Quebec City held its first winter carnival in 1894. It was an elaborate
celebration that provided people with relief from the cold harsh winter. In the
sixty years that followed these winter carnivals were organized periodically. It
wasn't until 1955 that a group of local businessmen decided that an annual
carnival would be a good way to stimulate the economy during the long winter
months. The Quebec Carnival grew to become Quebec City's third-largest industry,
far surpassing its organizers dreams. The Carnival’s activities reflect the
character and the tastes of the modern-day people. They also include many of
Quebec’s most famous traditions. Beautiful snow sculptures as well as the
traditional canoe race across the mighty St. Lawrence River are as spectacular
and as popular as ever. Since 1955, the Quebec Winter Carnival was recognized as
the World's biggest winter celebration, and is the third largest carnival, after
those in Rio and New Orleans. Today Quebec City's historic streets are filled
with people of all ages, anxious to experience the joys of winter at the
world-famous Quebec Carnival. The Quebec Carnival offers a wide variety of
sporting events. The legendary International Canoe Race, a popular tradition
since the very first Carnival, is a true test of courage and determination.
Teams from around the world attempt to cross the mighty St. Lawrence River
between Quebec City and Levis must battle ice floes, treacherous currents, and
freezing temperatures. There's also something called the Roll in the snow, for
participants dressed only in a bathing suit. The provincial dogsled racing
Championship called " La Grande viree ", the Soapbox Derby, the Car
Race on ice and the Cross Country skiing " Classic " of the Quebec
Winter Carnival are just some of the activities at the Quebec Winter Carnival.
The Carnival has brightly-lit night parades which are the most colorful part of
its program. Each year, more than 500,000 spectators bundle up to attend the
exciting event which features fabulous floats, smartly dressed marching bands,
and clowns. Elaborate parades also wind through the streets of City, with music
and enchantment. The International Snow Sculpture is one of the Carnival's most
popular activities and essentially its finest art exhibit. This event has
attracted sculptors from around the globe, who have created splendid and
imaginative works. In 1998, 21 countries took part in the International
category. Despite its severe northern climate, Quebec City is a popular winter
tourist destination. Hundreds of Thousands people participate in the
Carnival’s activities each year. Of these, 60 000 come from outside Quebec
province, thereby providing sizeable revenue for local hotels and restaurants.
The Carnival is a driving force in Quebec's tourist industry. A 1997 study
conducted by Le Groupe Leger et Leger indicated that the economic impact of the
Quebec Winter Carnival could be evaluated at $48 millions. The Quebec Winter
Carnival has many activities for all ages. Activities range from simple exhibits
to spectacular exhibits of ice sculptures. You can take part in games and enjoy
outside sports and cultural events with yours friends and family.