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It’s snowing like crazy in Rawdon, Quebec. Everything is white and it gives new meaning to the term winter wonderland. The bright
sun reflects off long icicles from the frozen tree branches. If you read about our first Quebec road trip adventure you will know we
drove from Montreal to Lanaudiere. The next day we drove to Rawdon and stayed in a forest chalet before the drive to Carnaval de
Québec.
From inside a cozy cottage at Chalets Lanaudiere , I watch our guide brushing snow off the car with what looks like a huge broom.
He’s expertly digging out our trusty Ford Edge before my very eyes. Obviously he’s done this before.
Rawdon is located on the Ouareau River in southwestern Quebec, about 60km north of Montreal in the Lanaudiere region. It’s a great
tourist area but because of the massive snowstorm we decided to stay in and drink tea (okay and wine), in front of a roaring fire. The
spacious cottages are equipped with full kitchens and you can bring all your own food. In the winter the resort offers skating,
broomball, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing down a massive hill. Despite my fear I held on tightly and zoomed down
screaming and laughing at the same time.
If you visit Quebec in the winter bring warm boots and snow pants. Before this trip I thought snow pants were just for kids, but nope,
everyone wears them here. I also equipped myself with multiple layers including two scarves and leg warmers before heading outside!
Hand and foot warmers are helpful too.
The snow is eventually cleared off the car and we are ready to depart for our road trip to the famous Carnival near Quebec City. It’s
about a three-hour drive. We are taking route 343 towards Autoroute 40 all the way there. Autoroute 40 is officially known as
Autoroute Felix-Leclerc, named after the famous French-Canadian singer, songwriter and political activist. The freeway is on the
north shore of the St. Lawrence River.
Before any road trip it’s essential to stock up on food, so we stop for delicious fresh bread at La Rawdonnoise Fromagerie Patisserie.
With a car full of baked goodies we continue on our journey. A cute town to consider stopping in on the way is Joliette. The town has
a trendy nightlife with clubs and places to eat and it’s home to the Joliette Art Museum. We continue driving past lots of snow covered
open space and fields. The almost white sky matches the ground around us.
It eventually stops snowing and driving becomes easier as we cruise along the highway. No road trip is complete without a Tim
Horton’s coffee stop and this is no exception. These days all you need is a smartphone and the latest app to find the closest Timmy’s.
It’s also a good time to fuel up with gas and scrape more snow and ice off your car!
The excitement builds as we near Quebec City, or maybe it’s just me anxious to get out of the car, but either way, we are getting
closer. The old city was founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain and is one of the oldest settlements in North
America. The old walled city, much of which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has four main gates — Saint-Louis,
Saint-Jean, Prescott and Kent.
Each year the famous Carnaval de Québec magically transforms the city when Bonhomme arrives. (A giant smiling snowman and the
King of the festival) The Carnival will take place from January 29 – February 14, 2016. If you miss it this year, there is always 2017.
It’s the largest winter carnival in the world and includes fireworks, dancing, sledding, slides, a children’s village, authentic food, night
parades, brilliant icy snow sculptures and even a canoe race along the St. Lawrence River.
RELATED: 10 Winter Festivals For Families In Canada
We are happy to arrive and drop off our bags at the hotel to start exploring the old city streets. There are plenty of delicious authentic
restaurants to choose from and we end our meal with a hot tea to prepare us for the cold outside.
A great winter activity in Quebec City is sledding. If you are near the famous boardwalk you will find old fashioned wooden sleds that
you can rent for a minimal fee.
It’s finally time to search for Bonhomme so we set off in search of the famous Winter King. Along our journey we experience all the
fun activities that Carnaval de Québec has to offer. I am even brave enough to slide down the snow in a tube.
Finally, I see a castle made of ice and inside is Bonhomme in all his glory wearing his famous flechee (arrow sash) and red hat. This
big cuddly giant gives me a frosty hug and welcomes me to Quebec.
It was definitely worth the drive to Carnaval! Avoir du plaisir dans la neige!
All photos taken by Miriam Porter
For more information on traveling in Quebec visit: Quebec Original
By Miriam Porter
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