UEBEC, Canada's French Province, is just over the border from the Northeastern USA, close enough to qualify for a story in Travel Savvy News.

Just the spot to enjoy Winter activities and delight in gourmet comfort foods. A taste of old Europe without the expense of crossing the pond.   I am not normally much of a Winter Vacation advocate, but I attented Carnaval de Quebec several seasons ago and had a blast! The old walled city gives the flavor of foreign destinations much farther from the USA. ..and very old.   The town has just celebrated its 400^th anniversary.    Quebec was settled in the 1600s.   This is a French speaking province, but a smile and a few hand gestures will convey your wishes.   Everyone, including the dogs, are decked out in winter gear.   Be sure to pack your silk underwear and woolies.

Yes, it's cold and the streets and sidewalks are filled with snowbanks, but getting out in the weather is revitalizing and seeing the ice sculptures around the city adds to the Winter Wonderland effect. Joining in on the fun of the various events makes visiting Quebec City during Carnaval Time magical.      

                                                                                                            Ann Terry Hill   

For its 55th annual presentation, the Québec Winter Carnaval in association with Loto-Québec will be offering visitors a unique winter experience from January 30 to February 15, 2009, with an all-new theme – the Carnival leads you into the Masquerade!

The official residence for the King of the festival, Place Loto-Québec will be the setting for Loto-Québec’s Outdoor Dance Parties and all sorts of interactive entertainment. It is also the perfect spot for discovering sculptures from the young artist’s category of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. In a larger and livelier interior, the public will relive the Ste-Thérèse era at the Ice Palace: 3D snow and ice sculptures will add a touch of realism to the set and the front of the famous "Voûtes Chez Ti-Père" will be reproduced.

Located on the Plains of Abraham, this huge open-air playground is the ideal place for testing your skills or simply admiring the performances of the boldest carnival-goers. This year’s program promises plenty of ingenuity and fantasy: Bistro SAQ, a tug-of-war competition, the WestJet Zip-Line, the TELUS Interactive Zone, the International Snow Sculpture Competition, the Royal Canin Dog Agility Competition, Arctic Spas Village, METRO Barbecue, shows at the METRO tent, plus the Natrel Ice House, a giant soccer game, Desjardins snow slides, sleigh rides, KRAFT snow rafting, the sugar shack, dogsledding rides and a skijoring competition.

Designed especially for children, Mr. Christie/KRAFT Village is a gathering place for families discovering the Carnival! On all three weekends, there will be exciting entertainment on the circus-inspired outdoor stage. Don’t miss the dynamic activities on this site.

Place Hydro-Québec will be transformed into a unique and lively city for the 2009 Carnival! Fantasy comes to life through exceptional characters and a massive urban set. Fanciful characters full of colour and originality will animate in this modern city. The site will also be a gathering place for many activities, such as the Official Opening Show with fireworks on Friday January 30, starting at 7 p.m., skating sessions with Bonhomme Carnaval, figure skating shows, and much more.

-The dogsledding race, called the Grande Virée, followed by a friendly snowshoeing race on January 31 starting at 1 p.m. near Château Frontenac.

-Unique and colourful soapbox jalopies will be participating in the Normandin Race on Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Côte de la Fabrique.

-The qualifications rounds for the Canoe Race will take place on Rue St-Joseph on Friday, February 6 starting at 7 p.m.

-The Canoe Race on the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River on February 8 at 1:30 p.m. on Bassin Louise.

-The Calgary Stampede Western Breakfast onSaturday February 7 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Place Hydro-Québec.

-The21st presentation of the Carnival Painting Symposium from Wednesday February 11 to Saturday February 14, 2009 on the 3^rd floor of Laurier Québec mall in Cour des promotions.

-The La Baie Snow Bath on Saturday February 14 at 2 p.m. at Place Desjardins.

-Qualifications for the St-Hubert Derby take place on Saturday February 14, and the winners will face off in the grand finale starting at noon on Sunday, February 15 at Place Desjardins.

The Night Parades in Collaboration with Loto-Québec

Presented on Saturday February 7 and 14, the Carnival’s renowned night parades will once again wind through the streets of Charlesbourg and Québec City. The artistic aspect of previous years will be preserved, and a new and unique soundtrack will be added to each sequence. Fifteen floats and over 900 extras will light up the parade.Get Ready for the 55^th Annual Carnival

 For more information, carnival-goers can call 1-866-4-carnaval (1-866-422-7628) or 418-621-5555.

- Source:   Sylvain Gagné,            Media and Public Relations Manager

                       sylvain.gagne@carnaval.qc.ca

2010

Home | Contact | Top