VIP Experience includes: a place in the stands to sit, a Carnival polar 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).
Held on the Grand Allée, 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!
White Night Popunderwear Pajama Party
February 15-16, 2025, from 10 pm to 7 am (No entry after 11 pm.)
Location: Québec Garrison Circle
Get ready for the Nuit Blanche (All-nighter) carnavalesque presented by Popunderwear, an unforgettable activity at the Cercle de la Garnison de Québec! This is a paid event and participants must be 18+.
You will find there:
- Gifts and Surprises: Many gifts and surprises await you throughout the night. Stay tuned so you don’t miss anything!
- Continuous Disco: Dance the night away with DJ Bagel and his special guests in a space sponsored by Solotech. Let yourself be carried away by the wild rhythms and the electrifying atmosphere!
- Video Game Lounge: Dive into the world of video games with Ubisoft. Challenge your friends in a space dedicated to video game lovers.
- Board Games for Adults: Explore Gladius’ exclusive collection and enjoy moments of laughter and fun around board games for 18 and over!
- Winter Midnight Swim: For the bravest, bring your swimsuit and dare to take a refreshing dip under the stars for a unique and invigorating experience!
- Morning Yoga: End the night gently with a morning yoga session to recharge after a night of partying.
- Photo spaces: Immortalize your memories in our themed photo spaces and leave with fun photos.
Rappelling down the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
February 8 and 9, 2025
Exclusively with the Québec Winter Carnival, enjoy the unique experience of climbing to the top of the Fairmont Château Frontenac and rappelling 160 feet, facing the immensity of the St. Lawrence River. Reserve your place among the available time slots between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., for both days of the event.
Traditional Dufferin Terrace Slides

In addition, don’t miss the traditional toboggan on the 1884 slide on Dufferin Terrace and the ice rink at Place d’Youville. If you need to warm up head over to the Starbucks located at the Fairmont Château Frontenac, a short walk from the slide.
St. Hubert Snow Bath
Location: Fontaine de Tourny, Place de l’Assemblée nationale
Date: Sunday, Febrary 16, 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! Bathrobes provided by Strom Spa. This is an event you must sign up for and only has 60 spots available. Registration closes on February 9, 2025.
Instagram – Your Photo with Bonhomme
The international ambassador of fun, Bonhomme is an iconic representation of all things Carnival in Québec City.

Meet Bonhomme Carnaval and take the opportunity to immortalize this magical moment! Don’t miss this opportunity to take a photo and leave with a warm souvenir of the Carnival.
Bonhomme Photo Opp. at the Scotiabank Sculpture Garden
Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 February 2025
12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. (except Sunday 9 February)
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (except Sunday 16 February)
4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Other Events in the Quebec Region
Carnival coincides with other events in the Québec region and is worth consideration in your travel planning. From Wendake to Saint Apollinaire, through the Île 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.
Défi Lotbinière Grizzly Diète Challenge
Location: 70 rue des vignes, Saint-Apollinaire, QC
Dates: 1st stage: February 8-9 in the municipality of Sainte-Croix De Lotbinière
Final stage: February 15-16 in the municipality of St-Apollinaire
Come and watch the largest dog sled race in Eastern North America with more than 200 teams of mushers and more than 1,200 canine athletes from all over Québec, Canada and the United States. Several activities for the whole family await you on site to give you the ultimate experience of the Sprint category dog sled race.
Food trucks, kiosks and even a giant inflatable igloo on site await you to celebrate in a unique, festive and above all unforgettable atmosphere.
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. 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 it was constructed.
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.
Accommodations
Here are my suggestions of where to stay in Quebec City:
- Le Germain Hotel – A Frosty Festival and a Warm Welcome: Stay at Le Germain Hotel during the Carnaval de Québec
- Le Monastère des Augustines – A Cloister turned Boutique Hotel in Québec City
More about Quebec #ontheblog

- What to do at the Quebec Winter Carnival
- From Working Farms to Futuristic Pods in the Woods: Your Guide to Where to Stay in Quebec
- Contemporary Art and an Inuit Gallery at the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
- Day Trips from Quebec City – Montmorency Falls Park – Stunning, Spectacular
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.