It all started in the marvellous city of Québec – doorway to the continent, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in North America. History surrounds you. The “old national capital” is known for its beauty and charm, the cradle of French culture in North America.

Since 1913, Québec City is the home of the annual Québec International Bonspiel. Like so many things involving Québec, it is a tradition.

Scottish soldiers who served in the British forces that fought in the Seven Years’ War introduced curling to Québec in the 18th century. The Victoria and Québec curling clubs were born. Currently, the Québec City region has three curling clubs – Jacques Cartier and Victoria (in the city) and Etchemin (across the river) – totalling 11 sheets of ice.

The Bonspiel is held in January, in the week leading up to the famous Québec Winter Carnival. The Bonspiel currently welcomes 64 teams, who come from across Canada, the United States and even Europe.
 

OPERATION OF BONSPIEL
The Executive Committee of the QIB is a non-profit organization composed of a President, a Board of Directors and a Director-General. An Advisory Committee, composed of present and former Bonspiel players, advises the Executive Committee plan the activities for the next year’s Bonspiel. Each year an Honorary President is chosen by the former Presidents of the Bonspiel, in recognition of his participation and on-going support for the Bonspiel.

A curling game in the Château Frontenac in 1920. Source: www.cprheritage.com