The comeback

On February 23, the ice canoe comes back to town after a 20-year absence. The race, to be held in the Old Port of Montréal, is one of six on the Circuit québécois de canot à glace [Québec Ice Canoe Racing Circuit] schedule.

The currents of the St. Lawrence River are perfect for this sporting activity typical to Québec. The five other races in the Circuit are taking place in Portneuf, Trois Rivières, Charlevoix and Québec City, where the Coupe des glaces trophy will be awarded after the last race, to be held on March 2 in Québec City.

A team proudly wearing the logo of Québec Original—the Tourisme Québec brand image—competed in the Portneuf race in January and should be among those competing in the qualifications and final.

The race kicks off at the Clock Tower Pier, where 240 brave canoers making up some 40 teams will tackle the four kilometre (2.5 mi.) route that includes Île Sainte-Hélène and the Lachine Canal, all to the delight of spectators lining the banks. On your marks, get set, go!