TrekUnity
When
February
Attendance
~600,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
The Québec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) is the largest winter carnival in the world — a joyful late-January-into-February celebration in the walled old city of Québec, presided over by the snowman mascot Bonhomme, with an ice palace, night parades, snow sculptures, ice canoe races on the frozen St. Lawrence, sleigh rides, and plenty of caribou (a warming spiced drink).
It embraces the deep Québécois winter with French-Canadian charm, set among the cobblestone streets and Château Frontenac of North America's most European city.
Want to go? Turn Québec Winter Carnival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Late January into mid-February (about two-plus weeks)
Admission
Carnival effigy pass for most activities · some free
Parking
The old city is walkable; park outside the walls or use transit and stroll the historic core.
Nearest airport
Québec City Jean Lesage (YQB) — ~20 min
Typical weather
Deep Canadian winter — often around 10°F (−12°C) or colder with snow; serious cold-weather gear essential.
Official website
Location
Québec City, Canada
Where to stay
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
The iconic castle hotel over the old city.
Auberge Saint-Antoine
Boutique luxury in the Old Port.
Old Québec inns
Cozy stays inside the historic walls.
Where to eat & drink
Poutine
Québec's fries-curds-gravy classic — perfect winter food.
Tourtière & pea soup
Traditional Québécois comfort dishes.
Maple taffy on snow
Hot maple syrup rolled on fresh snow.
Nearby attractions
Old Québec (Vieux-Québec)
The UNESCO-listed walled old town.
Château Frontenac & Dufferin Terrace
The landmark castle and its boardwalk.
Montmorency Falls
A frozen-edged waterfall taller than Niagara, nearby.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + old town
- •Fly into YQB
- •Afternoon: Old Québec + Château Frontenac
- •Evening: poutine + caribou
2Carnival day
- •Day: ice palace, snow sculptures, sleigh rides
- •Evening: the night parade
3Falls + depart
- •Morning: Montmorency Falls
- •Head to YQB
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Buy a Bonhomme effigy pass for the activities.
- Warm up with caribou and maple taffy on snow.
- Dress for real Canadian winter cold.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Québec Winter Carnival?
Late January into mid-February, over about two-plus weeks, in Québec City.
How does admission work?
A Carnival "effigy" (Bonhomme pass) grants access to most activities; some things are free.
How cold is it?
Deep-winter cold — often around −12°C (10°F) or colder — so dress in serious layers.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Québec Winter Carnival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.