QUÉBEC CITY – Nobody does winter better than this historic provincial capital. Proof: The Carnaval de Québec, the largest winter carnival in the world.
The 2018 edition of the Carnaval de Québec -- sounds so much nicer in French –  kicked off Saturday with a gala opening and the crowning of the carnival queen, which took place in frigid temperatures, just outside the walls of UNESCO-protected Old Québec.  Over one million visitors attended the 2017 edition of the Carnaval and that record is sure to be eclipsed this year – Québec City had a record year for tourism in 2017, thanks mainly to the efforts of the province’s and Québec City’s tourism offices abroad, especially in China. So the 2017 attendance is sure to be eclipsed this year.
The Carnaval de Québec runs from now until Feb. 11 and there’s lots to do in Canada’s oldest city. At the kickoff Saturday, I tried my hand at axe throwing and human bowling – I was the ball! All great fun.
However, I refused to take an “ice bath” with Bonhomme Carnaval; it was too early in our relationship. The Caranval’s loveable snowman mascot, who patrols venues during the festival and interacts with the crowds, weighs in at 400 pounds. You may want to lay off the maple sugar treats,  Bonhomme.
The main highlights of the Carnaval are the ice sculpting competition – remarkable art – and sports events like the annual canoe race across the frozen St. Lawrence. I also got to test out my ice fishing skills at a frozen marina a short drive from Old Québec and then hopped a toboggan on the world-famous run that sits next to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel, where I held on for dear life as my sled hit speeds of 70 km/h. Talk about a thrill ride.
Speaking of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the Grand Dame of Canadian hotels celebrates its 125th birthday in 2018 and the historic property – where the Queen, political heavyweights like Sir Winston Churchill and the stars of screen and stage have been guests – has many events planned throughout the year. Go to http://www.chateaufrontenac125.com to see the full list of events planned around the anniversary.
For more on the Carnaval de Québec, go to https://carnaval.qc.ca/home