Historic Quebec City, once again, has been transformed into a winter wonderland during the epic Quebec Winter Carnival/Carnaval de Québec, attracting over 500,000 visitors from February 6th to 15th, 2026. For 10 days, the city will showcase many of its traditional events, such as the ice and snow sculptures and, of course, the can’t-miss annual nighttime parade, while introducing several exciting new events.
A few premier events include the Bonhomme Ice Palace, Evolution Lazer Tag, the giant Great Colours Ferris Wheel, Fat Biking, and Airmont Le Chateau Frontenac — a thrilling opportunity for climbers to go to the top of the famous Chateau Frontenac Hotel and rappel down the side of the hotel!
The Quebec Winter Carnival is the world’s largest winter carnival, dating back to 1894. The carnival was cancelled during the two world wars as well as during the stock market crash in 1929, and reappeared sporadically until the mid-century. In 1954, a group of businesspeople revived the winter festival to attract tourism and to create an exciting event for the winter months. The group also introduced Bonhomme (the giant snowman) as its representative. The first “renewed” Winter Carnival took place the following year and has since become a must-see, world-class event attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year.
photos by Julian Lankstead, 2026
A highlight of the annual Carnival is the ice sculpture garden with over 40 snow and ice sculptures, Bonhomme Palace, along with snow and ice sculpting workshops. Other must-see events include Storytime with Bonhomme, Skating with Snowman, ice slides, the exhilarating 150-foot Blizz Snow Slide, two nighttime parades, dance competitions, live concerts, an elevated DJ stage, winter games, annual canoe races on the St. Lawrence River, and more.
Exhilarating Events Announced for 2026
Laser Game Evolution 2026; enjoy an immersive game of Laser Game Evolution with music and light shows to enhance the experience further. Located in the heart of the Citadel of Quebec, groups of 20 players at a time will take turns enjoying a thrilling 20-minute session. Book your spot now.
Airmont Le Chateau Frontenac — Rappel Down the Historic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac! February 12-15
An exclusive Quebec Winter Carnival event, Airmont Le Chateau Frontenac provides brave visitors with a unique opportunity to ascend to the top of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and rappel down 160 feet! Bookings can be made for time slots between 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for this once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Some restrictions apply.
Scale the Giant Polar Bear
Face your fears as you climb the paws of an enormous polar bear! Rope climbing, bouldering and via ferrata options available. Height restrictions.
Fat Biking on Snow
Discover the thrill of riding on snow on a fat bike! Fat bikes will be available for children and adults as they enjoy this family-friendly activity. Height restrictions.
Panoramic Views from the Brand New Great Colours Ferris Wheel
The new giant Ferris wheel is a welcome addition to the Carnival offering spectacular views of the festival activities. Perched several meters high, it is fun for the entire family. Make a special request to the resident DJ Chris who will play your favourite song during your gondola ride!
Visit the New Bonhomme Ice Palace
New for 2026 is the Bonhomme Ice Palace where visitors are engaged in an immersive journey as they experience folk tales and legends that have shaped the soul of Quebec. The stories come to life through the Palace’s ice sculptures. Among the legends brought to life are The Flying Canoe, Rose Latulippe, The Bride’s Veil—The Legend of Montmorency Falls, The Seven O’clock Man and The Legend of the Carnival.
Return of the Annual Icy Waters Canoe Race on the St. Lawrence River, Sunday February 8th
Throngs of excited spectators cheer on the canoe teams racing on the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River at Quays 19 and 21 of the Port of Quebec as they paddle their hardest to see who will be first to cross the finish line.
Monday, February 9, 2026 Schedule
All Sites open from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Note that Gougoune et doudoune is open from 12 PM to 5 PM at the Quais de l’Espace 400.
Loto-Québec Zone (Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale)
All-day activities
Visit of Bonhomme’s Ice Palace — 12 PM → 8 PM
Scheduled programming
Luminous DJ Booth (Bistro SAQ) — 1 PM → 5 PM
Bistro SAQ — Musical Happy Hour — 5 PM → 7 PM
Place Érable du Québec (Place George-V)
All-day activities
Érable du Québec Path
Érable du Québec Color Wheel
Fairground Games
MusiQuiz
Relais SAQ
Scheduled programming
Pound — 12 PM / 2 PM
Mission Tradition – Carnivalesque Musical — 1:30 PM / 3:30 PM
Hitster Happy Hour at the Relais SAQ — 5 PM → 7 PM
Scotiabank Sculpture Garden (Parc de la Francophonie)
All-day activities
Visit of the Sculpture Garden
Ice Slides
Club Jouet Kids’ Zone
Scheduled programming
Photo with Bonhomme — schedule revealed the same day
Lumiglace — 15-minute show → 4 PM / 5 PM / 6 PM / 7 PM
La Souche Happy Hour (Chalet La Souche) — 5 PM → 7 PM
DJ Set — Face the Music! — starting at 5 PM
Gougoune et doudoune (Quais de l’Espace 400)
12 PM to 5 PM
The Climbing Bear — powered by WKND 91.9
The 150-foot Slide by POM
Grand Winter Mini-Golf
Fatbike Introduction with Echo Sports Tours
Giant Ball Pit
Club Jouet Family Zone
Giant Winter Games
For more daily schedules please visit: visit carnaval.qc.ca.
Citadelle de Québec
Laser Game Évolution at the Citadelle de Québec — powered by WKND 91.9 — 6 PM → 9 PM
2026 Effigy Card Pre-sale On Sale Until January 11th, 2026
The 2026 Effigy card is available now, offering access to several activities and an exclusive booklet of 18 winter discounts at local businesses. For more information on the Quebec Winter Carnival and events, visit carnaval.qc.ca.
by Laurie Wallace-Lynch previously published in part on TOtimes.ca
images supplied by Carnaval de Québec except as noted
