My Hotel Geek

This is the time of the year where the adrenaline is high for the Quebec Winter Carnival team and volunteers who are getting ready to kick off the 54^th edition of the largest winter carnival in the world. With the celebration of the 400^th anniversary of Quebec City in 2008, the pressure is on and expectations are certainly higher.

Starting tomorrow night until February 17th, over 500 000 visitors will participate in the activities offered in Quebec City: opening ceremony, international snow sculpture event, canoe race, dogsled race, ice palace visit, evening parades, Bonhomme’s Bal and much more. I went to the Carnival last year with friends and my 10 year old Godson and it was very well organized and quite busy.

This award-winning event generates direct economic returns of $34 million a year and has a huge media impact for Quebec City with journalists coming from 10 countries. Over the 3 week ends of the carnival, the hotels are showing an occupancy rate of about 85%.

One hotel not to be missed is certainly the legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This is one of the most photographed hotel in the world. I’m lucky, I’ve stayed there many times and every time, I’ve received the royal treatment. The hotel now has a famous Canine Ambassador, Santol, available in the hotel lobby to meet and greet guests, accompany them on walks and simply be around for a bit of petting.

Happy Carnival, dress warm and enjoy our beautiful Quebec winter!