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Post:Vu Quynh,image:Dang Dong
In winter, ice and snow are everywhere, and the prolonged cold weather in Quebec can overwhelm other cities, but the people of Quebec eagerly anticipate their winter. They have created a unique culture to adapt to this seemingly harsh natural environment, because the festive atmosphere keeps them feeling warm.
The festival is usually held in late January or early February each year and lasts for 17 days. Quebecers enjoy winter by connecting with it. Throughout the festival, Snowmen appear everywhere, showcasing the goodwill of winter. The festival features a range of fun activities that all family members and anyone who wants to can participate in. At the entrance to the festival, behind the snow-covered pine trees, is the magical snow palace. This structure is built entirely of ice and snow and decorated by professional snow sculptors—a sight you won't find anywhere else.
The festival is primarily held on the Abraham Plains with over 300 outdoor activities, the most popular of which is the international snow sculpting competition. Each year, more than 50 teams representing over 30 countries participate, but only 20 are selected. Sculptors representing different regions showcase their creativity and skill through exquisite ice sculptures.
After exploring the ice art installations, visitors can try their hand at cod fishing under the ice. During the 17 days of the festival, approximately 10,000 fish are caught from beneath the ice. You can ride horse-drawn carriages, go cod fishing, design ice sculptures, participate in other fun activities, and discover and enjoy what winter has to offer.
Snow bathing is one of the highlights of the festival. 75 lucky participants are divided into groups and must take part in three different snow baths, wearing only underwear and towels. This activity symbolizes the enduring nature of the festival and the Quebecers' ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
As the snow palace glowed magically in the night, the festival activities continued. And as the snow fell thicker, the snow sculptors quickly prepared for the exhibition the following day. In another part of the city, the Snowman joined a traditional night parade band. Throughout the festival, there were two nights of parades, more than 20 colorful floats, several performing groups, and tens of thousands of spectators.
Early in the morning on the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec's main river, temperatures around minus 30 degrees Celsius were ideal for the boat race. As spectators gathered on the shores of Quebec Harbor, more than 30 teams prepared to compete. This race has been held annually since the first festival. Boat racing is a team activity and highly competitive. Participating teams have been preparing for this race all year. For the people of Quebec, winning this race is a great honor and a source of immense pride.
About a 45-minute drive east of Quebec City lies Quebec's Ice Hotel. It was constructed using 12,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. Local artwork is reproduced and arranged beneath the ice to add color and life to the Ice Hotel. The hotel's church is a popular choice for couples to celebrate their weddings. The church is adorned with embossed angel figures and other decorative images, making it unique and interesting. Visit the ice bar, built from frozen vodka bottles in ice columns, to enjoy a glass of pure, ice-cold vodka. The Ice Hotel has 32 well-equipped rooms and can accommodate 84 guests per night. Despite being an ice hotel, it's warmer than you might expect. Rooms are equipped with warm fleece sleeping bags for guests to enjoy a memorable stay.
Be sure to visit Parc de la Chute in Montmorency, located 12km from downtown Quebec City. Throughout the winter, the entire waterfall is almost completely frozen, creating a magnificent spectacle and making it an ideal spot for hikers. Montmorency Falls is approximately 83 meters high and flows into the Saint Lawrence River.
A Quebec resident, Chosis Phman, invented the first snowmobile in 1922, and today, skiing is Canada's most popular winter sport, especially on the more than 32,000 km of snow trails. Throughout the winter, you can explore Quebec with just a small snowmobile. Snowmobiles are readily available for rent at the foot of Mount Saint Anne. Mount Saint Anne is about a 30-minute drive east of Quebec City. The majestic Mount Saint Anne overlooks Quebec City and the Saint Lawrence River. From professional skiers to amateurs, Mount Saint Anne is a skiing destination for all skill levels.
For most children in Quebec City, snow is very important. They go sledding, snowboarding, and rollerblading. For them, these are truly wonderful experiences. Visitors can also take a cable car down to explore the old town of Petit Champlain. The old town of Petit Champlain is very well preserved and today has many shops, restaurants, and a variety of handicrafts. Visitors to Quebec often have to try a special treat: molasses candy poured onto the snow. The molasses is cooked until thick, then poured onto a table of snow in long strips. Visitors use a bamboo stick to wrap the candy and enjoy it.
For 17 days, the festival brought joy to tourists and locals alike with the appearance of the Bonhomme snowman all over Quebec. Each year, the festival features wonderful activities and concludes in a magical wonderland. The seasons will soon change, the festival will end, and the snowman will depart.
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Additional information:
Quebec is a province located in eastern Canada, the largest in area and second only to Ontario in population. French is its only official language. The capital of Quebec is Quebec City.
The Winter Festival is held annually, usually in late January and early February, the coldest time of year in Quebec. This year's festival will take place from January 31st to February 16th, 2014.
Whether you prefer staying in grand hotels or simple, comfortable guesthouses, Quebec City can satisfy every need for accommodation to suit your budget. If you're traveling in a group, you can rent a campsite to enjoy a memorable vacation. Prices start from $50 USD and up.
+ Transportation: From Hanoi, you can book a flight with Korean Air to Quebec. The flight departs from Hanoi to Seoul, South Korea. Then, connect from Seoul to Toronto, Canada. Continue flying from Toronto to Quebec.
+ Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). 1 CAD is approximately 22,094 Vietnamese Dong.
