Québec City Heats Up The Season With Extreme Sports and Festivals

Embrace all that is Quebec during the Québec Winter Carnival, which is held at the End of Jan through Mid Feb. Don't be afraid to slip into character and join the masquerade. During festivities there will be huge masks in the parade and exciting masquerade evenings to delight and inspire everyone.

Also taking place in February is the Snowboard Jamboree from February 14 to 20, when you can catch different snowboarding competitions at the Stoneham Mountain Resort. Other activities will be held in downtown Québec City. Over 55,000 visitors are expected at the Village Expo sites in the city and at the resort, where they will be able to see and try a variety of new products.

Competitors have faced the challenge in the amazing Red Bull Crashed Ice Race, which will have four courses, located in four different countries that will be carved out of ice as elite athletes fuse ice skating and skiercross to create this year's unique winter spectacle. Catch all the high speed action of downhill skiing, hockey and Boarder Cross. This year's World Championship begins on January 15 with a return to Munich´s Olympic Park (GER) for the season opener which last season attracted over 50,000 fans. It will then head onto Valkenburg (NED) in February then on to Moscow (RUS) before returning to Quebec (CAN) for the traditional season finale on March 19. Huge courses constructed in the heart of the city´s historic old town have been attracting over 100,000 fans every year since the event debuted in 2006.

The beauty of visiting Quebec is the natural wonders that offer plenty of outdoor recreation. Enjoy cross country skiing along the3 125 km trail network or try also snowshoeing, dog sledding or snowmobiling! Spend the night in the comfortable Auberge, or in a cottage with your guests or family. At Vallée Bras-du-nord In Portneuf near Saint-Raymond, la Vallée features the best mountain snowshoeing in the area! You can also enjoy a dogsled excursion between the Vallée and Duchesnay.

Each year, Parc de la Jacques-Cartier receives over 4.7 meters of snow. Whether on snowshoes or backcountry skis or simply on foot, travelers will experience Quebec's natural beauty and warm hospitality during their visit. The winter season kicks off in Mid December and continues through Mid March. Which leaves plenty of time to Ski to the sound of the river and admire the bright snow on the peaks surrounding the valley.

Vibrant and open to the world, Québec City´s artistic and cultural life is one-of-a-kind. Spend the day exploring the unique galleries and museums or stroll along these ancient streets to browse through the collection of boutiques and antique shops - the choices are endless. Of course, our favorite activity is to visit the art museums when we travel like the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec that features permanent exhibitions of Québec art and regularly hosts important events.

Among the highlights of the season is the Christmas Market, which is organized this year by the Coopérative des horticulteurs de Québec under the theme "A Feast for the Senses". At the Christmas Market you'll discover over 70 agrifood producers and artisans from across the province are gathering for this deliciously colorful event. Another favorite destinations for shoppers is the Market at the Old Port of Québec that takes place from November 25 through the end of December. Here you'll discover a unique mix of local products to tantalize the senses.

After a day in the great outdoors why not savory Québec City's extraordinary selection of dining options. Renowned chefs are drawing inspiration from local products to prepare sophisticated fare that showcases Québec cuisine. Dining pleasures take on a new dimension when an enchanting decor and atmosphere are also on the menu. Québec City has a truly unique ambience, from breathtaking settings to romantic hideaways. In this respect, Québec City has earned its reputation. Among the new additions is the Korrigane, a microbrewery located in Québec City's Lower Town. This is the perfect place for Beer lovers, who will appreciate the many fine selections, which are brewed according to age-old tradition: red, white, pale or black beer, as well as blueberry- or maple-flavoured ales.

Plan Your Trip - With flights departing from several US cities it is easy to plan your trip. Visit Quebec City online to view the exciting events and destinations available to help you plan your getaway!

By Leroy Worley