Ottawa 
Events Description
Carnival-goers will have more time to have fun with family and friends and experience the world’s most popular Carnival and its over 100 activities.
2026 Highlights
On the program: exciting new features to experience winter differently.
- Feel the adrenaline rush with Rappelling down Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
- Party at Cayo Carnaval at Spa des Neiges (18+) (new)
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a unique way at Carnival Sleepless Night presented by Pop Underwear, a pajama party at Quebec Garrison Club (18+)
- Kick up your heels at the Country Dance at the Manège militaire in collaboration with the Festival
- Western de St-Tite (new)
- Add color to Bonhomme Ice Palace with Graff Your Palace, a collective graffiti session open to all
- Play Laser Game Evolution at the Citadelle of Quebec powered by WKND 9
- We have an unforgettable experience at the Ferris wheel of colors
- Hunt for prizes with Treasure Storm (new)
- Watch an impressive ice climbing competition at Ice Climbing Smash by Aventurex (new)
- Take advantage of Special Weekday Surprises (new)
- Climb in style on the Giant Climbing Bear powered by WKND 9.
Don’t worry—our beloved traditions are still here.
- Bonhomme Ice Palace
- Shows on the Loto-Québec Stage
- Four ice bars with their famous ice glasses
- Dozens of ice and snow sculptures
- Two dazzling Night Parades, in Limoilou and on Grande Allée
- The thrilling Gouvernement du Québec Canoe Race
- The iconic St-Hubert Snow Bath
- And so much more!
Zone Loto-Québec – Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale
Prepare to be amazed by Bonhomme Ice Palace, which will showcase Quebec legends. Each room in the Palace will illustrate a Quebec legend, including a very special one entitled “Living Together”, a new legend imagined by the students of Rochebelle High School. Also on site, the SAQ Space will delight the most festive among us with happy hours from Monday to Friday and lunchtime songs on weekends.
Evenings that bring the Carnival to life
This year, the Loto-Québec Stage, next to Bonhomme Ice Palace, will host five musical evenings. Opening on February 6, the Country Storm evening will feature Francis Degrandpré, Justin Roy, Ariane Simard, and the Hurricane Dancers to get you moving. Hosting this festive opening night will be none other than Patricia Vincent and Marto Napoli. On February 7, it’s time for Électro- frette 100% pink with MATTN headlining, along with Miss Shelton and Montana, Shieldie, and Arielle Roberge. February 12 will transport us to a unique atmosphere with the WKND 91.9 Beach Party. On February 13, sensation Alicia Moffet will take the stage of our one-of-a-kind dome for Pop Night. On February 14, Qualité Motel will take over for an Après-Défilé that promises to be memorable.
Place Érable du Québec – Place George-V (new)
The sugar season begins in February this year! At Place Érable du Québec, you can enjoy a unique experience combining music and maple syrup. There will be several activities available on site, including the Ferris Wheel of colors, Musiquiz and various shows on the Érable du Québec Stage. Carnival-goers can enjoy tribute shows, family entertainment and the 5 à 7 Hitster. Another new feature is the Sentier, a maple trail presented by Érable du Québec, which invites you to discover the ins and outs of maple syrup production and all the benefits of our precious golden nectar.
Jardin des sculptures Banque Scotia – Parc de la Francophonie
Véritable sanctuaire artistique, une quarantaine de sculptures de glace et de neige vous feront apprécier la beauté de l’hiver. Les Carnavaleux pourront aussi faire sortir l’artiste en eux aux Ateliers de sculpture sur glace Banque Scotia ($), s’amuser dans deux glissades de glace, ou simplement profiter de l’ambiance festive du Chalet La Souche, alors que des prestations DJ prolongeront le plaisir à l’extérieur en soirée, tout comme le spectacle son et lumière Lumiglace ajoutera une touche magique. L’Espace réveil Endy proposera notamment l’Heure du conte avec Bonhomme et un lit de glace bien spécial. Les enfants auront leur propre Zone des tout-p’tits Club Jouet, aussi disponible pour allaiter, changer des couches ou chauffer un biberon.
