Quebec’s famed Winter Carnival is gearing up to welcome record-breaking crowds this year as Canadians increasingly travel closer to home for winter events, organizers and tourism officials say. The annual festival in Quebec City — known for its vibrant parades, ice palaces, snow sculptures and cultural celebrations — has become a top destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts and visitors from across the country.
Officials noted that travel patterns this winter have shifted, with many Canadians opting for domestic tourism amid rising interest in local attractions and experiences. The Winter Carnival, which traditionally draws tens of thousands of attendees, appears poised to attract even more visitors than in previous years, buoyed by a strong appetite for winter festivities and unique celebrations that embrace the season’s colder months.
The Carnival’s schedule of events includes traditional highlights such as the night parades, “Bonhomme” the snowman — the official ambassador of the festival — and a variety of outdoor activities ranging from ice canoe races to snow bath experiences and music performances. Streets throughout Old Quebec and the Plains of Abraham are transformed into a winter wonderland, with themed sculptures, illuminated installations and family-friendly attractions amplifying the celebration.
Tourism officials said early booking trends indicate robust interest from across Canada, with visitors making hotel reservations and planning Carnival-centric trips that also include extended stays in the historic city. Local business owners see the influx as a welcome boost to the hospitality and service sectors, particularly during a season when many communities seek to invigorate winter economies.
The shift toward closer-to-home travel reflects broader trends in Canadian travel behaviour this year, with many vacationers favouring domestic destinations due to convenience, cost and the appeal of rediscovering local culture. Quebec’s winter festival, with its unique blend of tradition and entertainment, fits neatly into this trend by offering immersive experiences without the need for international travel.
Officials with Tourisme Québec said they are prepared to accommodate the anticipated crowds, adding that safety, accessibility and event programming have all been enhanced to ensure a positive experience for visitors of all ages. They also noted that cooperation with local businesses, cultural groups and community partners has helped expand the Carnival’s offerings, attracting both seasoned winter travellers and first-time attendees.
As the Carnival unfolds, city streets and public spaces are expected to buzz with activity, bringing vibrant energy to one of Canada’s most iconic winter celebrations and showcasing the enduring appeal of winter festivals when Canadians choose to explore their own backyard.
Quebec’s iconic Winter Carnival expects record crowds this year as more Canadians travel domesticall
China’s highest court has overturned the death sentence of Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, signa
A Calgary man says his home has been repeatedly targeted in four attacks over six days, leaving him
Mexican authorities have found bodies and remains in Sinaloa during the search for 10 missing employ
