About Québec Winter Carnival
The Québec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world, warming the historic streets of Québec City each February with a genial snowman mascot named Bonhomme, an ice palace, night parades, canoe races across the frozen St Lawrence and snow baths for the brave. It is a defiant, joyful embrace of the deep Canadian winter, steeped in Québécois culture and warmed by caribou, a potent spiced drink. The old walled city, draped in snow, is one of North America's most charming settings. Dress in serious layers.
“A defiant, delightful embrace of deep winter in North America's most charming old city.”
Plan your trip
Where to stay
Hotels & stays near Québec City
Tours & experiences
Things to do around Québec City
Tickets & official info
Québec Winter Carnival official site
Getting there
Flights to Canada
Traveller reviews
Write a reviewGion Matsuri is one of the great treasures of Kyoto, and seeing the Yamaboko floats up close never loses its magic. The evenings before the parade, Yoiyama, are my favourite, when the old streets fill with lanterns, yukata and festival music. Come for the procession, but stay for those warm July nights.
A thousand years of tradition hauled through the streets on enormous wooden floats, one of the most atmospheric festivals I have been to. It is stately rather than raucous, so come for the spectacle and the history, not a party. July in Kyoto is punishingly hot and the crowds are huge, so stake out your spot early.
Become a Find a Festival reviewer
Share the festivals you have been to and earn your place in the community. Every review earns points and badges — and helps travellers around the world.
- 🏅 Points & badges for every review
- 👤 A public reviewer profile with your review history
- 👍 See how many travellers found you helpful
- 🌍 Become a trusted voice for the festivals you love