Gougoune et doudoune – Quais de l’Espace 400
Get out your sunglasses and mittens, because Gougoune et Doudoune is back to brighten up your winter days! There are a host of activities for all ages, including the Climbing Bear powered by WKND 91.9, the 150-foot Slide presented by POM, a giant ball pit, the Club Jouet Family Area, Grand Mini-Golf, giant table football and an introduction to fat biking with Echo Sports Tours. And there’s more… Gougoune et Doudoune will be open after the Carnival on February 21-22 and from February 28 to March 8 during the spring break. During the Carnival, Carnival-goers aged 13 and over will need to purchase an effigy to access the activitiesé During the other two periods, a daily pass costing $15 or a season pass costing $35 will be required to participate in the activities. The Winter Enthusiasts combo is also now on sale, offering you the chance to purchase your Effigy and your Gougoune et doudoune season pass at a reduced price.
OUR CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZAS
Carnival is, by definition, a time when social rules are temporarily set aside. At the Québec Winter Carnival, we are proud to follow this tradition. This year, we have another series of unconventional activities in store for you. New this year is Cayo Carnaval at the Spa des Neiges, an event inspired by southern resorts but reimagined in a northern style, taking place on February 12.
Following its huge success last year, Rappelling down Fairmont Le Château Frontenac will take place from February 12-15. The popular Laser Game Evolution activity at the Citadelle de Québec, powered by WKND 91.9, returns from February 9-12 for unique battles in a historic setting (free activity with Effigy, reservation required).
The Carnival Sleepless Night, presented by Pop Underwear, returns on February 14 at the Quebec Garrison Club, offering an extravagant pyjama party for adults with disco, karaoke, tattoos, games and much more! To end on a high note, on February 15, Carnival-goers are invited to Graff ton Palais (free with Effigie)! That’s right— temporary, biodegradable graffiti on Bonhomme’s Ice Palace, so you can leave your mark before the end of Carnival!
Sports Sunday
Sunday, February 8, will be the perfect opportunity to play armchair quarterback and get a little exercise. New this year, dance enthusiasts can shake their body with Country Dance at the Manège militaire, in collaboration with the Festival Western de St-Tite, starting at noon. It promises to be a blast! At 12:30 p.m., cheer on the canoeists who will brave the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River in the Gouvernement du Québec Canoe Race. Then, at 2 p.m., the most courageous will dive into snow with the famous St- Hubert Snow Bath at the Gougoune et doudoune site.
We have lots of other new features planned, because we love to keep you on your toes year after year!
Thrill-seekers will love the new Ice Climbing Smash, presented in collaboration with Aventurex and taking place at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency on February 14. Watch this speed ice climbing competition featuring professionals. Add to that our special weekday events, where our generous partners will be giving gifts to the first Carnival-goers at our sites. On Monday, HotPoc will give away 1,000 hot pocs; on Tuesday, Canard Goulu will give away 500 blocks of duck foie gras; on Wednesday, Sounds Good will give away 100 special Carnival Bluetooth speakers; and on Friday, Videotron will give away 200 trumpets. Finally, on Sunday February 15, the Treasure Strom will offer Carnival-goers the chance to win gifts ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. It’s what we call a Carnival-style treasure hunt!
Carnival all over the City
Bonhomme loves spreading his magic throughout Quebec City, and this year is no exception! Carnival all over the City will feature several popular activities, including Skating with Bonhomme, presented by Souffleuses à Neige Larue; Partner Events; and Quebec City Lights Up in Red. More details will follow before the Carnival.
And many other carnival activities…
The Western Breakfast returns on February 7, as does the Parcours des terrasses gourmandes, which will take place in the Old Port on the same date. On February 11, the Business Leaders Luncheon will be held at the Hilton Quebec Hotel. This event is presented by TEC Canada in collaboration with the Quebec City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Participants will have the privilege of attending a conference by Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand, who will unveil his economic vision for our city for his second term. There will also be various activities near our sites, such as the Super C Super Challenges.
HOW MUCH
Admission (effigy): No Effigy is required for kids aged 12 and under.
Until January 11: $29 plus taxes
The Full Carnival Pass (Until January 11):$59 +taxes
- It includes your Effigy, which is your official access pass to all the sites, as well as coupons redeemable during the event for an official Carnival beanie, a Moose (signature alcoholic beverage), a maple taffy and a hot beverage.
How to get tickets
WHEN & WHERE
Dates: February 6 to 15, 2026. – Schedule
Night Parades
Saturday, February 7 at 5:30 m. – 3rd Avenue in Limoilou
Saturday, February 14 at 7 m. – Grande Allée
Venue:
Various Venues, Quebec City
1086 Boulevard Honoré-Mercier #1082, Quebec City
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