Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town (Vieux-Québec) represents not only French 17th century architecture, but also a mix of British designs as well. Within the upper and lower half of city, visitors will see numerous architectural styles that add to the charming character of Québec. And, the magnificent prominence of the elegant Chateau Frontenac presides over the city with commanding views.

Québec City and surrounding countryside offer visitors a plethora of activities for all seasons. However, winter in this quintessential French Canadian city opens a door to an ethereal landscape where elaborate snow sculptures and ice palaces mark the beginning of Carnaval de Québec (winter carnival). The carnival originated 55 years-ago when a group of businessmen created a celebration that embraced the winter season and was a respite for the seasonal doldrums. Today, the carnival has evolved and grown into the snow capital’s third largest industry.

The beloved symbol of the winter carnival is the seven-foot tall walking snowman Bonhomme (good man), who wears a multi-colored sash, officiates over the carnival and interacts in numerous activities and events.

One of the highlights of the festival events is the annual Snow Bath. Seventy-five contestants brave the frigid temperatures, gather on the Plains of Abraham (the city’s 225-acre historic park where the festival events and sculptures are located) in front of TV cameras and an enormous cheering crowd; they literally bath in the snow wearing only a swimsuit! The swimsuit outfits are a howl! Hawaiian-themed-clad women and men wearing Speedos and pirate Mickey Mouse ears cavort with the colorful carnival clowns. Prepare to laugh yourself silly.

There are fun and exciting events for the entire family to experience at the carnival such as snow rafting, snow slides, the canoe races, dogsled races, alpine skiing, outdoor ice skating, sleigh rides, dogsled rides, soapbox derby, the international snow sculpture event and the fantastic Winter Carnival Night Parade. The night parade possesses all of the flair and elaborate display of French-inspired carnivals and is visually reminiscent of Cirque De Soleil costumes. Each year, the theme changes with local marching bands, dance troops and floats of eye-catching brilliance that captivate all ages. It is a pinnacle event and not to be missed.

These activities are just a few of the winter delights that occur during the festival. With grand masquerade balls, dance parties and musical concerts, adults enjoy a wide variety of events during the evening. Moreover, after spending a day in the invigorating winter air and a prelude to an evening’s festivities, try Québec’s spirit drink specialty, Caribou. This delicious spicy and port-like wine is served warm and is perfect to infuse a bit of warmth. Caribou booths are found along the carnival route and if you wish to take a bottle or two home, it is available in local SAQ stores that sell spirits.

Carnaval de Québec

With Québec’s winter starting early and lasting to April, carnival is just one facet to enjoy in this snowy paradise. The city is enrobed in a wintry fairytale schema throughout the season with streets such as St. Jean and St. Louis, located within the historic walled district. Both of these popular streets appear as if out of a quaint, picturesque French Village and are lined with boutiques and restaurants. Small shops on St. Jean offer unique items, European grocery stores and gastronomic fare such as Délices de L’Erable, a fabulous patisserie and café featuring gourmet products and hard-to-find top grade, pure maple syrup (equate it with fine champagne). The shop even proffers a maple syrup museum on its second floor. Here visitors will be amazed at the history and actual variety of maple grades and products. Even famous cosmetics such as L’Oreal are made with maple syrup.

While strolling down St. Louis, numerous Québec landmarks lie on adjacent streets. The Chateau Frontenac, an historic hotel, resides on the crest of the upper-walled city. Its beauty is unparalleled and its image synonymous with Québec. Located behind the Chateau, visitors can take the Funiculaire (funicular) (a tram-like enclosed track car) down the hill to visit the lower city. The area is filled with fascinating history and is where the first settlers of Québec landed on Place Royale.

After arriving in the lower city and exploring the gorgeous streets, antique shops, Farmer’s Market and museums, take a ride on the ferry across the St. Laurent River to Lévis. The ferry crossing takes 45 minutes round trip and offers the most exquisite views of Québec City. In winter, the ice-filled river emits cracking sounds as the ferry breaks through and gives the impression of a striking artic landscape. Bring your camera for essential photographs.

Québec’s fascinating history and rich heritage remain an integral and cultural way of life. Residents of the city are friendly and willing to speak French with non-Québecers. All hotel, shops and restaurant personal speak English as well. And, the numerous fascinating museums, landmarks and heritage buildings add a unique essence to Québec that can’t be compared with any other city. The cuisine, four-season activities, events, shopping and nightlife have earned this beautiful city the reputation as one of the most coveted travel destinations in North America. For additional information on Québec, visit QuebecRegion.com

For accommodations, the marvelous Hilton Québec, located on René Lévesque is centrally located and proffers some of the best hotel views of old Québec in the city. The Hilton provides excellent service, wonderful rooms and restaurants (try the hotel’s signature crepes) and enticing weekend packages.

L’Astral, voted best hotel restaurant 11-years in a row by local residents, is located at the top of Loews Hotel Le Concord; it presents a revolving panorama that offers the stellar views of the entire city. The cloudy blue ceilings and candle-illuminated tables spark a romantic atmosphere in tandem with superb French cuisine.

The Québec museums are impressive and well worth a visit. The most popular is Musée de la Civilisation, located in the lower city on rue Dalhousie. The museum presents a unique look at culture and societies with interacting exhibits and displays of Egyptian Mummies. In addition, the Centre d’interprétation de place-Royale, located in the lower city on rue Notre-Dame, features a cool three-D film on the life and dreams of the city’s founder, Samuel de Champlain and his exploration of the territory 400 years ago.

Instead of flying into Québec, consider taking the train from Toronto. The VIA train is a great way to relax and see the countryside. Plush seats, wonderful fare and excellent service make this journey memorable. Canadian trains are completely different from the U.S. and reflect European travel standards.

 

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