WASHINGTON, January 24, 2012 - Few cities in the world are as exciting in winter as Quebec City. One reason why is the annual Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Quebec) which kicks off this Friday through February 12. Visitors from outdoor adventure jocks to young children have a dizzying array of activities and events to experience throughout the event. Carnaval de Quebec has been at the top of the world’s winter celebrations since 1955 – an ever enlarging pre-Lenten event that keeps expanding. Though the scene can get raucous in some corners, most Carnival events and spectacles are family-friendly.
Quebecois are a hearty breed, and this is the season when they prove they know not only how to endure winter, but also how to sculpt it, toast it, roll in it, poke fun at it, decorate it and celebrate it. A world-famous ice sculpture contest, parades, and canoe races which bring people in from around the world to navigate the legendary St. Lawrence River’s ice flows, treacherous currents and arctic temperatures are among about 300 Carnival events. The Ice Palace, home to Bonhomme – Carnaval’s jolly mascot is a shimmering translucent harbor of lights on the historic Plains of Abraham and is open for tours. Kids enjoy ice slides, relay races, an ice maze and more throughout the three-week event.
Ice sculpture at the Carnaval de Quebec
Quebec City is the North American destination most like Europe, and its Old Quarter (Vieux Quebec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient ramparts look down on winding streets that evoke a continental charm and invite visitors to walk past historic doorways, boutiques, cozy bistros and shops. The iconic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac dominates the quarter. During Carnival, a covering of white only adds to the magic, especially at night when lights sparkle on the flakes.
Faith Heritage Sites
Quebec City is a cultural traveler’s feast of the senses, and its historic churches are among its architectural marvels. These any-season sites can add even more excitement to a wintertime visit.
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, built in 1688, is the oldest stone church in North America. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Shrine is one of the region’s churches that holds over a century of history.
The Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral dates to the mid-17th century, and has endured a volatile past, including bombardments and fires. It was the first parish church in North America, and was given the cathedral title in 1674, then elevated to the rank of minor basilica in 1874. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec.
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral Quebec
Included in the cathedral’s historic walls is a trove of art treasures that date to the province’s New France beginnings. Notables include a sanctuary lamp gifted by Louis XIV and stained-glass windows depicting lives of saints and the Virgin Mary. The gold-plated main altar is a sight to behold, as are the basilica’s three Casavant organs. The bell tower and portions of the walls remain from the original 1647 edifice that has seen bombardments by English conquerors and a fire in 1922.
The basilica is open for prayers, mass, and tours, guided and self. Visit the website for more information.
Ice Hotel
Since 2001, Quebec’s Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel) has been built into the Quebec City region’s winter scene. It attracts thousands of visitors who stay overnight, tour the facility to marvel at its frozen features such as a giant chandelier, or even get married.
This year’s Ice Hotel is themed to honor Northern Quebec, a territory that has been for centuries home to the art and culture of the First Nations. Weekend artistic performances, traditional Native camps and other cultural demonstrations by the Inuits, Cris, Innus and Wendats people are part of this hotel’s. Ice Hotel-Quebec is open this year until March 25 when it closes for its annual meltdown.
Carnaval de Quebec is Jan 27 – Feb 12. Useful Web sites include www.bonjourquebec.com; www.icehotel-canada.com; and www.carnaval.qu.ca. Or call 877-BONJOUR (877.266.5687).
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