UPDATE:
Always love to talk about Quebec's Carnaval!
Go to this link to learn more about this year's festivities: http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en
Always love to talk about Quebec's Carnaval!
Go to this link to learn more about this year's festivities: http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en
I wish more people loved the snow. Yeah, okay. So I chose to live in California where, well to be honest, the snow is not that impressive. HEY, we do get some snow . . . we just have to look a little harder to find it. That's why I think snow vacations are some of the BEST.
It's a bit early to be writing about this, but in February every year Quebec City in the Quebec province of Canada holds a festival or carnival called
the Carnaval de Quebec.
It's a bit early to be writing about this, but in February every year Quebec City in the Quebec province of Canada holds a festival or carnival called
the Carnaval de Quebec.
The Carnaval begins on January 29th and runs until February 14th, 2010.
Far to the north, Quebec City is beautiful in all seasons. The ability to speak French is helpful, but not strictly necessary . . . just don't expect people to be able to speak English. There is a lot of history behind this city and the people who live here are very proud of their heritage. The people at the Carnaval are friendly and welcoming, and this is one of the best (and biggest) kid-friendly events with guaranteed snow.
Le Bonhomme is a giant, perpetually smiling snowman who makes appearances and gets the party started. We've found the people at the event really wonderful, and frequently they (like most others in the tourism industry) speak english well.
This coming festival runs from January 29th to February 14th, 2010. With a variety of sports, family and nightlight activities, we found there was something to keep a multi-generational group more than happy.
The kids loved watching the dog sled racing, exploring the snow sculptures and, of course, getting prizes and playing at the kid-centered play areas at Place Desjardins and Kraft Village. My hubbie loved the outdoor ice skating, sledding and skiing opportunities at Place Hydro-Quebec, on the Plains of Abraham, and at nearby locations outside the city. I loved the history and beauty of the place, and grandma enjoyed the quaint and diverse shops. We found there was plenty to do and see with the nighttime parade as a perfect place to celebrate, as a family, our last night in this special place. What a party!
We found that renting an apartment worked really well for us and was much more private and comfortable for our family than the hotels. We usually drive up to Quebec City and tour around a bit. If you don't have a car, there are many hotels both in Old Town and near the Plains of Abraham that will get you close enough to walk to many of the kids' events. The ground is either icy or deep in snow so be sure to pull a sled along to get your kids around because they will NOT make it otherwise! Dress for true cold weather so you can enjoy all there is to see and do. If you don't you'll probably find yourself huddled in the Kraft Village tent (where its so warm you'll have to peel off the layers you and your children are wearing) and wish you had a warm ride home. Be sure to follow Barack Obama's example and try a Canadian beaver tail. These pastries are unbelievably good. Of course, I like poutine too (for the uninitiated: that's french fries with gooey melted cheese curds and gravy . . . so yum) so better not take my word for it.
February is not typically the coldest month in Quebec (that's January), but it is still dry eyeball, frozen nosehair, icicle cold. Good boots and layers of socks are a must, and a boot dryer doesn't hurt either. We actually had a hard time finding a sled the last time we went up, but managed it eventually. By warm dress, I mean clothing rated for zero degrees . . . or lower. Most good cold winter gear can be purchased up there for a decent price, but I would buy really good boots for everyone ahead of time at the very least.
WELL that's a lot for two cents. The website to check out (for English info) is
http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/history.html
Far to the north, Quebec City is beautiful in all seasons. The ability to speak French is helpful, but not strictly necessary . . . just don't expect people to be able to speak English. There is a lot of history behind this city and the people who live here are very proud of their heritage. The people at the Carnaval are friendly and welcoming, and this is one of the best (and biggest) kid-friendly events with guaranteed snow.
Le Bonhomme is a giant, perpetually smiling snowman who makes appearances and gets the party started. We've found the people at the event really wonderful, and frequently they (like most others in the tourism industry) speak english well.
This coming festival runs from January 29th to February 14th, 2010. With a variety of sports, family and nightlight activities, we found there was something to keep a multi-generational group more than happy.
The kids loved watching the dog sled racing, exploring the snow sculptures and, of course, getting prizes and playing at the kid-centered play areas at Place Desjardins and Kraft Village. My hubbie loved the outdoor ice skating, sledding and skiing opportunities at Place Hydro-Quebec, on the Plains of Abraham, and at nearby locations outside the city. I loved the history and beauty of the place, and grandma enjoyed the quaint and diverse shops. We found there was plenty to do and see with the nighttime parade as a perfect place to celebrate, as a family, our last night in this special place. What a party!
We found that renting an apartment worked really well for us and was much more private and comfortable for our family than the hotels. We usually drive up to Quebec City and tour around a bit. If you don't have a car, there are many hotels both in Old Town and near the Plains of Abraham that will get you close enough to walk to many of the kids' events. The ground is either icy or deep in snow so be sure to pull a sled along to get your kids around because they will NOT make it otherwise! Dress for true cold weather so you can enjoy all there is to see and do. If you don't you'll probably find yourself huddled in the Kraft Village tent (where its so warm you'll have to peel off the layers you and your children are wearing) and wish you had a warm ride home. Be sure to follow Barack Obama's example and try a Canadian beaver tail. These pastries are unbelievably good. Of course, I like poutine too (for the uninitiated: that's french fries with gooey melted cheese curds and gravy . . . so yum) so better not take my word for it.
February is not typically the coldest month in Quebec (that's January), but it is still dry eyeball, frozen nosehair, icicle cold. Good boots and layers of socks are a must, and a boot dryer doesn't hurt either. We actually had a hard time finding a sled the last time we went up, but managed it eventually. By warm dress, I mean clothing rated for zero degrees . . . or lower. Most good cold winter gear can be purchased up there for a decent price, but I would buy really good boots for everyone ahead of time at the very least.
WELL that's a lot for two cents. The website to check out (for English info) is
http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/history.html
UPDATE: The new 2010 Schedule and Itinerary is out, so see the above link to get more info. To find out where to meet Le Bonhomme, see the file below.
It's serious cold, but also serious fun for the whole fam.
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