Bienvenue Quebec's Winter Carnival! Dates available February 2019 (The Quebec Winter Carnival runs from February 1 - February 17, 2019) 5 Days/4 ...

Bienvenue Quebec’s Winter Carnival!
                     Dates available February 2019
                (The Quebec Winter Carnival runs from
                    February 1 - February 17, 2019)
                            5 Days/4 Nights

Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1608 by
Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. The
ramparts surrounding Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec) are the only fortified city walls
remaining in the Americas north of Mexico, and were declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1985 as the ‘Historic District of Old Quebec.’

Much of the city’s most notable architecture is located east of the fortification walls in
Old Quebec and Place Royale. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone
buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants. This area is the site of the
towering Chateau Frontenac Hotel and imposing Citadelle of Quebec.

The renowned Winter Carnival will take place during your visit. This pre-Lenten festival
has been celebrated annually since 1955. That year Bonhomme Carnaval, the mascot of
the festival, made his first appearance. The most famous attractions of this winter festival
are the night-time and daytime parades led by mascot Bonhomme Carnaval. The parades
wind through the upper city, decorated for the occasion with lights and ice sculptures.

Come along and celebrate the region’s rich history, culture, lifestyle, traditions and
Bonhomme himself, on this unforgettable class trip.

Day One:

Arrive at your International Hostel in Quebec about 11:00 am. You will not be able to
check-in, however, you may drop off your luggage. Put on your warm coats and boots
and head out to discover Winter Carnival and its activities located within walking
distance of the hostel (Auberge International de Quebec or similar).

Have lunch on your own at one of the vendors around the Carnival area. There’s even a
McDonald’s for those who wish not to sample Carnival fare.

Next, check out Grande-Allee where ice is honored in all its slippery glory! Try
Christie’s Curling, slide down the VIA Rail Ice Slide or try your skills at the giant
outdoor Foosball rink! Explore the unique shops that line the streets, visit Bonhomme’s
Ice Palace and witness the amazing snow sculptures that are part of the International
Snow Sculpting Contest.

Check into the hostel late afternoon. There will be time to settle in and warm your toes
before you return to the Carnival for the evening. At night, the Carnival comes alive with
lights and music playing throughout the streets. Bonhomme’s Ice Palace lights up to
symbolize the spirit of fun. Stand by and witness the fabulous light and sound show!
Dinner is included and served at the Carnival Bistro.

With rosy cheeks, depart the Carnival and walk back to the hostel. Gather in the common
room and challenge your classmates to a game of Foosball, play a board game, watch
television or share photos of the sites you saw at Carnival.

Day Two:

After a hearty continental breakfast served at the hostel, grab your ski-pants, hats, mittens
and bathing suites and travel to Valcartier, Quebec’s Winter Playground and Indoor
Water Park. Enjoy a day filled with “tubing” as you speed down the longest and steepest
slopes on the Himalaya, swirl down the Tornado, or enjoy snow rafting on the rafting hill.
You will find slides ranging from easy to difficult in the Central and Avalanche areas.

Take a break from the tubing and have lunch, via included voucher, served in the on-site
concession.

After lunch, it’s time to wade into Quebec’s newest water park! A locker has been
included, so you may conveniently store your clothes and change from one season to
another. Catch a wave in the 4,000 square foot wave pool, slide down one of the 14 slides
or test your skills on the surf wave!

After an active day, depart Valcartier and travel back to the hostel. Refresh and warm up
before the evening’s activities.

By this time, you will be ready for dinner. Gather an historic restaurant located right the
heart of the walled city and dine on casual, hearty fare.

After dinner, return to the Carnival where you will witness the grand parade. You will see
giant animals, iconic characters, decorated floats, bright lights galore as a world of
fantasy and imagination take over the streets of Old Quebec.

Day Three:

After breakfast, set out for a day of adventure! Your day begins at the Museum of
Civilisation, the most popular museum in Quebec City. Through an interactive approach,
explore the magnificent exhibits of international calibre about Quebec’s culture and
history.

Depart the museum, board the coach and travel to Levis, located on the south shore of the
St. Lawrence River and opposite Quebec City. A ferry links Old Quebec with Old Levis,
however since the motor coach cannot travel on the ferry, you will cross into Levis over
one of the two bridges that connect western Levis with Quebec City.

Upon arrival, have lunch on your own, at a pizza restaurant located near the bridge. Then
set out for an unforgettable adventure in the wilderness.

Travel a short distance to the region of Chaduiere-Appalaches where you will be greeted
by 250 beautiful Malamute Husky sled dogs. After a brief orientation and tour of the
kennel, two groups will be formed. Once the guide has explained the basics of dog
sledding, the first group will leave the kennel in dog sleds and the second group will
depart on snowshoes. In the forest, you will meet at the Tipi, an Aboriginal camp, and
enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and warm up a bit before returning to the kennel. On the
return trip, the groups will switch activities. This experience is certain to be one of the
trip’s highlights.

Return to the hostel late afternoon and refresh before dinner. Walk to Old Quebec’s
funicular railway that connects the Upper Town to the Lower Town. (This is an
approximately 15-minute walk). As you travel at a 45-degree angel, you will have
amazing views of the St. Lawrence. There will be time to explore the shops and
boutiques that are abundant in the Lower Town and in the Petit Champagne District.

Your dinner destination is located next to the funicular. Enjoy a hearty Italian buffet
dinner served at a long-running family owned restaurant.

