What to do on the Québec Carnival in 2025 ~ DownshiftingPRO
The Québec Winter Carnival
New to the winter carnival scene? Get able to expertise one thing actually extraordinary with the Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec), the final word celebration of all issues winter! From February seventh – February 16, 2025, Québec Winter Carnival comes alive with 10 days of pure pleasure, reworking the historic streets right into a glowing playground crammed with music, journey, and enchantment. Whether or not you’re a first-timer or a returning customer, this 12 months’s lineup guarantees one thing new and unforgettable.
Image this: dazzling nighttime parades weaving by means of the snowy streets, awe-inspiring ice sculptures crafted by world-class artists, and adrenaline-fueled canoe races on the icy St. Lawrence River—a novel spectacle that defines Québec’s Winter Carnival hardy spirit. For thrill-seekers, the enduring ice slides. And don’t overlook to pay a go to to the well-known Bonhomme Carnaval in his icy palace—a magical spot for images and household enjoyable.
New for 2025, the pageant will characteristic an expanded lineup of dwell performances, a brand new immersive gentle and sound present on the Ice Palace, and much more meals kiosks showcasing native Quebecois flavors. From maple taffy on snow to bowls of poutine, you’ll be fueled to discover each nook of this winter wonderland.
Remember the fact that climate can play a job, as final 12 months’s opening occasions confronted delays on account of excessive chilly. However with the suitable gear—assume insulated snow pants, heat jackets, and waterproof boots—you’ll be able to embrace the frosty enjoyable. Carnaval de Québec isn’t only a pageant; it’s a ceremony of passage for winter lovers. Bundle up, head outdoors, and uncover why that is one of the simplest ways to have a good time the season!
Fascinating truth: Bonhomme is the official consultant of the Québec Winter Carnival. White as snow, carrying a purple tuque and arrow sash of heroes of the previous, Bonhomme embodies the joie de vivre of Quebecers!
First showing in 1955 he welcomes you to have a good time the most effective of winter enjoyable within the capital of the province of Québec – Québec Metropolis!
The carnival has completely different venues. Entry to among the occasions requires an Effigy cross, whereas others are free to look at and expertise. It’s nicely value getting a cross in an effort to go to the winter fort – house to Bonhomme. Every year there’s a new design and theme.
Try the Québec Winter Carnival Program to plan your journey.
What to do on the Québec Winter Carnival?
Carnival-goers are invited to a variety of recent actions together with an City sliding course, a silent disco, six evenings concert events at Bonhomme’s Palace, and the brand new Kraft Jukebox.
Loto-Québec Zone
Location: Place de l’Assemblee-Nationale
Dates: Friday, February seventh to Sunday, February 16
Situated simply outdoors of the Previous Québec ramparts on the Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale, the Loto-Québec Zone will as soon as once more welcome the Palais de Bonhomme which, as a serious novelty, will provide a festive terrace with a wide ranging view of Québec. The very talked-about Bistro SAQ and the SAQ ice bar may also be making their return to this energetic website.
With a DJ and 6 main musical evenings operating all through the Carnaval on the Loto-Québec Stage, the Boîte à boire La Souche and the model new Bar de glace , with its ice sleds, might be there to ensure you a most festive night! From this location, you even have entry to the Comptoir Genco to fulfill your little night cravings.
DEP Videotron
Location: Parc de la Francophonie
Dates: Friday, February seventh to Sunday, February 16
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In two areas the Videotron DEP, positioned on the Scotia Financial institution Sculpture Backyard, and the Palais de Bonhomme within the Loto-Québec Zone, benefit from the comfort of a depaneur (nook retailer). Right here you can find: hand heaters, lip balm, cellphone rechargers, safe lockers, and extra!
Kraft Jukebox
New for 2025, the Kraft Jukebox will characteristic the Philadelphia Ferris Wheel, Tempo du Rock – Hekatomb Demolition Room, Musi’Quiz Kraft, the Symphonic Disco – KD Ice Devices, and even Karaoke.
Philadelphia Ferris Wheel
Perched a number of meters excessive, it presents you a spectacular view of the town, its snowy landscapes and the joy of the festivities. Whether or not you’re with household, pals or lovers, the Ferris wheel is the best attraction to achieve top and savor the distinctive ambiance of the Carnival. Make your particular request to the DJ, who might be glad to play your music throughout your gondola trip.
Symphonic Disco – KD Ice Devices
The Ice Orchestra is an ephemeral, participatory and immersive set up by IQ L’Atelier, an unique visible and musical mission led by multidisciplinary artist Pascal Bouchard. Throughout these workshops, Carnival-goers might be accompanied by musicians and invited to expertise percussive music with them on devices made fully of ice.
