• Credit: Carnaval de Quebec
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    4. Carnaval de Quebec, Canada

    Quebec has created a wintry answer to the pre-Lent tradition of Carnaval with its Carnaval de Quebec, one of Canada's most popular winter events. The Carnaval's festivities include skiing, snow rafting, snow slides and ice sculptures, all overseen by "Bonhomme," the Carnaval guest of honor, pictured here.

    Festival highlights include the night and day parades led by Bonhomme, and competitive sporting events such as sleigh races, snowshoeing, hockey and dog-sledding. While carousing around the chilly Carnaval, make like locals and warm up with a hot Caribou drink, a heady mix of red wine, liquor (typically whisky), maple syrup or sugar.