Every year, beginning on the last weekend of January and continuing for the the next two weeks (17 days in total), Quebec City is alive with sub-zero merri-making. The world's largest winter carnival, the Québec Winter Carnival, has been a highlight on the Quebec event calendar since 1894 and been giving Quebeckers and thousands of visitors a reason to celebrate during the cold, snowy winters.

Today, the Quebec Winter Carnival is the biggest winter carnival in the world and is celebrated annually at the end of January until mid-February. Think Mardi Gras in winter and you have an idea of how big a deal the Quebec Winter Carnival is. No sense in fighting the cold -- embrace and celebrate it.

Kiosks and other outlets in the city sell the Bonnehomme effigy tag for $10 that gets you into most of the Winter Carnival events. Have cash on hand if you plan to buy from one of the street kiosks.

Some activities cost extra, but families can still have a full, fun day with just the purchase of the Carnival Bonnehomme effigy.