Scotiabank Ice SculpturesGarden
Location: Place George-V 805 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave
Dates: Friday, February seventh to Sunday, February 16
All the time a favorite, the Scotiabank Ice Sculpture Backyard is again. There might be a large ice dome, plus snow and ice sculptures at Place George-V, uncover this magical area the place artisan sculptors will deliver to life, earlier than your eyes, works impressed by probably the most stunning traditions within the historical past of the Québec Carnival. Don’t miss the Scotiabank Lumiglace sound and light-weight present! For fifteen-minute intervals within the night, let your self be lulled by a collection of sounds, music and songs referencing winter.
Stay Snow Sculpture
Put together to be amazed by the expertise of native sculptors who will create magnificent works of snow, on the enchanting website of the Scotiabank Sculpture Backyard. Try the schedule on the Carnaval de Québec web site for precise occasions.
Ice sculpture workshop
12 p.m. to 4 p.m – February 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2025
Include household or pals to the Ice Sculpture Workshops and uncover the world of gifted sculptors. Throughout this one-hour workshop, you’ll discover ways to sculpt a whole block of ice, in teams of two to 4 folks. Register now!
Silent Disco
Constructing on final 12 months’s success, the silent disco is a dance social gathering the place you don wi-fi headphones that may play our DJ’s music. From 6 pm – 8 pm, seize a set of headphones and benefit from the music, it’s a novel expertise to take pleasure in at Carnaval!
On the Ice Bar within the Scotiabank Sculpture Backyard, take pleasure in a scrumptious maple taffy at La Bûche Sugar Shack and looking for different merchandise created from this liquid gold well-known world wide.
Chalet La Souche
Be a part of 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. Get pleasure from two distinct actions: beer tastings and the Quiz du péteux de broue.
As well as, a particular 71st anniversary Carnival beer, “Salut Bonhomme”, might be obtainable for tasting!
Canoe Race
Location: Pier 19-21
Date: Sunday, February 9
One of the crucial thrilling and attention-grabbing occasions on the Québec Carnival is the Canoe Race. A race over ice on the fridged St. Lawrence River from Québec Metropolis throughout the water to Quai Paquet, in Lévis. You’re invited to attend it freed from cost on Piers 19 and 21 of the Port of Québec.
Leisure at Pier 21:
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Pre-race leisure by the Canoe Race hosts (with DJ Reck in Lévis and DJ Lucy 7 in Québec Metropolis)
1:00 p.m. to three:00 p.m. – Departure of the Canoe Race
3:15 p.m. – Awarding of prizes
Insider’s Tip: The Privilege Expertise will get you a ringside seat to the races. The Privilege Expertise contains: 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 ambiance on board the ferry. This a novel alternative to see the athletes up shut and uncover this winter sport in all its splendour!
Night time Parades – Limoilou
Dates: Saturday, February 8 and February 15, 2025
Expertise the carnival magic in the course of the Night time Parades, the place Bonhomme’s 71th birthday might be on the coronary heart of the celebrations!
Limoilou, Saturday, February 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: On third Avenue, from the nook of 1st Avenue to 18th Avenue.
There should not one however two Night time Parades. The 2 parades will every have a definite route, one in Higher City and one in Decrease City. Greater than 300 artists, dancers and musicians will carry out throughout these two main occasions.
Saturday, February 15 at 7 p.m.
Location: On Grande Allée, from Avenue des Érables to the Palais de Bonhomme (website of the Nationwide Meeting on Av. Honoré-Mercier).
Insider’s Tip: The VIP Expertise contains: a spot within the stands to take a seat, a Carnival polar fleece blanket, in addition to free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks till the Parade passes. Get the VIP cross for seats within the bleachers (Subsequent to the Nationwide Meeting, on Grande-Allée, by way of Honoré-Mercier or des Parlementaires Avenue).
Held on the Grand Allée, you’ll be able to stroll round and see the completely different stations. This 12 months there might be completely different stations the place quite a lot of performers will entertain and D.J. may also be taking part in some tunes. In the event you put on your Effigy (plastic cross of Bonhomme) you get a number of bonuses together with a cup of sizzling chocolate!
White Night time Popunderwear Pajama Get together
February 15-16, 2025, from 10 pm to 7 am (No entry after 11 pm.)
Location: Québec Garrison Circle
Prepare for the Nuit Blanche (All-nighter) carnavalesque offered by Popunderwear, an unforgettable exercise on the Cercle de la Garnison de Québec! It is a paid occasion and members have to be 18+.
You will see there:
- Presents and Surprises: Many presents and surprises await you all through the night time. Keep tuned so that you don’t miss something!
- Steady Disco: Dance the night time away with DJ Bagel and his particular friends in an area sponsored by Solotech. Let your self be carried away by the wild rhythms and the electrifying ambiance!
- Video Sport Lounge: Dive into the world of video video games with Ubisoft. Problem your pals in an area devoted to online game lovers.
- Board Video games for Adults: Discover Gladius’ unique assortment and revel in moments of laughter and enjoyable round board video games for 18 and over!
- Winter Midnight Swim: For the bravest, deliver your swimsuit and dare to take a refreshing dip beneath the celebrities for a novel and invigorating expertise!
