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 18 th 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.