Plan Your Trip to Quebec: What You Need to Know
We’re excited that you’re planning a trip to Quebec! To help you prepare for the trip, we’ve put together detailed documentation about travelling to Quebec, getting around, visa requirements, climate, time zones, etc.
How To Get To Quebec
Getting Here
Most international tourists get to Quebec by air. Quebec has two international airports:
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) – located near Montreal. It is the largest airport in Quebec and serves as the primary hub for Air Canada.
- Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) – located near Quebec City.
Both airports offer a range of international flights, connecting Quebec to destinations around the world and smaller towns across the province.
It is possible to get to Quebec province by car. In fact, many tourists arrive by air to Toronto or Ottawa as part of a broader Canada trip, and drive to Montreal. Many American tourists cross the border by car from one of the bordering states. Four states share a border with Quebec: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York.
High and Low Tourist Months
Touristic Season in Quebec
The high season for tourism in Quebec is July to August. These months coincide with the summer festivals season in Montreal and Quebec, with school holidays and with the construction shutdown period. So they are very busy. Accommodation prices are generally more expensive in July and August and we recommend you book in advance.
School holidays span over the summer months of July and August. The exact dates vary from year to year and vary by school, but as a general rule:
- The primary and high school summer holidays are from 23 June – 30 August
- CEGEP summer holidays are from 30 May – 15 August
Quebec observes a complete shutdown period for the construction industry in the last two weeks of July. If you are planning to travel during those dates, expect busier venues and plan accordingly by booking accommodation and tours in advance.
Entering Quebec
Visas & Entry Requirements
The entry requirements are the same for Quebec and the rest of Canada. If you are allowed to enter Canada, you will be allowed to enter Quebec. Depending on your citizenship, you may be required to obtain a travel visa ahead of your trip.
Both Quebec and the rest of Canada are governed by the same travel visa policies set by the Government of Canada. It’s important you check the latest visa requirements on the Government of Canada's official website before planning your trip to Quebec.
Time in Quebec
Quebec's Time Zone
Quebec is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It is the same time zone as famous American cities such as New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago and Miami.
During the summer months, Quebec adjusts the clocks for daylight saving. Daylight saving time (DST) starts on the second Sunday of March and finishes on the first Sunday of November. During the period of daylight-saving time, the clocks are set forward by one hour, which moves the province from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
In December, the sun sets as early as 4:30pm in Montreal and Quebec City. In June, those cities enjoy daylight up until 8:30pm.
How cold is Quebec
Weather in Quebec
Quebec has four distinct seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall (or Autumn). There are large variations in temperature during the year. How cold does it get in Montreal during winter? Winter months can reach – 30C in the cities of Montreal and Quebec. At the other extreme, we have summer canicules with temperatures above 30C.ontreal and Quebec City. In June, those cities enjoy daylight up until 8:30pm.
Is EnGlish Spoken in Quebec
Language Spoken in Quebec
The province of Quebec has one official language: French. English has been a mandatory subject in primary and secondary school for years, therefore most people in Quebec understand some English.
Montreal is generally considered a bilingual city: you will have no problem getting around in English only. Quebec City is more authentic: people speak very good English in hospitality and tourism, but not all locals you cross paths with will know enough English to have a fluid conversation.
Both international airports in Quebec offer services in English and French.