Return to the hostel after dinner.

Day Four:

After breakfast, board the coach and get ready for a step back in time with a visit to the
Huron-Wendat Reservation. This authentic reconstruction of a Huron village is a window
into the history, traditions and ways of life of the Huron-Wendat Nation. Your visit
begins with a guided tour of the Long House (Huron’s traditional housing), the
smokehouse and drying tent, the sweating tent and the giant tee-pee. Climb into a large
canoe as your guide tells you about the traditional means of transportation and the
methods of making of canoes and snowshoes.

Next, enter the colorful universe of Native American dances and costumes. Learn to play
the musical instruments such as the tam-tam, rattle and flute. Participate in a spiritual
ceremony formerly practiced by the Huron and hear the fascinating legend of the big
snake Kabir Kouba. Your tour ends with a friendship dance where dancers will teach you
how to execute the simple step and the horse step.

By now you should certainly have worked up an appetite! Dine on a Native American
game-based lunch that includes a traditional soup, Bannock (Indian Bread), Bison
Burger, seasoned potatoes, seasonal vegetables and for dessert, Algonquin cake.

After lunch, travel back to the city and explore the La Citadelle. Nicknamed the
“Gibraltar of America,” the citadel was built between 1820 and 1850 and is the largest
British fortress built in North America. Located at the top of Cape Diamond, the highest
natural point in the area, you will learn about its critical role in the city’s defense system.
Your guide will take you back to the French Regime and return to the present day with
stops at historic structures like the Cap Diamant Redoube (1963), the French powder
magazine (1750) and the military prison (1842). After your tour, there will be time to
explore the Royal 22e regiment Museum. Enjoy an interactive experience while
exploring the architectural heritage of the fortress and the regiment’s history through
interviews, video archives and interactive battle maps.

Late afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Canada’s
most beloved hotel and the most photographed hotel in the world. As you explore this
castle-like hotel that stands high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River,
you will learn of the historical events that have shaped the identity of the Frontenac over
the years, as well as its architectural development.

Return to the hotel to refresh before dinner.

Your farewell dinner is uniquely served in a “Cabane a Sucre,” or Sugar Shack, affording
an experience that will give you an authentic taste of life in Quebec. This sugar shack
takes its name from the 18th century highway that crosses the grounds (Le Chemin du
Roy is French for The King’s Way). Enjoy a traditional shack meal of Homemade
Pickles, Homemade Bread and Butter, French-Canadian Pea Soup, Coleslaw, Baked
Beans, Maple-smoked Ham, Quebecois Meat Pie, Meatballs, Potatoes, Pork Rinds,
Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Maple Taffy on Snow. Dinner is followed by live
entertainers playing traditional music and your chance to play the spoons! Return to the
hostel after dinner.

Day Five:

After breakfast served at the hostel, pack your bags and check out. Before you begin your
travels home, join a local guide and visit some of Quebec’s astonishing attractions.

Witness the biggest icicles you will ever see, when you travel to the magnificent
Montmorency Falls, the highest in Quebec and 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Montmorency Falls owes its name to Samuel de Champlain, who christened it in 1613 in
honor of the Duke of Montmorency, Viceroy of New France and Brittany. Those who
wish are welcome to walk on the bridge that goes across the tops of the falls, weather
permitting. You may catch a glimpse of an ice climber scaling the side of this massive
waterfall.

Your next stop is at a Copper Studio. Here you will be introduced to the craft of copper
embossing through a hands-on experience. You will also witness lovely works from
several members of the family and visit the Copper Museum that displays works from
around the world. You will depart with a souvenir that you made yourself!

Arrive back in Quebec City about noon. There will be time for lunch on your own at one
of the locally owned eateries.

Depart Quebec City and begin your travels home.

Your Package Includes:
  • 4 Nights dorm-style accommodations at the Auberge International de Quebec
  • 4 Breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches
  • 4 Dinners
  • Admission to Quebec’s Winter Carnival
  • Admission to the Valcartier Winter Playground and Indoor Water Park
  • Admission to the Winter Carnival Evening Parade
  • Admission to the Museum of Civilisation
  • Wilderness dog sledding experience and visit to the kennel
  • Wilderness trail snow shoe experience
  • Tickets for a ride on the Old Quebec Funicular
  • Time to explore Petite Champlain
  • Guided tour of the Traditional Huron Onhoua Chetek8e Reservation including a
      private lesson on Native music and dance
  • Guided tour of La Citadelle
  • Guided tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
  • Guided tour to the Montmorency Falls
  • Hands-on workshop at the Copper Studio
  • Sheets and towels at the hostel
  • Lockers in the dorm rooms for personal belongings (Students will need to provide
      their own locks).
  • Access to the kitchen in the hostel that is equipped with a stove, microwave and
      refrigerator.
  • Locker rental at Valcartier Winter Playground and Indoor Water Park
  • Accommodations and group meals for the coach driver
  • Taxes and gratuities (NOTE: Gratuities for the local guide and coach driver are
      not included and are at your discretion based on service.)

Pricing Information:

Call for customized prices.

Security at Hostel: The hostel is equipped with a key card system to access the building
and the dorm rooms. The front door is locked at 11:00 pm and there is a front desk
reception on duty 24 hours. Additional security is available at 35.00 per hour.

824 West Lakeshore Drive, Suite 3, Colchester, VT 05446 802-881-0661
Copyright2018NotchAboveTours, Inc.