The heat of Quebec’s winter!

Why would travelers visit Quebec City during one of our legendary winters?  It’s very simple: the charms of the City are indisputable when it’s under a soft, thick coat of snow. It’s true that sometimes, after months of shovelling and severe cold, people can get tired of winter. But on the other hand, taking a long walk on the lamplit streets at night, bundled up in a woollen scarf, while a fine snow falls down slowly on your cold, red cheeks, and getting home to have a delicious hot chocolate: there is nothing in the world that delivers this same feeling of comfort and well-being.

Here in Quebec City, when winter creeps in, it comes with a certain heat. Yes, heat and winter can appear in the same sentence. People draw closer because of the cold: it becomes vital in leading to closeness.

Because the winter settles over the city for at least four long months, a festival dedicated completely to the delights of the winter was created in 1955 and has become the most important winter carnival in the world. The Carnaval de Quebec offers activities that honour snow, such as snow and ice sculptures, the Ice Palace, boat races on the frozen St-Lawrence River, night parades, snow baths, sled dog rides: everything that makes us appreciate this too-often misunderstood season.

Are you planning to travel next winter? Don’t hesitate -- come to Quebec and brave the snow with us. It is a fresh and striking experience. The Auberge Internationale de Québec, the biggest year-round youth hostel in Canada, is unarguably a place of choice to lodge. You will notice it as you enter and feel the warm welcome of our staff, the quality of our facility as well as the range of our services. For more comfort and privacy, we offer our beautiful private rooms. Right in the heart of old Quebec City, close to all the tourist and cultural sites, you will not find better value for your money.

With the Auberge Internationale and the Carnaval de Quebec, you will rediscover winter. Get surprised!!!

Nathalie Turbide
nturbide@hostellingquebec.com