Carnaval de Quebec in Quebec City means you can do the following all in a few square blocks: zipline, snow raft, drink caribou and maple whiskey and dance to live music outside while it snowed.
Ice and snow sculptors competed for the coveted first prize and kids played human foosball. I realized it’s all about the clothes and the attitude. The locals enjoy their weather and the LOVE Bonhomme – Carnaval’s mascot.
We cross-country skied, snow-shoe hiked, cheered on the dog sledders, and drank hot cocoa while watching a parade.
The city is lovely, romantic, charming, quaint and walkable.
You can eat beaver’s tail, poutin, cross country ski in the park and listen to groovy folk music in a jam-packed local bar – all within a few blocks. Check out Antiquaire for lunch because that is where the locals go. Linda and I took the funicular because it is called a funicular and then we took the ferry so that we could watch as it broke up the ice as it passed across the St. Lawrence River.
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We stayed at the Hilton downtown, which is warmer than the Hotel De Glace and walking distance to Carnaval de Quebec and all of the surrounding activities. The Hilton is an older hotel with basic amenities but it is clean, busy and the restaurant served delicious food.
Need some action?
Check out Village Vacances – One price for all the tubing and snow rafting you can squeeze out of the 39 different trails.
Linda and I did at least 10 rides and when I opened my eyes I saw beautiful views, then I shut them again. While you are there, don’t forget to try the maple lollipops.
In the summer, village Vacances morphs into a water park, Valcartier.
Need a break from the action? Try the Rand Nordic Spa. Steam or sauna then wade through the cold pool (53 degrees!) or the nearby river, then relax in the quiet room.
