Le Grand Feux Loto-Québec is the largest fireworks festival in the world. It has been held every August since 1985 and attracts about 3 million spectators each year with more than 6,000 fireworks launched during each show. While for spectators this event is mostly just mesmerizing to watch, it's also a competition, with international teams competing for the victory.
Fireworks Competition
This festival's focus is on a variety of different dance and music styles: country, Latino, and social dances, hip-hop, and disco. The idea is to combine the dance shows on river quays with pyro-musical performances in the air. During the festival several pyrotechnical companies from different countries present a half-hour show, combining music and fireworks. Participants compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze trophies.
Music Lineup
Because the fireworks shows begin late in the evening, there's still plenty of time to enjoy the festival's attractions during the day, one of which is live music. Local musicians and bands perform on the stage of Place des Canotiers in Quebec City and Quai Paquet in Lévis, entertaining the crowds with their talent. Past lineups included such stars like DJ Constance, Atome Hits Duo, Irish Moutarde, La Grand-Messe and many others.
Location & Parking
There are two main festival locations—Place des Canotiers in Quebec City or Quai Paquet in Lévis, a suburb of Quebec City. Lévis is located across St. Lawrence River and can be easily accessed by a ferry connecting the cities. While there is a lot of parking options near Place des Canotiers, parking is limited and requires a fee near Quai Paquet.
Tickets
You can watch the fireworks for free, without paying any fees. However, if you'd like to reserve a seat and enjoy the fireworks comfortably, you can purchase a ticket to Place des Canotiers in Quebec City or Quai Paquet in Lévis, Canada. General admission costs $40, while admission with two drinks costs $55. Children under two years old have free admission.
Dates & Schedule
The fireworks shows take place throughout the whole month of July or August on selected dates. This year, you'll have a chance to witness the shows on August 1st, August 6th, and 8th, August 13th, 15th, 20th, and 22nd. The final show will take place on August 24th. The seating and viewing venues for the Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec open their gates at 6 pm. However, the performances begin after dusk, at 10 pm, with each fireworks display lasting about. 20 minutes. In the meantime, acoustic artists perform on stage from 6 pm until 8 pm, followed by music bands at 8:30 pm.
Best Viewing Spots
The firing platform of Le Grand Feux Loto-Québec is located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, so there are plenty of viewpoints along both shores and even on the water if you take a boat. The best spots include the grandstands at Place des Canotiers and Quai Paquet.
Wherever you decide to stay, you can't miss giant fireworks right behind the legendary Château Frontenac Hotel. One of the best spots to enjoy the pyrotechnic show is at the Dufferin Terrace, a gorgeous boardwalk on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. The Old Port of Quebec is another great viewing place, providing a mesmerizing river landscape.
