Winter Carnival in Quebec City

Spend a snowy weekend with us in historic Quebec! Quebec is one of my favorite winter destinations. The food, the friendly people, the snow, the historic sights - it's all so lovely. The best time in winter to visit is during the annual winter carnival. There are so many things to do and see that are unforgettable. We will leave on Friday Jan 30th late in the afternoon from Dulles Airport, so you don't have to take a day off (just leave work a bit early). Likewise, we will have you back in DC at 10am so you don't have to take Monday off but just come in a little late for work. We will be arriving the first weekend of the winter festival. Friday night we will settle into our hotel and everyone will have some free time to explore historic Quebec at their leisure or relax on the grounds. Saturday we will spend the day at the winter festival. Here is a listing of some of the events and activities taking place: Bonhomme' Ice Palace opened to the public Sugar Shack (hot maple syrup over cold snow) Snow slides International Snow Sculpture Event (the most inventive, artistic and beautiful snow and ice sculptures you've probably ever seen. Very tall and impressive) Snow Rafting Sleigh Rides Zipline Skating Rink Entertainment and music Ice Skating Shows Here are some *specific* events of the festival going on this weekend: Saturday, January 31 9 a.m. Dog Agility Competition on Snow 1 p.m. Dogsled Race 8 p.m. Loto-Québec Outdoor Dance Party Sunday we will take our rental car out to the famous Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel). This is a seasonal hotel built EVERY year in the winter that is made of ice and takes reservations until the melting begins in the spring. Last time I was here I met a lovely couple on their honeymoon from Hawaii who were thrilled to go somewhere snowy for their wedding night! The bar, chapel, hotel bedrooms, dance hall, etc are all made of ice. We will tour the hotel to learn more about its history, enjoy a drink in the bar (there is even internet access in the ice bar- you can send picture of yourself at the bar to anyone you'd like via email!), and have a great time. Sunday afternoon we will have plenty of free time for you to explore and tour downtown Quebec, the old historic district and more. Trip fee is only $997 and includes round trip flight, hotel accommodations for 3 nights in Quebec City, breakfast each morning, entrance fees for the Winter Carnival and Hotel de Glace, and your share of the rental car fee. Trip fee listed is valid for members who make payment through Oct 31st, 2009 and may be subject to increase for members who make payment after that date due to airline flight pricing changes. I will of course keep the event page updated with current pricing info. As usual, Members can use google checkout here to pay for this. Alternatively, members can pay via personal check, delivered in person or by mail to the organizer. As is our standard policy, members *must* provide payment within 24 hours of marking their "yes" rsvp otherwise their rsvp will be cancelled to give priority to members who are ready to pay. Please make sure to read the group F.A.Q. list, which includes important notes and disclaimers on purchasing travel insurance, accommodation, transportation, and payment policies.