Hi, I've searched through the posts, but I'm hoping you seasoned travellers can give me some specific information. My husband and I would like to go to Quebec City this February for the winter carnival. We have time and money for a week's vacation. First, is there a better time to go to the carnival? I know it lasts from the 1st-16th. Is it better to go towards, the beginning, middle, end, or does it make a difference at all? We are looking at the Loews hotel, because we are not generally bed and breakfast kind of people and the Frontenac seems a little too expensive and is probably sold out anyway. Any other recommendations for larger hotels? Third, should we divide our time between Quebec City and somewhere else? I noticed in an earlier post that someone said Quebec City would not be fun for an entire week. I know that Montreal would be an alternative. Anywhere else? We don't ski, but we love cold weather and playing in the snow. Is there anywhere we could go snowmobiling or something like that? We're not really into historical places...staring at old churches, etc...but we do like seeing diferences in culture. I've searched all over the internet, but I've found it hard to be find good information on travelling in Canada...I'm not sure why, because I am usually a searching whiz! Thanks for any advice! I appreciate it. Roxanne

Roxanne, maybe you should consider staying in the Ice Hotel. I never stayed there but it sounds interesting. Everthing made of ice. I don't know what type of heat they are using in this hotel. Find out

I saw this Ice Hotel on TV a couple weeks back.. it looks pretty interesting, definitely unique. If ur interested, u can get more info at -<BR>http://www.icehotel-canada.com/

The Charlevoix region, about 90 minutes East of Quebec City offers a lot of winter activities such as snowmobiling, dogsledding, etc. And the area is absolutely beautiful.<BR><BR>See: (Copy &amp; Paste)<BR><BR>http://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com/a_hiver_e.htm

Roxanne, I have been to Quebec City, but not during carnival. If you are going for a week, I would recommend at least a few days in Montreal, or in the countryside. Quebec City is very charming and European, but not a big city. After 3 or 4 days you might want to explore somewhere else. There is a 4 * country inn called the Hovey (spelling?) Inn close to the US border that I've heard is wonderful, and offers x-c skiing.For a more city experience, Montreal is a world class city with some of the best restaurants and nightlife in North America.

Be prepared. the drive from Montreal to Quebec City is booooooooooooooooring

Thanks for your responses everyone! I have heard about the ice hotel, and I think I've watched something on TV about it. I recall an ice bar. That's something I definitely want to see, though I don't know about staying overnight! I imagine that we'll be wanting something a little warmer considering that tempertures are supposed to be between 5 and 20 below (from what I've read). I'm going to check out the Charlevoix region. That sounds very interesting, and I will also look at the Hovey. I think I read something else about it in an earlier post. Thanks for the advice!

Roxanne: Just returned from Quebec City and Montreal. what a fabulous trip. Stayed at the Frontenac and can't say enough wonderful things about it. Took the train into Montreal (3 1/2 hours). Montreal is very European, with food that is to die for. Quebec is good for 3 days. Good luck!

My husband and I were in Quebec City last year during Winter Festival, it was fabulous! Lots of fun activities, the city is crowded with happy people just happy to be there! You won't have to spend a fortune on the carnival, lots of stuff is free. Just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a city that is at its best in the winter! We have been to Quebec City many many times, there is nothing like going there in February for the winter carnival. Don't miss the icecotheque (disco made out of ice on Grande All&eacute;e) and have some caribou in a glass also made of ice!

I would just stay in the Quebec City area for the week, as there is a lot to do there during Carnival. I have been there at Carnival one week before, during and after and I would say it is a matter of personal preference. Towards the end there seemed less people and I like it best because they have the dog competitions. There is so much to see and do during this week but dress warmly!<BR><BR>If you do wish to leave the city, there are the Montmorency Falls about 15 mins away north and a little further 30 mins there is Mont St Anne the ski resort.<BR><BR>Hotels I have stayed at and loved, were the Aurberge du Tresor in the middle square there across from the Chateau Frontenac for $70-$90 CAN or in the lower town, we like the Hotel Dominion 1912 which is about $200 CAN a night.<BR><BR>Go ice skating and tobogganing on the Terrace Dufferin infront of the Chateau and go dogsledding (see information center). Have Carabou at an ice bar at D'Youville, go to a european style epicerie on Rue St Jean for sugar pie.<BR><BR>Have a great time, I'll be there too!

the loews is a good choice. You will be close to the old city, close to bars and restaurants (including the ice bar mentioned above at the Maurice) close to carnival, only 1 block from plaines.<BR>You will find lots to do! If you are from the States it is a great time to shop , a free shuttle operates between hotel and malls- lots of sales at that time of year + plus strong us dollar = great bargains.