A Frosty Festival and a Warm Welcome: Stay at Le Germain Hotel during the Carnaval de Québec

It is called the Great White North for a reason, and Québec City, Canada, celebrates cold weather and snow conditions with the largest winter carnival in North America.  The Carnaval de Québec is one of Canada’s most celebrated winter festivals.  First held in 1894, it became an annual event in 1955 and has since captured the hearts of visitors from around the globe. In 2025, the carnival runs from February 7th to February 16th, transforming Quebec City into a vibrant winter wonderland.

Among the must-see events are the mesmerizing night parades, where sparkling floats and colorful costumes light up the streets, and the Bonhomme Carnaval, the festival’s iconic snowman mascot, who delights festivalgoers wherever he appears. Another thrilling highlight is the canoe races on the icy St. Lawrence River. This adrenaline-pumping event showcases daring teams braving the frigid waters and drifting ice, a testament to the region’s adventurous spirit.

Lobby at Le Germain Quebec City Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott via DownshiftingPRO

For those staying at Le Germain Hotel, you’ll be perfectly positioned to catch the action. The hotel’s proximity to the port, where the races begin, makes it an ideal base for this unique spectacle. Beyond the races, you’ll also be close to other festival highlights like ice sculptures, the iconic ice palace, outdoor concerts, delicious Quebecois treats like poutine, maple taffy, and the warming Caribou drink.

As you enter the renovated 1912 building, you will enter the lobby with a comfortable seating area and a large table for reading or setting up your laptop.  The lobby doubles as a bar where you can access hot beverages or cocktails and sit by the huge fire.  You can also order appetizers (I recommend the traditional rillette of duck from La Ferme Canardises). Further along in the back is the dining room, where a continental buffet breakfast is served. A room service menu is available for breakfast and dinner (from local Pizzeria #900 and French bistro L’Échaudé).  

Breakfast at Le Germain Quebec City Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott

There is no need to rush breakfast because one unique feature at Le Germain is there is no set checkout time (unless there is a special event, and check out is at noon).  Let the front desk know when you want to check out, and they will accommodate you!  This perk is available when you book directly with the hotel!

Room Features

Le Germain Quebec City Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott

This large king bedroom offers premium sheets, modern decor, and a comfortable chair by the windows. The three large windows overlooking the old town let in plenty of light. The rooftop terrace was visible from my room but was closed for the season. There is a desk with multiple outlets and a large TV. A fully stocked Nespresso bar with coffee and tea was also available. The room rate includes complimentary Wi-Fi. 

The highlight is the bathroom with both a tub and a stand-alone shower.  It was comfortable, and the hotel provided complimentary – sustainable and locally sourced – slippers and a plush bathrobe.  It is a nice touch instead of the usual one-use slippers that are thrown away into landfills.  

Their highly comfortable mattresses are from Literie Laurier, the sheets from Textiles Gauvin, and the pillows and duvets from Marie l’Oie – all Canadian companies specializing in delivering comfort.  Sourcing toiletry products from Quebec-based company Ruby Brown displays their commitment to locally sourced products in their 19 properties.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that their bedding and loungewear are available at my favorite Canadian retailer,  Simon’s (whose flagship store is a few minutes walk from the hotel in upper town).  This is something I like to see in a boutique hotel chain.  

Le Germain Québec City is pet friendly and provides a mat, water, food bowls, and a bed for your most precious pet.  There is a surcharge for this, and as a reminder, pets cannot be left alone in the room.  

Why Visit Québec City

Carriage Ride in Quebec City Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott

Old Town Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning 17th-century architecture and vibrant French Canadian charm.  Visiting Quebec City in the winter is like stepping into a snow globe, where cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and the iconic Château Frontenac are transformed into a magical winter wonderland. The city comes alive with the world-famous Carnaval de Québec. Outdoor enthusiasts can skate under twinkling lights, snowshoe on the Plains of Abraham, or explore Montmorency Falls and ski resorts on Mont St. Ann and nearby Charlevoix.

Old Québec’s cozy charm shines with boutique shopping and seasonal treats. For a unique experience, rent a fat bike and cruise the streets of the old town in the winter – visit Hôtel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America – or enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy streets. Whether it’s adventure, culture, or romance you’re after, Québec City in winter offers an unforgettable escape.

Dining Options

Don Vegan Québec City Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott

The only drawback to this hotel property is there is no restaurant on the premises, but there are plenty of options in the area.  I highly recommend Don Vegan –  “Le Don” is a vegan restaurant located a two-minute walk from the hotel.  It has artisan-crafted cocktails and an excellent vegan menu.

If you want traditional Quebecois cuisine, try La Buche, located in upper town. It has traditional dishes with a modern twist.  The decor is fun and great for Instagram pictures with familiar French Canadian artifacts.  

For brunch, try Louise Tavern Bar à Vin, offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 – 2 pm. Enjoy the tasty brunch menu and enticing cocktails. 

Recommendation

PIN FOR LATER – Le GermainQuébec City -Hotel Scoop 

This property in the historic lower town of Québec City is well-located and has a quiet luxury feel.  The rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms are divine, with high-end toiletries, plush bathrobes, and sustainable slippers.  The location provides easy access to upper town by taking the funicular to Dufferin Terrace. 

Being close to the Port of Quebec, it is ideal to stroll by the beautiful St. Lawrence River or walk through the lovely boutique shops on rue du Petit Champlain.  With a continental breakfast and parking (both at an additional cost), it is an excellent property to stay at if you are attending the Carnaval de Québec in the winter or the Festival d’Ete in the summer.  If you want a quick video tour of the Le Germain Quebec City king room check our reviewer’s Instagram post. 

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

 

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