Canada Winter Adventure: Quebec Carnival (Feb 6 – Feb 15, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Stroll in Quebec City

Morning: Fly into Québec‑Jean Lesage Airport and take a taxi to your downtown hotel. Settle in and enjoy a quick coffee at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Old Quebec, admiring the fortified walls and historic storefronts. Grab a light lunch at Le Chic Shack for iconic poutine.

Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the St. Lawrence River promenade, watching the city lights reflect on the water before resting for the carnival excitement ahead.

Day 2: Carnival Opening & Ice Palace

Morning: Attend the grand Opening Ceremony on Grande Allée, where performers launch the festive spirit with music and fireworks.

Afternoon: Tour the dazzling Ice Palace, marveling at intricate ice sculptures and the massive ice slide that winds through the structure.

Evening: Warm up with a traditional caribou stew at a pop‑up restaurant, then enjoy the nightly Bonhomme’s Parade featuring illuminated floats.

Day 3: Snow Sports & Night Parade

Morning: Participate in the lively Ice Canoe Race on the frozen St. Lawrence River, cheering on local teams.

Afternoon: Wander the Snow Sculpture Gallery, where artists craft massive figures from fresh powder; don’t miss the interactive snow maze.

Evening: Experience the magical Night Parade, a glittering procession of lantern‑lit floats that winds through the streets of Old Quebec.

Day 4: Ice Hotel & Montmorency Falls

Morning: Travel to the world‑famous Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) for a guided tour of the frosty suites, chapel, and ice bar.

Afternoon: Head to Montmorency Falls, where you can ride a cable car to the summit and walk the suspension bridge for stunning winter vistas.

Evening: Return to Quebec City for a relaxed dinner at Chez Muffy, sampling locally sourced seafood in a cozy bistro.

Day 5: Île d'Orléans Culinary Day Trip

Morning: Take a short drive to the scenic Île d'Orléans, famous for its vineyards and historic farmsteads.

Afternoon: Enjoy a tasting tour at Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, sampling ice wine and fresh cheese, followed by a walk through the island’s quaint villages.

Evening: Return to the city and unwind with a hot chocolate at Café La Maison Smith near Place Royale.

Day 6: Old Quebec Exploration & Museums

Morning: Join a guided Walking Tour of Old Quebec, learning about its French‑Canadian heritage and visiting landmarks like the Citadel.

Afternoon: Explore the Musée de la civilisation, where interactive exhibits showcase Quebec’s history and winter traditions.

Evening: Dine in the iconic Château Frontenac restaurant, savoring a gourmet meal with panoramic views of the snow‑covered city.

Day 7: Carnival Night Events & Sugar Shack

Morning: Relax at your hotel’s spa with a hot stone massage to recharge for the day’s festivities.

Afternoon: Visit the Sugar Shack (Cabane à Sucre) for a hearty lunch of maple‑glazed pork, baked beans, and fresh maple syrup desserts.

Evening: Attend the spectacular Grand Night Show at the Ice Palace, featuring fireworks, live music, and a dazzling light display.

Day 8: Transfer to Montreal & Downtown Exploration

Morning: Take a scenic train ride to Montreal, enjoying views of the Laurentians blanketed in snow.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel in downtown Montreal and stroll along Saint‑Catherine Street, browsing boutiques and winter markets.

Evening: Experience Montreal’s vibrant nightlife with a visit to the lively Quartier des Spectacles, catching a live music performance.

Day 9: Montreal Winter Festival & Mount Royal

Morning: Explore the Montreal en Lumière festival, admiring illuminated art installations and attending a winter cooking workshop.

Afternoon: Climb to the top of Mount Royal via the snow‑covered trails for panoramic city views; warm up with a hot cider at the summit chalet.

Evening: Tour the historic Notre‑Dame Basilica illuminated with festive lights, followed by dinner at the trendy Le Saint‑Sulpice restaurant.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and take a final walk along the Old Port of Montreal.

Afternoon: Transfer to Montreal‑Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of a magical winter celebration.

Evening: Arrive back home refreshed and inspired by Canada’s winter wonderland.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flight (NYC‑Quebec) – 6 hrs – CAD $550
• Accommodation (9 nights, mid‑range hotel) – 9 nights – CAD $1,350
• Quebec Winter Carnival Pass – Full access – CAD $120
• Ice Palace entry – 2 hrs – CAD $30
• Hôtel de Glace tour – 2 hrs – CAD $45
• Montmorency Falls cable car & bridge – 3 hrs – CAD $25
• Île d'Orléans wine & cheese tasting – 4 hrs – CAD $60
• Old Quebec Walking Tour – 3 hrs – CAD $35
• Musée de la civilisation ticket – 2 hrs – CAD $20
• Château Frontenac dinner – 2 hrs – CAD $80
• Sugar Shack lunch – 2 hrs – CAD $40
• Train to Montreal (2nd class) – 5 hrs – CAD $70
• Montreal en Lumière festival activities – 4 hrs – CAD $50
• Mount Royal chalet refreshment – 1 hr – CAD $15
• Notre‑Dame Basilica illuminated tour – 1 hr – CAD $15
• Meals (average $45/day × 10) – 10 days – CAD $450
• Local transportation (buses, taxis) – 10 days – CAD $150
• Travel insurance – 10 days – CAD $40
• Miscellaneous souvenirs – 10 days – CAD $100
• Total Estimated Cost: CAD $4,275

Tips

If you have extra time, consider extending your stay by a couple of days to explore the nearby town of Levis across the river or venture further to the historic city of Ottawa for its winter festivals. To shorten the trip, you can condense the Montreal segment into a single day and replace the Île d'Orléans excursion with a half‑day tour of the Quebec City Aquarium, still enjoying the carnival’s highlights while saving on travel time and accommodation.