Quebec City

Quebec city is a fascinating place. It's the only walled city in North America, with lots of history and the charm of a medieval European city. It's characterised by French architecture and narrow, winding streets full of inviting speciality shops and restaurants, with the traditional arts and crafts and the authentic French Canadian maple syrup products.

Just imagine all this mixed up with all-day-and-night entertainment: that's The Quebec City Winter Carnival. It's one of the most popular carnivals in the world, together with Rio de Janeiro's and New Orleans' Mardi Gras. Since 1955, when the Carnival was officially introduced, people of all ages have come here from all over the world to breathe a genuine 'joie de vivre' and think of nothing else but having fun. It's literally three weeks of singing, dancing and having fun. Yes, fun is the keyword. The festival it self was invented, at the end of the 19th century, as a way to 'warm up' the spirits during the long, cold Canadian winters.

The carnival has an official mascot and king called 'Bonhomme', a giant, smiling snowman wearing a red hat and a fringed belt, related to Quebec's folklore. He lives in a huge, specially crafted ice-palace and has the honour of crowning the Carnival Queen. His Palace is located in the Place du Palais and is lit by night. It is meticulously built over a period of two months, each year with a different theme.

The lavish parades feature characters from French legends and stories and by the music of the long red trumpets. The Carnival also hosts balls and gala dinners. The most prestigious one is Bonhomme's Ball, which is held at the old and beautiful Chateau Frontenac.

In the 'Snow Capital of the world', as the locals like to call it, you can enjoy all sorts of winter sports and activities: dogsled races, snow rafting, ice-fishing, ice and snow slides, slippery slopes, snow sculpting and, not to be missed, the snow bath, where crazy people jump into mountains of snow with just a swimming costume on. Then, you can also try a sleigh ride along the St. Laurence river or climb down the Sugarloaf, a frozen waterfall. Another popular event is the canoe race: 3.2 kilometres across the St. Lawrence River, often run in the harshest weather conditions.

And if the beautiful Chateau Frontenac is too expensive, and a normal hotel is too plain, try one of the igloos you can find for rent. Couples might enjoy a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride, maybe accompanied by a nice traditional rabbit dish and a glass of good wine in one of the cosy little restaurants of the old town. And if you get too cold, nothing better than a warm drop of the traditional 'Caribou', a strong mix of brandy, vodka, sherry and port. No doubts it will warm you up and help you sleep!