The world's largest winter carnival, held for two weeks in February. The Carnaval de Québec has taken place almost every year since 1955 and draws around 400,000 visitors to the city at the coldest time of year. Events include an ice palace (rebuilt each year), a night parade, ice canoe racing on the St. Lawrence (among the most gruelling events in winter sports), dog sledding, snow sculptures, and outdoor concerts.
The carnival's mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval — a seven-foot snowman with a red cap and ceinture fléchée — presides over the festivities and has become an unlikely symbol of Québec winter culture. Entrance to the carnival grounds requires a button (the official pass, sold at the entrance); most outdoor events are accessible from the streets without one. The ice palace, rebuilt each February and located near the Parliament Building, is the centrepiece.
story: "The ice canoe race crosses the St. Lawrence from Lévis to Québec City in early February, when the river is partially frozen and partially flowing — teams of five push, carry, and paddle their canoes through slush ice, solid ice, and open water for the 3-kilometre crossing. The sport dates from the 17th century, when mail carriers had to make the crossing in winter. No technique has been devised to make it look elegant."