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The symbol of Québec’s innovative winter fête is a character who appeals to the kids – a large jolly snowman dressed up for a party. Bonhomme Carnaval, with his signature red sash and wooly hat, has been the international icon of this frozen extravaganza for 50 years, calling children and the young-at-heart everywhere to free themselves from winter’s frozen grasp, bundle up in warm attire and join him to celebrate life in his frigid surroundings.

Ever since the French settled Québec they have traditionally celebrated with food, wine and song just before the Catholic period of Lent, a time when religious customs suggest abstaining from alcohol and other temptations. Be prepared for locals to offer you the infamous mixture Caribou, a hot alcoholic drink containing brandy, vodka, sherry, port and sometimes maple sugar. Watch it – it’s as potent as it sounds.

For 10 explosive days each July, Québec City becomes one mammoth outdoor music stage as performers flock from all over the world to perform countless styles of music for the enthusiastic crowds. This enormous spectacle is the most spirited activity of the summer with 500 shows and some 1,000 artists blasting out their sounds at over 15 different performance venues.

A superb multicultural festival each fall at Chapelle du Musée de l’Amérique française in VieuxQuébec (see Musée de l’Amérique Française) offers a sensuous feast of traditional music, dance, crafts, foods and laughter. Share homespun hilarity while watching teams joust during Joute chantée (an improvised singing tournament), or during the culinary fun of Souper chanté (singing supper). Singers come from as far afield as Guatemala, Japan, Greece, Martinique and Senegal.

The spirits of Montrealers are given a boost during the cold winter months in this celebration of life through light. Each night over the festival’s two-week run in February, organizers host a wild combination of attractions, from outdoor light and music (son et lumière ) productions, to indoor concerts, illuminated buildings, theatre and dance performances, culinary soirées of traditional foods, and nightly fireworks. This is a spectacular time in the city.

A large-scale voyage back in time transforms Place Royale and the Basse-Ville section of Québec City into a magical mélange of period costumes, traditional music and dance, and authentic foods, all to celebrate the settling of the city by the French in the 1600s (see Moments in History). Early August crowds are invited to attend over 600 performances by local actors, musicians, dancers and artists. It’s not all about history – there is also a generous element of fun, including games, competitions and concerts.

Formula One Racing is the largest event of the year for Montréal, held at Ile Notre-Dame’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, named after the French Canadian racing driver. However the event’s future is now uncertain due to a dispute about cigarette advertising.

Unique in North America and only the second in the world, the Ice Hotel (see Parc des Hautes-Gorgesde- la-Rivière-Malbaie) fits perfectly into the line-up for Québec’s Winter Carnaval. Located in the Duchesnay Ecotourism Centre, 30 minutes outside the city, the Ice Hotel offers Carnaval participants a spectacular architectural stay. Explore the themed bedrooms, Absolut Vodka bar, wedding chapel and ice sculptures.

The most famous of all the events during Carnaval. Competitors from around the globe arrive to first rough-sculpt the ice with chain saws then delicately chisel away to form amazing designs. Some of the contestants, such as those from the Caribbean, have never seen snow before, adding to the humorous interaction between the teams and the audiences.

Over 1.5 million jolly patrons attend a banquet of mirth each year in July at Montréal’s comedy festival. From quirky free shows in Quartier Latin streets to the constantly sold-out Club Series and Loto-Québec Galas, humor in all its forms is on offer from more than 600 international performers.