Travelling in Québec
You will find all the tourist information for all regions of Quebec on the BonjourQuebec website.
Phone: 1 877 BONJOUR ( 266-5687 )
Email: info@bonjourquebec.com
Online: bonjourquebec.com
You will find here an overview of the regulations in force in Quebec to allow you to plan your trip to Quebec on the Côte-Nord.
The Côte-Nord begins at Tadoussac and ends at Blanc-Sablon. There is between the two more than 1000 kilometers of distance as the crow flies. The journey from Tadoussac to Kegaska is 844 kilometers long. The route from Tadoussac to Vieux-Fort, through the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is 1,964 kilometres long. From Baie-Comeau to Fermont, there are 567 kilometres, the first 200 kilometres of which are paved and then continue on a compacted gravel road from Manic-5 to Fermont.
Tadoussac is located at:
- 661 kilometers from Ottawa
- 472 kilometers from Montreal
- 215 kilometers from Quebec
Bars, Casinos and Purchasing Alcohol
You must be at least 18 years old to enter bars, pubs, nightclubs and casinos, as well as to purchase or consume alcohol (be prepared to produce ID if asked). Wines and spirits are sold through the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), the provincial liquor board. Beer is available at grocery and convenience stores, which also stock a limited selection of wines.
Cannabis
Recreational cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2018. The minimum age to buy and consume cannabis in Quebec is 21 years old. Cannabis must be purchased from the SQDC (Société québécoise du Cannabis). A person can have in their possession a maximum of 30 grams, and a maximum of 150 grams for a group, regardless of the number of individuals. It is prohibited to consume cannabis in public, in streets, parks, paths, terraces, commercial spaces, and other public outdoor spaces. The law stipulates zero tolerance for drugs and driving. It is prohibited to consume cannabis in a moving or stationary vehicle. Driving while under the influence of drugs is prohibited, dangerous and liable to fines. Consult the CANNABIS LEGISLATION in Quebec.
Currency Exchange
There are numerous exchange offices in Québec's main urban centres. Airports also offer exchange services. Some businesses accept American money, but tend to offer a less competitive rate than the exchange offices.
Driving in Québec
Since Canada uses the metric system, speed limits and distances are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h) and gasoline is sold by the litre (l). It is illegal to transport or use radar detectors in
Québec.
Cell Phones
Use of a cell phone is prohibited while driving.
Drugs
The Highway Safety Code introduced a zero-tolerance principle when it comes to drugs and driving by prohibiting anyone from driving a vehicle if there is a detectable presence of cannabis or any other drug in that person's saliva. Offenders are subject to an immediate 90-day suspension of their driver's licence. According to the law, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume cannabis (be prepared to produce ID if asked). The Code also includes other measures, such as the prohibition from consuming drugs (cannabis or any other drug) in a road vehicle, on an off-road vehicle or on a bicycle.
Winter Tires
From December 1 to March 15, all taxis and passenger vehicles registered in Québec must be equipped with winter tires. This requirement also applies to rental passenger vehicles in Québec.
Road Conditions
For information on road conditions or other aspects of trip-planning, call 511 or 1-888-355-0511, or visit quebec511.info.
Tourist Routes
The official tourist routes are clearly marked with blue signs. They are designed to highlight the attractions of the regions through which they pass, and to enable visitors to discover the extent of Québec's natural and cultural treasures. quebecoriginal.com/tourist-routes.
Tourist Signage
In Québec, tourist regions and directions to services, attractions and activities are indicated by blue road signs. For more information, visit panneaubleu.com and tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/signalisation
(in French only).
Village-relais Accredited Services
If you feel like taking a break or require assistance while on the road, look for the Village-relais signs. These point to villages that, together with local businesses, offer a range of accredited services and a safe and pleasant place to stop. villages-relais.qc.ca.
Voltage
In Québec, the standard voltage is 110 volts/60 cycles, as it is throughout North America. Since the outlets cannot accommodate European plugs, you will need to bring or buy an adaptor.
Making a Comment or Conveying Dissatisfaction
If you wish to comment on or are dissatisfied with the tourism services you received in Québec, please contact: Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Québec, 1-877-686-8358, option 7, .
Canadian Currency
The legal currency in Québec is the Canadian dollar (CAD), which is divided into 100 cents. Bank notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, and coins in denominations of 5, 10 and 25 cents as well as 1 and 2 dollars. Bank cards and major credit cards are also accepted almost everywhere.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars and taxis. The amount, which is not included in the bill, is generally equivalent to 15% of the total bill before taxes. For quick tip calculations, Québecers normally add up both taxes. Tipping bellhops or porters is at your discretion (generally, $1 per bag).
Taxes
Québec has two taxes: the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST), and the 9.975% Québec sales tax (QST). An accommodation tax of 3.5% of the room price per night also applies in our region.
Emergencies
911, 310‑4141 or *4141 (from a cell phone)
Info-Santé (medical advice)
811
Quebec Poison Control Center
1 800 463‑5060
Canadian Coast Guard
Marine Distress
1-800-463-4393
Boating Safety Infoline
1-800-267-6687
S.O.S. Braconnage
Reporting poachers
1 800 463-2191
Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU)
To report a fire
1 800 463-3389
Expedition 51
This crescent-shaped trail is a favourite for those who love long road trips through immense stretches of unspoiled wilderness. Starting in Baie-Comeau on Route 289, the drive is 1,700 km long and will take you at least 26 hours. it crosses Labrador from west to east on Routes 500 and 510 then continues down to the Lower North Shore. Once there, a scenic detour beckons: a 150-km trip along the Chicoutai* Scenic Route, from Blanc-Sablon to Vieux-Fort and back, to view the majestic waterways of the Gulf of St.Lawrence. (*Chicoutais, or cloudberries, are small flavourful, amber-coloured berries native to Quebec's North Shore.)