Frequently asked questions

Yes, under certain conditions. Generally speaking, cats and dogs may be admitted to Canada if they come from a rabies-free country and are accompanied by a certificate, in either English or French, from an official government veterinarian in the originating country. Please note that animals entering Canada from countries other than the United States are subject to inspection fees. Lastly, pets must be accompanied by their owners at all times. The full regulations are available on the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) web site.

Since the temperature can vary so greatly between seasons, you have to pack accordingly. Keep in mind the region you will be visiting as well. For instance, summers are more humid in Montréal than elsewhere in Québec, while winters are somewhat longer in the province’s eastern regions than they are in the southwest.

In the summer (mid-June to mid-September), the days are hot and the humidity can be high, while Montréal generally experiences a heat wave at some point each summer. As such, short, light clothes are appropriate, but be sure to bring a jacket and pants for evenings and for the occasional cool day. Warmer clothes are also an absolute must for excursions in the St. Lawrence estuary and gulf (where the wind can be very cold), and for trips into the mountains.

In the fall (mid-September to mid-December), the mercury drops steadily as the season approaches winter. September and October are still very pleasant, though, if a little cooler than summer. A windbreaker would be a wise choice, as would a raincoat, since rainy days are more common at this time of year. Starting in November, the mercury hovers around the freezing point and the chances of snow increase, especially in Québec’s eastern regions, where it can begin falling early in the month. If you are planning to visit at this time of the year, be sure to bring along a warm coat, boots, a scarf and some gloves.

Temperatures in the winter (mid-December to mid-March) generally vary between -15°C (5°F) and -20°C (-4°F). However, it’s not uncommon for the mercury to plummet even further. Outdoor activities call for dedicated cold weather gear: snow pants, a winter coat, lined boots, a tuque or hat, mittens, and so on. For the coldest days or on long expeditions, a few simple tricks will help you stay warm: hand-warmers, for instance, are just as effective when inserted into boots as into mitts. And don’t forget that, even in town, you‘ll generally need winter boots for walking around snowy streets.

The heat gradually returns with the advent of spring (mid-March to mid-June). Temperatures remain around O°C (32ºF) in March and can easily reach 20°C (68ºF) in June. The snow melts gradually as nature begins to come back to life. With June comes the warmer weather, generally heralded by short bouts of summer-like weather in May, and sometimes even at the end of April.

Visitors to Québec can import 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 200 grams (7 oz.) of tobacco, in addition to 1.14 litres (40 fl. oz.) of spirits OR 1.5 litres (45 fl. oz.) of wine or twenty-four 355-ml (12-fl.-oz.) cans/bottles of beer, provided they are aged 18 and over. Since restrictions govern the import of food products, plants, pets and firearms into Canada, visitors are advised to contact the Canada Border Services Agency before leaving home..

Québec’s climate varies greatly from one season to another, and sometimes from one region to another. For the seasonal statistics for Québec's various cities, consult Bonjour Québec.com's average temperature chart or visit the The Weather Network.

In the fall, Québecers often enjoy a pleasant weather phenomenon known as “Indian summer,” which is characterized by a run of surprisingly warm, sunny days that follow on the heels of the first frosts of autumn. Indian summer generally makes its appearance between early October and mid-November. However, it is difficult if not impossible to predict when it will arrive, especially since it doesn’t happen every year. The expression “Indian summer” refers to the Amerindian practice of making the most of this period to finish up the harvest before winter.

Yes, in a palais de justice (courthouse). Prospective spouses need to fill out and submit the form entitled “Mariage civil” along with their birth certificates. Following this, they will be contacted by e-mail to set a wedding date.

Palais de justice de Montréal
Service des mariages civils (civil unions and marriages)
1, rue Notre-Dame Est
Bureau 3.150
Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1B6
Canada
Tel.: (514) 393-2721

Palais de justice de Québec
Service des mariages civils
300, boulevard Jean-Lesage
Bureau 1.24
Québec (Québec) G1K 8K6
Canada
Tel.: (418) 649-3400

Amtrak is the only railway company providing train service between certain major U.S. cities on the east coast and Montréal.

Québec City is a popular port-of-call for cruises in the Maritimes and New England. However, with the exception of local cruises, there are no departures from the Port of Québec.

Generally speaking, firearms for purposes such as hunting (rifles and shotguns) may be brought into Canada. However, you must fill out a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration prior to your arrival and have it approved by a customs officer.

Practicing sport hunting in Québec also means obtaining a hunting licence from an authorized distributor.

Lastly, be aware that the carrying of firearms is highly regulated in Canada. Certain firearms are restricted or even prohibited. For more information, visit the Canadian Firearms Centre Web site or call 1 800 731-4000.

If you are planning on joining a guided hunting expedition, your guide will make the necessary arrangements for exporting any wildlife you harvest.

If not, you must register any game you have bagged by presenting your hunting licence to an individual, company or association authorized by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec within 48 hours of leaving the hunting zone. This person, company or association will authorize the exportation of the game by punching the transportation coupon you have previously affixed to the animal.

With French as its official language, Québec is a unique North American destination. Travelling in Québec is made easier by the fact that English is a second language that is spoken and understood by a great many Québecers, particularly in the large urban centres and in various businesses operating in the tourism sector. Furthermore, a large English-speaking community has existed in Québec for over two centuries, particularly on the island of Montréal, which has led to a wide range of services offered in English.

French immersion programs are your window to a new culture as well as a new language. You'll have plenty of opportunity to put your learning to good use as you converse with your homestay family and talk to your classmates during activities and tours. To locate schools that offer these courses, simply look up "language courses" on our search engine or visit the Quebec Association of French Schools Quebec Association of French Schools website.