Carnaval de Quebec - Annual Winter Carnival Showcases A True Heritage City

DEC

Carnaval de Québec - Annual Winter Carnival Showcases A True Heritage City

Visitors from all over the world will be playing in the snow and enjoying the winter festivities at one of the biggest winter celebrations that Canada has to offer. Québec, Canada has been host to the winter wonderland known to locals as "Carnaval de Québec" for more than 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down anytime in the near future as this year's carnival will see more then 400 unique activities. It has been dubbed as the "The coolest Party in the World", and why not? It has all of the offerings that you would expect from traditional Nordic culture, only they have went all out and included events for people of all generations, tastes, and backgrounds.

The Winter Carnival got its start in 1894 and has grown each consecutive year by updating events and festivities to fit every lifestyle. Starting at the end of January and lasting up until the middle of February, Québec opens its doors for a winter celebration that includes snow baths, glittering night parades, slide runs, ice fishing, concerts, snow rafting, snow sculpture competitions, a canoe race over the frozen St. Lawrence River, horse-drawn sleigh rides, husky powered dogsled rides, and skating.

Music, dancing live entertainment, deliciously prepared cuisine, rides and activities are also part of the Winter Carnival. The activities are non-stop through the week, but the special events are typically held during the weekend. If this isn't enough to tantalize your taste buds, then the city of Québec itself might be what you are hungering for. The medieval setting is something straight out of a book as you will delight in seeing everything from the French architect designed homes nestled along narrow winding streets to the colorful and inviting restaurants and shops that demand your attention. It is truly one of the most beautiful destinations that you will ever have the pleasure of laying your eyes on.

The heart of the carnival is set up at the Plains of Abraham where the French and British once battled, but is now home to grazing cattle and the Winter Carnival. A particular favourite is the St-Hubert Derby that easily draws crowds of people waiting to see the single and double championship drivers of the horse team competition, while other visitors can't wait to chill out in the Ice Palace and see the one of a kind structure made up entirely of ice. Children gather in large crowds awaiting the arrival of Bonhomme the snowman who plays as Master of Ceremonies during the snow bath event where daring adventurists play in the snow the Eskimo way, in bathing suits.

The city of Québec not only offers winter festivities, but it also holds the allure of being the only walled city in North America. Visitors will eventually find their way to the ancient part of the walled city that houses French neighborhoods that closely resemble a European village of sorts.

Quartier Petit Champlain is a favourite location for romantics as it is charming in every way, from its quaint shops that display local artisan masterpieces to its fine eateries that offer excellent French country fare. After a long day of winter fun, guests look for a warm place to snuggle up by a crisp fire, and a good nights sleep. The Hilton, located downtown offers all of this plus a spectacular view of the city of Québec. www.quartierpetitchamplain.com

Restaurants

Bistrot Pape Georges
Map/Address: 8, rue du Cul-de-Sac
Québec, QC

This friendly bistro specializes in wine and cheese. They offer beer and cheese made locally in Québec, and a selection of wines sold by the glass, ice wine, and musical entertainment.
www.papegeorges.com

Vendome (Le)
Map/Address: 36 Cote de la Montagne
Québec, QC

This venerable Vieux-Québec bistro exudes old world charm, creating an atmosphere in which everything from the impeccable French cuisine to the attentive but not-quite-formal service seems just right. The rack of lamb is the house specialty, but other popular cuisine includes veal, beef, rabbit and seafood dishes, accompanied by wonderful appetizers, including soups and pâté maison. Guests prefer to dine on the terrace in the summer even though the opulence within the restaurant is outstanding compared to other similar style restaurants.

Hotels

Hilton Québec
1100 Boulevard Rene-Levesque
Québec City

This extravagant hotel overlooks Parliament Hill, the ports and the historic Citadel to the south, the Laurentian Mountains to the north and Old Québec to the east and it is positioned at the entrance of the old walled city.

Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac
1 rue des Carrieres
Québec City

This magnificent castle-like structure with copper turrets and stone towers is over 100 years old and a historical landmark of Québec City. It is conveniently situated on top of the Cap Diamant Cliffs in the heart of the old walled-in city. Le Chateau Frontenac also overlooks the St. Lawrence River, giving guests a bird's eye view of spectacular scenery and local events.

Image Credit: [Mathieu Plante/Aux deux lions]

TAGS: canada family quebec quebec city winter winter carnaval

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said:

Quebec Is awsome

Posted at 08:12 PM, on September 17 2008

Carnaval de Québec - Annual Winter Carnival Showcases A True Heritage City

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