Bonhomme, which mean "good fellow" in French, serves as the ambassador of the Quebec Winter Carnival. Created in 1954, this snowman-shaped mascot in a traditional red hat and belt is the symbol of the carnival festivities. Every year organizers of the event build an ice palace for Bonhomme at the Place Loto-Québec just across from the Parliament building as the locale for the opening and closing ceremonies. During the day the venue and its collection of ice sculptures are available for viewing, while at night multicolored lights illuminate the icy walls.
This race started in the early 20th century as a competition between small wooden postal boats. Before the province erected a bridge crossing the St. Lawrence River, the government transported mail by boat between Quebec and the nearby town of Levis. Men risked their lives for the community's well-being, and every year they organized a race. More than 40 teams compete in this canoe race, struggling against the powerful current, big chunks of ice and freezing water to get to the other side of the river. It is considered the main event of the carnival and one of the most perilous.
During the Winter Carnival the Plains of Abraham, also known as Place Desjardins, are transformed into a snowy playground with life-size snow sculptures, ice houses, snow castles, zip lines, outdoor cinemas and live entertainment. Recreational activities include dogsled racing, snow rafting, ice skating, snow tubing and horse-drawn sleigh riding. Equipment is available for rent at the Information Center at the park grounds. Also at the site are tug-of-war matches, the Royal Canin Dog Agility event and the International Snow Sculpture Competition.
Activities don't stop when the sun goes down. Bonhomme's Ice Palace hosts outdoor dance parties with live music, and the celebrated Night Parades take place on the second and third weekends of the festival, providing carnival-goers with a remarkable spectacle of costumes, music and dancing. Visitors can relax and unwind after an adventure-filled day at the Village Arctic Spas at Place Desjardins. This site, open every night, features three outdoor hot tubs and a group sauna to keep guests warm while basking under the stars.
