Our actions
The Québec Winter Carnival is deeply committed to protecting the environment and supporting its community. Through a wide range of initiatives and with the support of our partner Énergir, the Carnival positions itself as a leader in sustainable development. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while offering an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone. From local purchasing to active transportation, recycling, and diversity, here are our key short-, medium-, and long-term actions.
Aware of our environmental impact, we continuously strive to minimize our ecological footprint.
- Small reminder signs near light switches encouraging lights to be turned off when spaces are not in use.
- Bicycle parking available to employees to promote active transportation.
- Replacement of individual trash bins with shared waste stations.
- Remote work encouraged to reduce energy consumption, paper use, and transportation-related GHG emissions.
- Ink cartridge recycling.
- RTC transit stations located near Carnival sites.
- Partnership with AmigoExpress to encourage carpooling.
- Winter bicycle parking provided courtesy of Le Vélo Vert.
- From February 6 to 15, 2026: free Vidéotron shuttles to easily travel between Upper Town and Lower Town Carnival sites.
- Printed program produced on recycled and recyclable paper.
- Numerous sorting stations installed in partnership with Énergir (waste, recycling, and food scraps).
- Organic materials sent to the Québec agglomeration biomethanization center, transformed into renewable natural gas and agricultural fertilizer.
- Reduction of single-use plastics by favoring durable and reusable alternatives such as eco-cups, ice glasses, and the elimination of straws.
- Gradual year-over-year reduction in the number of printed official programs.
- Redistribution of food surpluses to La Tablée des Chefs to fight food waste and food insecurity.
- Consignaction collection boxes installed on our sites for refundable containers, with proceeds donated to the La bande des six team, participants in the 1000 KM of the Grand défi Pierre Lavoie, which then redistributes funds to Madelaine-Bergeron School through the school sponsorship program.
- GHG emissions offset through educational carbon credits from the Scol’ERE carbon exchange (available to ticket holders through the ticketing system).
- The Québec Winter Carnival is also proud to hold the Biosphere certification, an internationally recognized distinction aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainable development.
- Effigies manufactured in Québec from recycled maple tubing — a 100% recycled, locally made product.
- Promotion of the “Made in Québec” label, encouraging the purchase of high-quality local products and supporting the provincial economy.
- Recycling and upcycling of set pieces to give materials a second life.
- Carnival dome entirely manufactured in Québec, supporting the local economy while reducing environmental impact.
- Shared use of event equipment.
Inclusion and diversity are core values of the Québec Winter Carnival. We are committed to offering an accessible environment for everyone, regardless of age, gender, origin, or ability. Here are some of the initiatives we have implemented to make our event more inclusive:
- Family space: a heated area where parents can breastfeed, change diapers, warm bottles, and care for their children in a comfortable environment, with coloring activities and toys.
- Universally accessible sites with ramps and adapted restrooms.
- Free admission for companions of guests with reduced mobility.
- Reserved areas for guests with reduced mobility during Night Parades and shows.
- Effigy donations to organizations supporting families in need, youth, underprivileged schools, and immigrant communities.
- Our outdoor sites are partially accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
