When the first snows cover the lovely Laurentian hills, a carnival spirit grips the imagination of hearty Quebecois and the tourists who flock by the thousands to the colourful hamlets and towns in the world-famed ski resort areas of Eastern Canada. Ste. Agathe des Monts, 60 miles north of Montreal, is the home of the Laurentian Winter Carnival staged annually during January and February. Ice sculpture by local merchants is part of the show. Above, Andre Lapointe offers a friendly assist to motorist Andree Monette and passenger Linda Miller.

Everybody joins in the fun of the carnival's Float Parade, which leads the procession to the Ice Palace where a Carnival "King" and "Queen" are crowned. Once crowned, however, royalty quickly lay aside their regal splendour for the traditional red toque and gaily coloured sash which are the sports badge of fun-loving French-Canadians.