Bonhomme Carnaval. Photo courtesy Carnaval de Quebec
Quebec City is magical in the winter. With its European feel, wide expanse of frozen river, winding narrow streets of the old town, and the famous Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac as a backdrop, few cities offer more charm. That charm really comes to life every year during Quebec's Winter Carnaval (or Carnival as the Americans prefer to call it).
When the snow covers the city in a soft blanket, it's time for the parties and celebrations of Carnaval. The 56th Annual Quebec Winter Carnaval makes you 'dance with joy' as the festivities get underway January 29 through February 14, 2010.
Click here for a slide show of last year's exciting Quebec Winter Carnaval.
Many of the same exciting events that have captivated international audiences for 55 years of carnivals are back for a 56th year -- sleigh rides, dog sledding, the Ice Palace at Place Loto (home of Bonhomme Carnaval), TELUS International Snow Sculpture Competition, Canoe Races, Flapjack Breakfast, and open-air playground on the Plains of Abraham (Place Desjardins).
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Quebec Winter Carnaval 2010 brings even more excitement with some great new events as well as the old classics, such as:
- Day Parade featuring giant inflatable characters starts at 1 p.m. on January 31
- Natrel's Great Ice Slide -- a 400-foot ice slide lit up on the Plains of Abraham
- Club Penguin's Ice Garden where sculptors will create a garden of ice-sculpture dreams
Quebec's Winter Carnaval features opening night fireworks. Photo courtesy Carnaval de Quebec
The opening show will be at 8 p.m. January 29, 2010 at the new Hydro-Quebec Stage at Place Desjardins, complete with spectacular fireworks and live entertainment.
Try out this year's featured hotel package to complete your Carnaval experience.
The Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec offers packages starting at $179/night for two adults and includes:
- Accommodations
- American-style breakfast for two
- Two Carnaval effigies (required for entrance)
- Two arrowhead sashes
- One official program
- Commemorative key ring
- Activities at Place Desjardins (taffy-on-the-snow [1], snow rafting [1], two 15% rebate coupons from Treasure Chest)
- Call 877-522-8108 for hotel reservations to get the special rate
For information on the 2010 Quebec Winter Carnaval visit http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/program.html.
2010 Quebec Winter Carnaval http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/program.html
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec - 1-877-522-8108
- Chill out at Quebec City's winter carnival by Mira Temkin, Chicago Upscale Travel Examiner
- Joyeux carnaval! by Jeff Titelius, Orlando International Travel Examiner
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