Canadian Destinations

Quebec Winter Carnival is all fired up!

By Jane Stokes

(NC)—In Quebec, there is always a festival somewhere – and in winter Quebec hosts the biggest and the best-known winter carnival in the world.

Events include the snow bath, night parades, the Ice Tower, slide runs, and snow sculptures. You can also enjoy concerts, ice fishing, dog sledding, skating, snow sports, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

And this year for the first time, the modern, dynamic and always innovative Quebec Winter Carnival will be integrating a theme into most of its major activities. This year's theme is hot and it is torrid – and it is "fire".

Since time began it seems, fire has been used in celebration everywhere around the world to spark curiosity and hold the participant's interest. In Canada, winter is the time of year when the weather is at its coldest, the days at their shortest – and their darkest.

According to carnival organizers, the 51st Quebec Winter Carnival, running from January 28 to February 13, will thumb its nose at these elements however. Says carnival president Yvon Hudon: "All of these contrasts – fire, ice and cold, plus human warmth – will ignite every last activity."
From the opening night onwards, the carnival will unveil a program blazing with sights and sounds until the fires go out with the mascot Bonhomme's departure. Numerous fireplaces will warm the ambience at various sites. Fire will illuminate the opening ceremony, flame will enliven the Ice Palace, the night parades and most of the activities.

More information on the carnival, accommodation ideas and other regional activities is available on-line at www.bonjourquebec.ca. Train is an ideal way to travel anywhere in winter. Information and reservations at: www.viarail.ca. Value-added, ski and recreation packages at: www.ultimateski.ca.