Québec Winter Carnival 2027 (Carnaval de Québec)

The Québec Winter Carnival 2027, the Carnaval de Québec, runs from 5 to 14 February 2027 in Québec City, Canada. It is one of the largest winter festivals in the world, famous for its mascot Bonhomme, ice sculptures, night parades and outdoor snow activities. This guide is for families and groups planning a Canadian winter trip, and for agencies selling winter holidays.

About the Québec Winter Carnival

The Carnaval de Québec has been held for decades and is a symbol of winter in French-speaking Canada. Its ambassador, Bonhomme Carnaval, a snowman in a red cap and sash, welcomes visitors at the festival sites. Activities typically include ice and snow sculpture, a giant Ferris wheel, night parades, canoe races on the icy St Lawrence and outdoor music.

Access to many activities is through the Effigy, a small pass that the organiser describes as your pass to the winter activities. Details of the Effigy, the programme and the sites are on the official Carnaval de Québec website.

Québec City itself, with its walled Old Town listed by UNESCO, looks especially striking under snow, which makes the carnival a strong reason to visit in winter.

the Québec Winter Carnival 2027 dates and venue

The organiser lists the 2027 carnival from 5 to 14 February 2027. Activities are spread across several sites in Québec City, listed on the official site. Parade days and specific events are announced in the official programme closer to the date.

February is very cold in Québec City, with snow on the ground and freezing temperatures, so visitors should plan clothing carefully.

How to get to Québec City for the Québec Winter Carnival

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is the nearest airport, with connections from Montréal, Toronto and some international routes. Many international travellers fly into Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) or Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and connect by domestic flight, train or road.

Trains run between Montréal and Québec City, and the drive takes a few hours in winter conditions. Inside Québec City, the Old Town is walkable, and taxis and local buses serve the carnival sites.

Where to stay

The Old Town (Vieux-Québec), inside and around the city walls, is the most atmospheric area and is close to the main carnival sites. The Saint-Roch and Montcalm districts and the area near Grande Allée have hotels and restaurants within reach of the action.

Carnival weekends are busy, so book hotels in Québec City early. Some groups also stay in Montréal and visit Québec City for a day or two.

Planning a group trip to the Québec Winter Carnival

A group tour to the Québec Winter Carnival can be built as a five- to seven-night Canadian winter trip, combining Montréal and Québec City. Plan at least two full days at the carnival, with one night parade if the dates fit, and time for the Old Town and Montmorency Falls.

Agencies should brief travellers from warm climates on winter clothing: thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves and hats. Buy the Effigy for each traveller from official sales points or the official website.

Families can add snow tubing, ice skating or a visit to a sugar shack outside the city.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Québec Winter Carnival 2027?

The organiser lists the Carnaval de Québec 2027 from 5 to 14 February 2027. Check the official programme for parade days and individual events before you book.

What is the Effigy?

The Effigy is the carnival's pass, which the organiser describes as your pass to countless winter activities. Details of where to buy it and what it includes are on the official website.

Which airport is best for Québec City?

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is the closest. Many international visitors fly into Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) and continue to Québec City by train, road or a short domestic flight.

How cold is Québec City in February?

February is mid-winter, with snow and temperatures well below freezing, especially at night. Warm, layered clothing and waterproof boots are essential for outdoor carnival activities.

Do I need a visa for Canada?

Entry rules for Canada depend on nationality. Check the official entry requirements for Canada well before travel, as some travellers need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Québec Winter Carnival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.