Sliding through the streets
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Some streets in Quebec will turn into slides.
Whose street? To snow sports enthusiasts! From January 25 to 28, three streets in Quebec will be covered in snow and transformed into gigantic slides: the Côte de la Pente-Douce, the Côte Ross as well as the rue de la Promenade-des-Sœurs. On site, sliding mat (crazy carpets) or saucers, inner tubes and even rafting boats will await the brave, the equipment varying depending on the site visited. However, we can bet that the most intrepid will want to try all three descents. The organizers have planned this: a shuttle service will be offered. “ [Dans les années 1950], a ski slope had been built on the De Salaberry coast. It’s a beautiful nod to our past,” underlines Jérôme Déchêne.
From January 25 to 28
On your skates!
IMAGE PROVIDED BY THE QUEBEC CARNIVAL
Carnival-goers will be able to try out extreme downhill skating.
Notice to nostalgic fans who miss the Red Bull Crashed Ice events, presented in Old Quebec from 2006 to 2015: this year, the Quebec Carnival offers the opportunity to learn extreme downhill skating (ice cross). Everything will take place on an icy track set up on Place Jean-Béliveau. Including a few obstacles, the course with a low level of difficulty is aimed at both adults and children. However, you need to know how to skate to be able to skate during (and even after) Carnival.
From January 25 to February 18
Face the polar bear
IMAGE PROVIDED BY THE QUEBEC CARNIVAL
Polar bear sketch
A 45-foot-tall polar bear will await festival-goers in the Old Port of Quebec. “It’s spectacular!” », says Jérôme Déchêne about this new feature which was being put together at the time of the telephone interview. The most adventurous will be able to admire it up close, since it will be possible to practice ice climbing on the front legs of the giant animal. On its back, via ferrata and traditional climbing routes will be set up. The impressive structure will sit in the heart of Bonhomme winter beach, alongside a ball pool, a three-electric ski slope and a tiki bar.
From February 2 to 11
Welcome to Bonhomme
PHOTO STÉPHANE AUDET, PROVIDED BY THE CARNIVAL DE QUÉBEC
The famous Carnival Man
Once again, Bonhomme will open the doors of his palace to visitors on the National Assembly Square. For his 70th birthday, he had a floor built. “People will be able to go up and have a breathtaking view of Quebec City, the parliament and the entire site,” describes Jérôme Déchêne. On the theme of time, the different rooms of the jovial character’s residence will represent traditions that have marked Carnival in recent decades.
From February 2 to 11
Ice works
PHOTO STÉPHANE AUDET, PROVIDED BY THE CARNIVAL DE QUÉBEC
Around forty ice and snow sculptures will charm festival-goers.
Around forty ice and snow sculptures will be erected on Place George-V, located near the Plains of Abraham. “There will be something for everyone,” says Jérôme Déchêne, speaking of these ephemeral works of art. In this “Sculpture Garden”, you will also find an impressive ice dome. Opposite, on the other side of the Grande-Allée, Camping de Bonhomme will offer a host of entertaining activities, including shows for children, a winter fair and festive happy hours.
From February 2 to 10
Unmissable parades
PHOTO STÉPHANE AUDET, PROVIDED BY THE CARNIVAL DE QUÉBEC
The night parade is a highly anticipated event every year.
An essential free event of the Quebec Carnival, the night parade will take place in the streets of the Old Capital on two occasions: in the Limoilou sector on February 3, then on Grande-Allée on February 10. More than 300 artists, including dancers, musicians and fire manipulators, will accompany the illuminated floats. Bonhomme will, of course, be there.
February 3 at 5:30 p.m. and February 10 at 7 p.m.