Quebec travel blog — Fascinating in Quebec Winter Carnival
For the last 50 years, the city of Quebec has hosted the goodwill message of winter – Quebec Bonhomme Carnaval — during the coldest month of the year in Canada (Quebec Winter Carnival). Every year, as Santa Claus comes for Christmas, the Snowman returns to this scene, ushering in the world’s largest winter festivity.
The extended, freezing cold weather in Quebec may be a source of sorrow in other places, but the people of Quebec have reason to rejoice. In order to adapt, they have developed their own distinct culture, in which a joyful atmosphere constantly makes guests feel welcome.
The Bonhomme Carnival is usually held between the end of January and the beginning of February, and it lasts 17 days. Throughout the event, Bonhomme Snowmen emerge as a symbol of winter’s benevolence. The festival has a variety of exciting activities that all members of the family may participate in. A magnificent castle built of ice and adorned by expert ice sculptors stands at the festival’s entrance, hidden among icy pine trees. This is not available anyplace else.
During the Quebec Winter Carnival, there will be boat racing. The celebration takes place on Abraham lowland. It offers almost 300 outdoor activities, the most thrilling of which is the International Ice Sculpture Competition. Every year, almost 50 teams from 30 countries across the world enter, but only 20 are chosen to compete. Regional sculptors demonstrate their ingenuity and abilities via complex ice art.
After exploring the area and viewing the ice sculptures, you may attempt catching codfish from behind the ice blocks. Approximately 10,000 fish are caught throughout the course of the festival’s 17 days. You may also ride a horse-sled or a dog-sled, create ice sculptures, or participate in a variety of other interesting events. The event is an excellent opportunity to discover and appreciate everything winter in Quebec has to offer.
One of the festival’s attractions is snow-bathing. 75 individuals are picked at random and divided into teams. They then take three separate snow baths, each with only their underwear and towels. This action represents the festival’s history as well as the capacity of Quebec residents to survive the harsh winter weather.
The festival events continue after the ice palace lights up in the evening. As the snow continues to fall, ice sculptors work fast to prepare for the display the next day. Bonhomme Snowman attends a customary procession in another part of town. During the event, there are two nighttime parades, more than 20 colorful parade cars, several music bands, and hundreds of spectators.
The temperature on the Saint Lawrence, Quebec’s major river, is over 300 degrees Celsius in the morning, which is ideal for boat racing. Over 30 teams are set to begin the race as spectators gather on the Quebec riverside. This is an annual race that dates back to the beginning of the festival. Boat racing is a team sport with a competitive edge. Participants frequently train for the marathon all year, and the winners are regarded with great respect and pride.
Quebec Ice Hotel is located about 45 minutes by vehicle east of Quebec. This edifice was built using 12,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. To bring color and vitality to the Ice Hotel, local artistic structures are replicated and put beneath the ice. Many couples choose to get married in the hotel’s church. The church is adorned with angel pictures and other decorations that make it unique and intriguing. Drop by the chilly bar, which is made up of frozen bottles of vodka, for a drink of ice-cold vodka. The Ice Hotel has 32 well-appointed rooms and can accommodate up to 84 people per night. Although it is an ice hotel, it is more warmer than you may expect.Although it is an icy hotel, it is much warmer than what you may think. Rooms are equipped with lamp-leather sleeping bags for your comfort. The Ice hotel goes to every effort to ensure that guests have an enjoyable and memorable time.
Come to Parc de la Chute – Montmorency, which is around 12 kilometers from Quebec City. During the chilly winter months, this waterfall frequently freezes, creating a beautiful picture. This is also a great place for mountain climbers. Montmorency is approximately 83 meters tall and runs into the Saint Lawrence River.
Chosis Phman, a Quebec native, created the first snowmobile in 1922. Today, snow racing is one of Canada’s most popular winter sports. The 32,000-kilometer-long snow path is a favorite among racers. During the winter, a tiny snow vehicle can get you throughout Quebec. Tourists may hire cars at the foot of Saint Anne’s at any time. Traveling from Quebec to Saint Anne Mountain in the east takes around 30 minutes. The magnificent Sainte Anne Mountain leads to Quebec City and the Saint Lawrence River. Saint Anne is an ideal location for skiing or snowboarding, and it caters to all skill levels, from novice to professional.
Snow is highly significant to most Quebec children. They sled, snowboard, or ski. This is a fantastic opportunity for them. Another popular pastime is taking the cable car down to Petit Champlain Ancient Town. The historic town has been carefully conserved, with an increasing number of stores, restaurants, and arts and crafts.
Visitors to Quebec should not pass up the opportunity to sample a local delicacy. This dish is created with cooked syrup sugar, or treacle, which is poured over ice. Guests may roll the syrup with a bamboo stick and eat it.
The event entertains both locals and foreign visitors for 17 days. Every year, the event includes a variety of outdoor activities and concludes in what appears to be a mystical snow paradise. Soon later, the season changes, and the Snowmen vanish for another year.
Further information
+ Quebec is the largest province in East-Central Canada. It is Canada’s second most populous province, after Ontario. French is the only official language of the region. Quebec is the capital city of Quebec Province.
+ Quebec Winter Carnival is held annually, from the end of January, to the beginning of February, as this is usually Quebec’s coldest period. This year, the festival will take place from January 31st until February 16th, 2014.
+ Quebec can satisfy any accommodation needs, while being suitable for your pocket. If you travel in groups, you can hire an area for camping to enjoy a memorable vacation. Price: from 50USD.
+ Transportation: From Hanoi, you can book a flight with Korean Air to Quebec. After departing Hanoi, you can travel to Quebec via Seoul, Korea and Toronto, Canada.
+ Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). 1 CAD = 22.094 VND.