Québec in Full Winter: When Bonhomme Takes Over the City

By Frédérique Bonaventure

By Frédérique Bonaventure

There are cities that tolerate winter.

Quebec City throws it a party.

From February 5 to 14, 2027, the Carnaval de Québec returns for ten days of snow, ice, music, parades and a certain enormous snowman who may be the only celebrity in Canada who becomes more popular when the temperature drops below -20°C.

His name, of course, is Bonhomme Carnaval.

And if you have never experienced Québec City in February, this may be the year to stop treating winter as something to escape.

The official Carnaval has now confirmed the 2027 dates, February 5–14. The festival describes itself as the world’s largest winter carnival, with the Ice Palace, snow and ice sculptures, night parades, musical evenings and activities spread across the city. 

First, you need to meet Bonhomme

Bonhomme is not simply a mascot who wanders around posing for photographs.

He is effectively the host.

The modern Carnaval was revived in 1954 as Québec City looked for a way to celebrate winter and stimulate winter tourism. The first edition followed in 1955, along with Bonhomme’s first appearance. But Québec City’s carnival tradition stretches further back: the city’s first major winter carnival was held in 1894. 

Bonhomme arrives dressed appropriately: red toque, white body and the colourful ceinture fléchée, or arrow sash.

You’ll see those sashes everywhere during Carnaval. They aren’t simply colourful accessories invented for tourists. The sash has deep roots in Québec culture; the Carnaval notes that its distinctive tradition combines Indigenous and French-Canadian weaving influences. 

A palace that disappears every spring

Bonhomme needs somewhere to live.

Naturally, he chooses a palace made entirely of ice.

Bonhomme’s Ice Palace is rebuilt each year near Old Québec from enormous blocks of ice. Visitors can wander through it during the day, but there is something particularly wonderful about seeing it illuminated after dark. 

And then spring arrives.

The palace disappears.

There is something delightfully Canadian about constructing an elaborate building while knowing from the beginning that April will eventually destroy it.

Then things get slightly ridiculous

This is where Carnaval becomes fun.

There is the Snow Bath, during which perfectly sensible adults put on swimsuits and boots and throw themselves into a snowbank.

On purpose.

There are elaborate ice sculptures, outdoor celebrations and night parades.

And then there is the event that makes you realize Québec winter culture operates on another level entirely:

ice canoe racing.

Teams race across the partially frozen St. Lawrence River, alternating between paddling through open water and hauling their canoes across moving ice.

 

The canoe race remains one of Carnaval’s signature events, and the festival has already opened sales for special 2027 Ice Canoe Race viewing experiences. 

Watching from shore with a hot drink suddenly seems like an excellent life decision.

Québec City was made for this

Part of Carnaval’s magic comes from its setting.

Old Québec already has steep streets, stone buildings, fortified walls and the unmistakable silhouette of the Château Frontenac. Add fresh snow, glowing streetlights and thousands of people wrapped in scarves and tuques, and the city begins to look almost suspiciously picturesque.

But Carnaval isn’t simply scenery.

At night, the atmosphere changes. Families give way to concerts, celebrations and crowds moving between festival sites. Two night parades are among the Carnaval’s recurring signature experiences. 

This isn’t a festival asking you to observe winter from behind a hotel window.

It wants you outside.

The secret is dressing properly

There is one important rule.

Do not attempt to look fashionable at the expense of staying warm.

February in Québec City can be seriously cold.

Wear thermal layers. Proper insulated boots. Mittens rather than thin gloves. A warm hat. A wind-resistant winter coat.

Once you’re dressed properly, something surprising happens.

Cold stops being the enemy.

You hear boots crunching over snow. Your breath hangs in the air. Someone walks past wearing a bright arrow sash. Music is coming from somewhere ahead. Bonhomme appears surrounded by children.

And suddenly you understand why Québec decided long ago that the best response to a long winter wasn’t merely to endure it.

It was to celebrate it.

For ten days in February 2027, Québec City will do exactly that.

Maybe winter doesn’t always need escaping.

Sometimes it just needs a better party.

Go somewhere. Even when it’s cold. Especially when it’s cold.