- Morning Yoga: Finish the night time gently with a morning yoga session to recharge after an evening of partying.
- Picture areas: Immortalize your reminiscences in our themed photograph areas and depart with enjoyable images.
Rappelling down the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
February 8 and 9, 2025
Solely with the Québec Winter Carnival, benefit from the distinctive expertise of climbing to the highest of the Fairmont Château Frontenac and rappelling 160 ft, going through the immensity of the St. Lawrence River. Reserve your home among the many obtainable time slots between 10 a.m. and three:30 p.m., for each days of the occasion.
Conventional Dufferin Terrace Slides
As well as, don’t miss the standard toboggan on the 1884 slide on Dufferin Terrace and the ice rink at Place d’Youville. If you might want to heat up head over to the Starbucks positioned on the Fairmont Château Frontenac, a brief stroll from the slide.
St. Hubert Snow Bathtub
Location: Fontaine de Tourny, Place de l’Assemblée nationale
Date: Sunday, Febrary 16, 2 pm
Much like a Polar Swim, however not in water, the St. Hubert Snow bathtub allows you to roll round within the snow – only for enjoyable! That is one other paid however actually distinctive exercise, put in your tuque (beanie), and your swimsuit, and are available participate on this fairly… sensational expertise! Bathrobes offered by Strom Spa. That is an occasion you could join and solely has 60 spots obtainable. Registration closes on February 9, 2025.
Instagram – Your Picture with Bonhomme
The worldwide ambassador of enjoyable, Bonhomme is an iconic illustration of all issues Carnival in Québec Metropolis.
Meet Bonhomme Carnaval and take the chance to immortalize this magical second! Don’t miss this chance to take a photograph and depart with a heat memento of the Carnival.
Bonhomme Picture Opp. on the Scotiabank Sculpture Backyard
Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 February 2025
12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. (besides Sunday 9 February)
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (besides Sunday 16 February)
4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Different Occasions within the Quebec Area
Carnival coincides with different occasions within the Québec area and is value consideration in your journey planning. From Wendake to Saint Apollinaire, by means of the Île d’Orleans, the actions are multiplying and there’s something for everybody.
Onhwa’ Luminai
Location: 110 Rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake, QC
Dates: All winter lengthy
Search out Onhwa’ Luminai In Wendake, 20 minutes from Previous Quebec Metropolis, and uncover an enchanted journey celebrating the life and values of the nice Huron-Wendat Nation. Developed by the world-renowned Second Manufacturing unit and the Huron-Wendat Nation this 1.2 km out of doors path is an immersive multimedia expertise with laser lights, sound and video projections as an example the story of the Huron-Wendat. Beneath the starry sky, absorb the ancestral rhythms and songs. Enter the Nice Circle and really feel your reference to all residing beings.
Onhwa’ Lumina was developed in collaboration with artists, musicians, historians, editors and members of the Nation. It attracts on the wealthy Huron-Wendat cultural and inventive heritage to discover the themes of life cycles, the switch of information, and what connects residing beings to one another.
Totally different stations, like the standard longhouse, the Nice Circle and stars and the long run generations which might be coming. Lasting roughly one hour, you’ll be able to then heat up by the comfy fireplace at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations (The First Nations Lodge and Museum). Get pleasure from a drink with a facet of a scrumptious assortment of selfmade boreal-flavored nuts.
Défi Lotbinière Grizzly Diète Problem
Location: 70 rue des vignes, Saint-Apollinaire, QC
Dates: 1st stage: February 8-9 within the municipality of Sainte-Croix De Lotbinière
Last stage: February 15-16 within the municipality of St-Apollinaire
Come and watch the most important canine sled race in Japanese North America with greater than 200 groups of mushers and greater than 1,200 canine athletes from throughout Québec, Canada and america. A number of actions for the entire household await you on website to provide the final expertise of the Dash class canine sled race.
Meals vans, kiosks and even a large inflatable igloo on website await you to have a good time in a novel, festive and above all unforgettable ambiance.
Go to the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Lodge) – Village Valcartier
The one Ice Lodge in America the Hôtel de Glace is reincarnated with a brand new theme each winter to amaze you. A winter wonderland greets you as you enter the Nice Corridor. Let your self be seduced by themed rooms and suites adorned with majestic sculptures. Under is a video of my go to in 2018 – with particulars about the way it was constructed.
Don’t miss the fantastically adorned chapel, the place folks from everywhere in the world come to get married in magical splendour. So as to add a contact of heat to your go to, high it off with a cocktail served in a glass of ice.
Lodging
Listed below are my strategies of the place to remain in Quebec Metropolis:
Extra about Quebec #ontheblog
Margarita Ibbott is a journey and life-style blogger. She blogs about journey in Canada, america and Europe giving sensible recommendation by means of restaurant, resort and attraction opinions. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and different on-line media shops.
