By Nancy Dorrans
Are you someone who hibernates, or does winter never feel long enough for you? As we wait for snow, I tend to fall or slide into the latter… Although winter has been slow to start here, the skiers, riders, and outdoor adventurers in my circles are now poised, excited, and ready to embrace winter in New England and beyond. So am I.
Even with the little snow we have had as of December, thanks to snow-making efforts, the ski areas in the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire are open. I am continuing to volunteer as a coach with New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) at Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods, NH. We help people with disabilities learn how to ski. It is rewarding to volunteer for an organization that offers opportunity and positive change for students and their families!
Quebec Winter Carnival
In early February, an Adventure Marketplace bus group is heading north to experience the Quebec City Winter Carnival, one of the world’s largest winter carnivals. An Adventure Marketplace annual tradition, this tour is one of my favorites!
We’ll continue to embrace winter the Quebecois way as we wander through the winter wonderland of North America’s beautiful, oldest, and most European city. We will stay three nights at the iconic Chateau Frontenac and visit the Hotel de Glace. Plus enjoy live music, ice bars, and fine restaurants!
Bonhomme is the official representative of the Québec Winter Carnival. “White as snow, wearing a red tuque and arrow sash of heroes of our past, Bonhomme embodies the joie de vivre of Quebecers!” We’ll see Bonhomme at the evening parade on Saturday and hope to catch up with him during the festival. He seems to pop up when you least expect it and brings such joy,
In 2025, Carnaval de Quebec will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the first Ice Canoe Race! On Sunday, we will cheer on the brave athletes battling the icy waters of the Saint-Lawrence River from just outside the Chateau Frontenac or down by wharves of the Port of Quebec.
Winter hikes and fat bikes? There are even more ways to embrace the season in Quebec! The Québec City area has a variety of trails to choose from that will take you to cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence River and beyond.
Fat Bike in Old Quebec
According to Emilie Pelletier, owner of Tuque & Bicycle Experiences, “riding a fat bike in Old Quebec and downtown Quebec City is an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s an independent ride or an introductory experience, we make wintertime fat biking accessible to everyone. And we rent a complete winter outfit. The secret to enjoying and playing outside in Quebec in winter is to dress well.” We Mainers know that!
Our 2025 tour to Quebec Winter Carnival is fully booked. However, you can jump on the wait-list or save the dates for next year (Feb 6-9, 2026). See www.adventure-marketplace/adventures for more details. We always have a wonderful, delicious, and chilling good time!
Happy New Year Portland! Dress well and go outside and play! Wishing you all the best as we move into the longer brighter days of 2025!
