Québec gears up for milestone anniversaries and once-in-a-lifetime events in 2024. From celebrating the 70th ‘Carnaval de Québec’ and the 25th ‘Montréal En Lumière’ to seeing the latest design of Québec’s famous ‘Hôtel de Glace’, embarking on new Indigenous-led tours in Nunavik, visiting newly acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage sites, and marvelling at a total solar eclipse at Mont Mégantic, there are so many reasons to visit Québec this year.
Carnaval de Québec celebrates 70 years of joyous winter fun
Québec’s famous winter carnival is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary on 25 January – 11 February with 18 days of festivities. The carnival is a metropolis of fun, welcoming visitors of all ages and featuring a wide range of winter activities including night parades, ice and snow sculpture competitions, ice bars, Québec’s iconic ice canoe race, and evening shows. With events running throughout the day and night, the Carnaval de Québec promises an ultimate winter experience unique to Québec.
For more information please visit: carnaval.qc
Montréal En Lumière marks 25 years of music and gourmet delights
From 29 February to 10 March, Montréal’s fantastic food festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Since its debut in 2000, Montréal En Lumière has brought joy to both visitors and locals alike through a spectacular lineup of events, showcasing culinary talent from around the world and celebrating Québec’s vibrant food scene. This year’s festival will light up the city with a host of free activities in downtown Montréal’s Quartier des Spectacles and Place des Festivals, culminating in Nuit Blanche, where thousands of night owls brave the cold in a crazy urban adventure that runs from dusk to dawn.
For more information please visit: montrealenlumiere.com
Rare solar eclipse crosses world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve
On 8 April, a rare total solar eclipse will appear directly above the Mont Mégantic Dark Sky Reserve. As the first certified International Dark Sky, Mont Mégantic provides an unmatched viewing spot for this celestial event that occurs just once in 375 years. Visitors can witness the phenomenon nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in Québec’s Eastern Townships, with Mont-Megantic’s high quality dark sky providing optimal conditions for stargazing, scientific research and pure enjoyment.
For more information please visit: astrolab.qc
Île d’Anticosti: a new UNESCO world heritage site
Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off Québec’s Côte-Nord region, Île d’Anticosti has been added to UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List. This mythic island has long been known for its breathtaking natural beauty, spectacular waterfalls and remarkable fossils, but its recent classification recognises the importance of its preservation. In addition to the island’s historical significance, visitors can enjoy a secluded getaway by engaging in activities such as fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring its magnificent caves. With more than 1440 different fossil species on the island, Île d’Anticosti is attracting a growing number of travellers from around the world.
For more information please visit: bonjourquebec.com
Stay in North America’s only ice hotel
The one of its kind Hôtel de Glace, located just ten minutes from Québec City, has been reconstructed for 2024 with this year’s design being its most imaginative iteration yet. Built by a team of 50 specialist workers, artists and sculptures, the newest adaptation of the hotel follows a “Historic Timeline” theme where the exhibitions and artwork represent the evolution and history of life, music, fashion, video games, sports, exploration and writing, making for a nostalgic and memorable stay.
For more information please visit: valcartier.com
Explore the breathtaking region of Nunavik with new Inuit led tours
This summer, the indigenous owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will take visitors to Québec’s uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands, Ungava Bay in Nunavik providing an educational and immersive experience. Each six night trip will offer an off-the-beaten-path adventure and cultural discovery. Witness nature in its purest form with experiences such as polar bear watching, mystic northern lights viewing and indigenous activities to explore the heritage and historical connection to this mesmerising and undiscovered region in Québec.
For more information please visit: ungavapolarecotours.com
New stargazing getaways and secluded lodges now open
In 2024, visitors can stay within Québec’s scenic landscapes at new remote accommodations. Nestled within the surrounding forests, Experience Equinox offers four-season domes that immerse guests in nature without sacrificing luxury, providing the perfect place to relax after a day spent outdoors. Along the shores of the St. Lawrence river, visitors can stay in the quaint Panora Seaside Pods to enjoy expansive views of this magnificent waterway and head inland to hike the breathtaking mountain peaks of Parc National de la Gaspésie. Additionally, visitors can enjoy an eco-friendly stay in the luxurious cabins at Farouche Tremblant. Located on a Nordic farm, Farouche Tremblant offers guests a selection of seven luxurious eco cabins and a seasonal menu made up of local produce. With Parc National du Mont-Tremblant nearby, a host of leisure activities can be found such as fatbiking, hiking, stargazing, wildlife watching and cross country skiing.
