Hi there! There's going to be a lot of tourists, but yes, they'll probably be limited to the usual areas - but so will you, if you want to see the action. The parade isn't the biggest you've ever seen but it's quite fun, lots of traditional music and interesting floats. The after party is even more fun, though I think you might need an effigy to get in - it's basically people in snow suits and full winter gear partying in an ice bar, it's mostly locals (most of my friends go every year) and the atmosphere is pretty cool. It's too bad you won't be there for the canoe race, it's one of my favourite events.

Bonhomme's snow palace might be worth a visit, it's like a mini Ice Hotel. Walking amongst the snow sculptures from the international competition is fun as well - people come up with some crazy ideas! You can rent skates at Place d'Youville and if you're lucky, you might skate with Bonhomme, but it's guaranteed to be packed. Otherwise, there's a new skating rink on the Plains of Abraham this year that might be worth a try.

And believe me, it's not the Gaspesian tourists that are the most obnoxious.. it's the Americans No but seriously, you probably know that the Sacrilège is almost always full on Saturday nights, Carnaval or not.

I can recommend other activities and various restaurants off the beaten path, but I think that's pretty much it for the Carnaval itself!