When Should You Go to Quebec Province?
Quebec Province is a vibrant and wonderful place that has different highlights for each of the seasons of the year. Come in the summer for the wildlife and warm weather fun, in the autumn for the beautiful changes of the leaves and chillier weather, in the winter for all of the snow-based activities you might imagine, and in the spring to see the world's rebirth and to enjoy different weathers as the season changes. Either way, you'll have an amazing time with the variety of activities, sights to see, and places to explore that this diverse region offers its visitors!
Quebec Province is a place that is transformed by each and every season. You'll be warm in the summer, experience the wonder of the changing colors of the trees in its many forests during the fall, watch the snow fall and be able to touch and play with it during the winter, and watch nature bloom during the incredible spring.
So, when should you come to this wonderful place? The answer depends entirely on you and on what you want to do and see once you're there, but we can help you choose!
Summer
You might not believe it, but summer in Quebec Province is indeed warm and also full of music, outdoor activities, and national parks to explore. With temperatures ranging from 15 to 25ºC, you won't have to worry about heavy coats or snow boots, and you'll be able to access places that are either inaccessible or too cold for visitors.
You can think about getting into the water or going hiking, taking a beautiful boat tour and enjoying the breeze on your face, or even going wildlife watching!
Here are a few recommendations you might explore if you decide to go to Quebec Province in the Summer:
You can start by going hiking in the Jacques-Cartier National Pak from Quebec City, and take 4 hours to see the beautiful natural scenery of this incredible park, guided by an expert guide that will help you find the best spots to observe this Canadian landscape and even take you to taste some Quebec specialties.
You can also take the amazing opportunity to go Black Bear watching near Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, an experience that will bring you into the forest and up an observation tower so that you can take a peek at these incredible animals in their own habitat!
And until October, you can take an amazing cruise to go searching for whales through the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, your opportunity to observe beautiful natural views from the comfort of a boat, and then explore the waters around the Marine Park looking for the biggest of the mammals.
But don't hesitate to also look for Quebec Province's more city-centered activities, such as summer festivals, picnics in the parks, exploring restaurants for the local cuisine and seasonal harvests such as strawberries and corn, city tours, and much more that this Canadian Region has to offer.
Autumn
Now, if you decide to visit Quebec Province between the months of September to November, temperatures will range between -4 and 18ºC, depending on where and when you go.
Undisputedly, one of the most special features of the Fall in Quebec province is the changing of the leaves. You'll be able to observe a spectrum of colors that goes from vibrant green to yellow, to orange, to red, and brown. It is an unmissable spectacle to the eyes and there are many different ways that you can enjoy it.
One of the best ways to experience any landscape is from above and in Quebec Province, you can take a helicopter flight over the forests of Quebec from Montreal. You will get to admire the Montérégie region and fly over Mont Saint-Bruno, among other stunning natural areas in a safe and comfortable helicopter and with an expert pilot who will fly you over the best places to see.
But if you would prefer to delve into the forest yourself, you can try a quad biking tour around the Lauretian region, near Montreal. You'll delve into unpaved roads and explore the impressive Laurentian mountains while you are guided by an expert in the area.
You can also take wine tours, follow a Quebec tradition and spend a "weekend at the cottage" to immerse yourself in the autumnal feeling, pick apples and squash, or take advantage of the more cooling weather to take a more difficult hike around the natural parks found in the area. Whatever you choose, autumn in Quebec Province will be a good time.
Winter
The Quebecois winter is the season you most have to prepare for. With temperatures going from -4 to -18ºC, heavy coats and big boots will be necessary to keep you safe and warm during your time in Quebec Province.
With that said, you'll get to see the wonder of streets, parks, and fields blanketed in white snow, storefronts, and city streets decorated with the holiday spirit, and of course, enjoy many different snow-based activities.
One of the most interesting and popular activities to do in the winter in Quebec Province, and especially around Montreal, is Dog sledding and you can do it in Saint-Hyppolyte, Lanaudière, Saint-Liguori or Mont-Tremblant. This is a great way to explore hidden trails, inaccessible to other types of transportation, discover the snowy mountains, and even spend some time with the huskies that will take you around!
And if you'd prefer it, you can take a snowmobile ride along the Laurentides, and have the freedom to explore this incredible area in Quebec Province at high speeds.
But the options are many and you can go Snowshoeing in the Jacques Cartier National Park or ice climbing on Île Sainte-Hélène, try snow tubing at Mont-Tremblant and even visit the Village Vacances Valcartier winter play center and have a day of fun exploring the different snow-based activities such as rafting and inflatable sleds!
Spring
Spring is a season of rebirth for nature and for the world. In Quebec Province, think of sugar shacks, maple syrup delicacies, and skiing on the still-present snow at the beginning of the season, an unmissable experience!
Enjoy the first warm days of the year, -though the temperatures will still be low, between -9 and 17ºC- and the longer stretches of daylight outside by visiting the city and enjoying the activities available during the different months of the season. For example, in March, you'll be able to go on an amazing ski touring experience in the Jacques-Cartier National Park, where you can explore and discover the park while at the same time skiing down slopes that will be less crowded than the traditional ones.
In April, the weather might still be undecided, so you can try visiting one of Quebec City's Nordic Spas! Relax, swim in the warm waters, get a massage, and even enjoy nature if you choose one of the establishments located on the outskirts of the city. It is a great opportunity to take some time for yourself and try something new.
And in mid to late May, your possibilities are wide open. You can try rafting down the Jacques Cartier River and have an adrenaline-filled few hours as you slide down the III and IV-class rapids of the river. Or, if you prefer to stay dry, go rock climbing on Île Sainte-Hélène, in Montreal, where you'll learn the basics of this wonderful activity and get to observe the beautiful views of the Parc Jean-Drapeau from up to 10 meters high!
With this in mind, know that any time you choose to go to Quebec Province will be the right time. You simply have to decide what you want: Do you want to see the snow or do you prefer a sunny vacation? Do you want to delight your eyes with the beautiful tones of autumn or see and smell the rainbow that is spring? Just remember to come prepared for the climate you choose, and Quebec Province will welcome you with stunning views and a varied array of fun activities all year round!