Climate in Quebec

Most of Québec's cities enjoy a humid continental climate, with four very distinct seasons and significant differences in temperature marking each one. Summer is hot, while winter sees a considerable amount of snow fall. In fact, Québecers owe their legendary joie de vivre to these climatic variations!

Québec's Great North is characterized by arctic and subarctic climates. The ancestral land of the Cree and the Inuit is known for its lengthy winters and brief summers.

Below is an overview of seasonal temperatures (minimum and maximum):

Clearing customs

To enter Canada, tourists from the United States must carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, as well as a piece of photo ID. A passport is still the ideal document, but it isn't mandatory. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e., green card) with you. If you return to the United States by air from Canada, you will be required, as of January 23, 2007, to present a passport, Air NEXUS card or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

Personal effects not subject to particular restrictions are exempt from taxes but must be declared at Customs. Visitors who are at least 18 years old may bring into Québec 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 200 g (7 oz.) of tobacco, as well as 1.14 litres (38.55 fl. oz.) of spirits or 1.5 litres (50.72 fl. oz.) of wine or twenty-four 355-ml (12 fl. oz.) cans or bottles of beer. There are restrictions on imports of food products, plants, pets and firearms, so you are advised to contact the Canada Border Services Agency prior to your departure.

Tax reimbursement for visitors

Upon leaving Canada, you have the right to be reimbursed for the taxes you paid on goods bought in Canada if these are taken outside the country within 60 days of purchase. For more information, go to the Web site of the Canada Revenue Agency

Two taxes—the Québec sales tax (QST) and the federal goods and services tax (GST)—are added to the selling price of most goods and services. Until March 31, 2007, visitors who are not Canadian residents can claim a refund of the GST paid during their stay. For details, visit the Canada Revenue Agency's Web site.

Several tourist regions charge a tax on accommodations. The amount is or dollars a night or 3% of the price of the room per night, before the QST and GST is added.

You must leave a tip on service received in restaurants and bars and from taxi drivers and hairdressers. The amount, which is not included in the bill, generally represents 10 to 15% of the total bill (before taxes). Here in Québec, for a restaurant bill, we usually add the amounts of the two taxes (QST and GST) together, the sum of which equals approximately 15%. Tipping bellhops or porters is at your discretion (in general, per bag carried).

Canadian Currency

You can exchange your American dollars for Canadian dollars at the airport or a bank before your departure or upon arrival in Canada. Travellers' cheques and major credit cards are accepted by most outfitters, but it would be best to confirm this with your outfitter beforehand.

There are numerous exchange offices in Québec's main cities. Airports also offer exchange services. Some businesses accept American money, but they offer a less competitive rate than the exchange offices.

Driving in Quebec

Speed limits are indicated in kilometres per hour. The usual speed limits are 50 km/h (approx. 30 mi/h) in cities and towns, 90 km/h (approx. 55 mi/h) on major roads and 100 km/h (approx. 60 mi/h) on highways.

You may turn right at a red light in most places across Quebec, but certain restrictions apply. You are required to wear a seatbelt. Radar detectors are strictly forbidden.

Visitors holding a driver's licence from their country of origin can drive on Québec's roads for a maximum period of six months. This means you don't have to obtain an international driving permit, although if your papers are in a language other than French or English, it is highly recommended that you do so.

Consuming alcohol or having alcoholic beverages present in a moving vehicle is strictly prohibited under Québec's Highway Safety Code. Furthermore, a person suspected of driving under the influence will have to submit to a breathalyzer test. If the test reveals a concentration of alcohol in that person's blood of 80 or more milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, his or her driver's permit will be immediately revoked for a 30-day period.

Although the minimum age for driving a car is 16, some car rental companies require that the driver be at least 25, while others charge higher rates for drivers under the age of 21. For more information about driving in Québec, visit the section entitled Getting around Québec.