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The anticipation grows throughout Québec City each February as the winter carnival organization builds its captivating Ice Palace. Over 6,000 frozen blocks of ice are sculpted by an army of artisans into a dreamy castle, complete with turrets, drawbridge, and a stage for a sound and light show. Québec’s magnificent temporary monument to winter sits appropriately across from the most serious edifice in the area – the Parliament Buildings.

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.

Set on the expansive Plains of Abraham, Québec’s Winter Carnival team of 1,500 volunteers builds a fantasyland of ice and snow. Designers assemble a range of energy-filled games and contests across the city’s landscape that keep body temperatures high, no matter what the thermometer outside is reading.

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.

Outside the city limits, the fun continues with more serious winter sports. Downhill and cross-country skiing competitions are held in the Jacques-Cartier area of Lac Beauport, 20 minutes from Québec City.

Goosebumps abound at this zany Plains of Abraham demonstration. Teams of snow bathers dressed only in bathing suits compete to see which team can conquer the freezing exposure by lying in the snow. Onlookers of every age are guaranteed laughs, as 75 courageous men and women brave the cold.

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.

Every evening of Carnaval two parades mark the end of the day’s festivities. The “Little (But Loud) Parade” is for adults, while “La petite fanfare du Bonhomme” gathers momentum throughout the Place de la Famille creating a ceremonial end to the day for children.

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.

The panoramic splendor of this slope beside Château Frontenac (see Les Glissades de la Terrasse-Dufferin) is the customary location for the world’s most scenic winter slide. If visitors refrain from participating in other Québec Winter Carnaval activities, happy to be just a spectator of all the fun, they should make an exception with this ride. Each year the organizers seem to build a better slide and with the St Lawrence River spread out before you, it is a beautiful and exhilarating experience.