Quebec’s annual Winter Carnival is a family friendly event, celebrating the season. Even if you hate the snow and ice, there’s something for you to love – if you’re dressed correctly. There’s an old saying – “There’s no bad weather. Only bad clothes.” Here’s what you need to pack to enjoy all of the fun at Carnaval de Quebec.
Sad to say that I won’t be there this year – I keep planning to take my family and “stuff” gets in the way. But it is such a spectacular event, it’s worth mentioning anyway. I visited Quebec a couple of years ago and for me, a beach and warm weather traveler, to say that being bundled up, snow tubing, sleeping on a bed of ice and tromping around in 5 degree weather was fun, you better believe it! There is a constant festive vibe in the city throughout the festival. Everyone is out – kids, babies, adults, elderly and tourists.
What to Pack for Quebec’s Winter Carnival
To look like you belong there, here are a few tips:
- Dress in layers – nylon next to skin, NOT COTTON. If you sweat, the cotton holds the moisture, keeping you cold. This goes for hands and feet too. I wore a nylon fitted tee under a thin IceBreakers merino wool pullover under an average ski jacket and I was very warm.
- Buy a wrap
- Bring a Buff – it looks cool and will keep your neck, face and/or head warm. It’s also good for hat hair – you can use it as a headband or head cover if it’s really bad.
- BonHomme is a hero so when you see the Pillsbury-looking holiday snowman wave frantically – he is important
- Visit Hotel De Glace, even if you don’t want to sleep there. It’s living art and it will be gone in April. IF you have already seen it, go again – the design is different every year.
- Drink maple whiskey and caribou. Don’t ask, just drink it. It will keep you warm.
- Try everything. I don’t ski and I don’t love heights but the snow tubing at Villages Vacances is spectacular and not to be missed
- Dip into the Turkish baths even though it’s really really cold.
- Eat poutine, beaver tail and crepes.
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