Extreme skating hits Quebec City In Quebec's Ice Hotel Celebrating in Quebec City Canadian wonders World's hottest carnival celebrations

He's huge, he's round and he's snowy white -- not the sexiest guy on the scene -- but when he appears onstage at gala opening ceremonies, he gets bigger cheers than the prime minister.

Endlessly huggable despite his frosty nature, he's one of the few mascots who speaks, and this year, Bonhomme Carnaval has lots to talk about!

Quebec City, home of the world famous Quebec Winter Carnival, is celebrating its 400th anniversary in great style. If you've always promised yourself a visit to the annual celebration of ice and snow, this birthday year is the perfect time to do it!

From the ice sculpting contests that draw competitors from around the world, to the two grand-scale night parades, to the life-size foosball game, Bonhomme's glittering Ice Palace, the zip line that sends squealing visitors rocketing through the frosty air and much more, each year Quebec City turns itself into a winter playground for the 17 days of the Carnival, welcoming close to a million visitors.

It all began in 1894, with the first large-scale winter carnival held to celebrate the best of the season with outdoor sports and galas. Although the tradition underwent growing pains and occasional interruptions during the Depression and the war years, it continued to be an important part of the Quebec winter season and finally reached maturity in 1955, with the launch of the first official Quebec Winter Carnival.

RANKED THIRD

Now more than 50 years later, the Winter Carnival has grown into a spectacle of mammoth proportions and is ranked third in the world's list of top carnivals after its famous rivals in Rio and New Orleans.

Last year, Carnival organizers used more than 330 tons of ice and took 19 days to construct the large-scale outdoor sites. So many participants took place in the two night parades that, had they marched in single file, the line created would have to Vancouver!

Working with a budget of $7.2 million, organizers managed to generate an economic impact for the city of more than $34 million.

This year, the party promises to be bigger and better than ever before!

Organizers have planned more extravagant, colourful parades, dog sled races through the old town, sleigh rides, snow and ice sculpting competitions, snowshoe races, drum and bugle corps performances, skiing, sliding and more. It's quite literally the coolest party of the year.

Keen to join Bonhomme in celebrating Joyeux Carnaval, which begins Friday and runs until Feb. 17? Be sure to pack your warm woollies -- nearly all events are held outdoors, and mid-winter temperatures in Quebec City can plunge to -40 C and lower!

POTENT LIQUOR

Although a quick shot of Caribou -- a potent liquor made of brandy, vodka, sherry and port used to toast the health of your fellow Carnival celebrators -- will help in the short-term, you'll want a serious down-filled jacket, hat, mitts, scarf and boots to protect you from the chill.

Plan your activities and, while you'll want to enjoy as much outdoor fun as possible, be sure to pop into one of the many cafes and restaurants that offer not only a break from the cold, but also wonderful Quebecois cuisine as well.

Have a plate of poutine, a slice of sugar pie or a chunk of maple sugar and join Bonhomme in celebrating a Joyeux Carnaval!