Quebec City is a fantastic city to visit at any time of year, but it is really in the winter that it comes into its own. It is one of the snowiest cities in the world, and once it dons its wintry white cloak, its residents enthusiastically turn to skiing, skating, sledding, snowmobiling and the activities of the Quebec Winter Carnival.

This snowy Canadian capital city held its first winter carnival in 1894. It began as an elaborate celebration that allowed its citizens to enjoy the wintry season and it provided welcome relief for both the citizens and businesses from the post Christmas holiday let-down. The Carnival grew and grew and became internationally famous. It is now the most well-known winter carnival in the world as well as Quebec’s third largest industry.

The activities are a combination of the new and the traditional. For 17 days each winter, in late January and February, the young and old from Canada and around the world gather to enjoy a multitude of athletic, artistic and cultural events.

Bonhomme, which means “good man” in English is the official ambassador of the festivities. This very large snowman sporting a red cap, black buttons and a carnival sash appears randomly and often at the various venues throughout the carnival. Visitors often wonder if there is more than one Bonhomme Carnival because he seems to be everywhere at once. He roams throughout the city, taking special pleasure in talking to the many children and sharing with them his secret password. His “secret” seems to be more of a well know fact because wherever he appears the children shout, “I love you Bonhomme Carnival” and he rewards them with big snowman hugs.

The activities seem to be endless and there are crowds everywhere. Early in the celebration there is a dog-sled race through the town. The canoe race is a popular tradition since the first carnival. Teams from around the world attempt to cross the mighty St. Lawrence River which is adrift with ice floes, treacherous currents and arctic temperatures. There are two glittering night parades where thousands of hardy spectators bundle up and line the snowy streets to watch the extravagant floats and musical groups.

The Plains of Abraham, the main carnival venue, is transformed into a huge playground. It is alive with activity throughout the 17 days. It is here you will find the glittering snow sculptures created by artists from around the world. There are snow slides and snow rafting for the children. A zip line runs high above the crowds. There is snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and a group of very brave and adventurous people who seem to be impervious to the cold, entertain the crowds with their annual “snowbath”. It is all great fun.

Each year, a new Ice Castle is built for Bonhomme Carnival. It is constructed with ice made from a special chemical-free water that appears to be light blue in color and glistens in the sun. Children line up with their parents to enter and walk through the impressive structure. The ice castle is surrounded by snow sculptures built by local groups and a slide for children. All this activity is located directly in front of the Quebec Parliament buildings.

Caribou, the traditional drink of Carnival, is meant to warm Carnival revelers even in the coldest of weather. It is a potent mixture of wine and liquor meant to warm those who partake from head to toe. Throughout the city you will see people carrying the traditional Carnival cane with the top that unscrews to allow it to be filled with Caribou. Along the sidewalks on the parade routes you can find sidewalk ice-bars selling Caribou.

All of this exciting activity takes place in and around the City of Quebec. Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and is the second largest city in the province after Montreal. The city is located on the Saint Lawrence River. Its name comes from an Algonquin word meaning where the river narrows”. Founded in 1608, it is one of the oldest cities in North America. The ramparts surrounding Old Quebec are the only remaining fortified city walls in the Americas north of Mexico and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Old Quebec City is filled with narrow winding streets, quaint restaurants and many, many shops featuring the handicrafts and products of Quebec. Getting around is easy. Walking the narrow hilly, cobblestoned streets is good exercise and the city is so compact that you are never very far from any point of interest. When you tire of walking, just hop on the bus. There are several that run throughout the city. But for a truly memorable sightseeing expedition, relax in one of the picturesque horse-drawn carriages and let the driver point out all of the points of interest and historical buildings and statues.

Carnival in Quebec City is an extravaganza of lights, snow and never-ending events. There is so much going on that you could take in a new event for each of the 17 days. But the best thing about Carnival is the fact that it is held in the ever fascinating Quebec City. Once you have experienced Carnival you are going to want to return for summer, spring and fall and be a part of the Theatre of Seasons that is Quebec