You’ve never been to the QIB and you have a few questions? Or maybe you feel like you haven’t figured out how the Quebec International is unique? Well this page might help.
Returning teams generally arrive in Quebec City on Friday or Saturday before the official start of the ‘spiel. They come early to enjoy the camaraderie during team receptions that are held in the Chateau Frontenac. These receptions are offered by participating teams and are open to all the curlers. Each offers complementary drinks and food. Then, Saturday evening, the official opening ceremony is held and then followed by the President's party.
Rookies should be sure that they attend the Rookie Welcoming Ceremony and dinner which start at 4 pm.
The Chateau Frontenac is located in the heart of historic Old Quebec City. There is a large variety of excellent restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotel.
Registration for rookies is the same rate as for returning players. However, rookies get a number of bonuses that returning players do not receive!
Certainly not! QIB curlers come from the Maritimes, Ontario, Saskatchewan, BC, The United States, Scotland and Switzerland. Our headquarters staff are all bilingual and most people you will have contact with outside the bonspiel (taxi drivers, waiters, store clerks etc.) will also be able to help you in English.
Yes, the Rookie welcoming ceremony is held on Saturday afternoon. At this ceremony, in addition to being welcomed into our bonspiel community, details will be provided about the friendly competition that is held to determine the Rookie of the Year. Not to be missed!
You can certainly register as an individual. Often, teams register but would like to add a player to their roster. Likewise, if you have three or four players and are looking for another player or two, you will see on the registration form that you can ask us to find you an additional player or two. We will do our best to accommodate you!
The QIB runs from Saturday to Wednesday but, there are team receptions Saturday afternoon and you will want to be sure that you are settled into the hotel by 4 pm for the rookie welcoming ceremony which is immediately followed by the rookie dinner. Often, teams come in on Friday so they can enjoy a nice relaxing meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in the old city.
And when should we plan on leaving?
There is quite a bit of curling still on Thursday. Often, rookie teams come thinking that they are not a "competitive" team. One of the advantages of having 5 games minimum is that after your first three games, you play against teams that have similar records and so teams tend to play against teams of similar abilities. That means that even if you lose your first 4 games, you could play in a final on Thursday afternoon.
Then, medal and trophy presentations as well as closing ceremonies including presentation of "Rookie of the year" are held on Thursday evening. Following that, is the incoming president's party.
You'll want to stay through until Friday morning.