Here is the section to guide you and allow you to experience a carefree trip in our beautiful region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the average temperatures according to the months of the year.
- January -10° / -21° C
- February -8° / -18°
- March -1° / -12°
- April 8° / -3° C
- May 17° / 5
- June 22° / 10
- July 24° / 14° C
- August 23° / 12°
- September 18° / 7°
- October 10° / 2
- November 3° / -5°
- December -6° / -15°
Winter
The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean winter is synonymous with cold weather, huge amounts of snow and outdoor pleasures. It is therefore essential to bring with you a coat that can keep you warm in temperatures as low as -30°. Also bring with you snow pants, mittens, toques and scarves, and boots to play in the snow.
If you are in Nordic bathing mode, don't forget to bring a bathing suit!
Spring
In the spring, you should plan to bring waterproof boots, a small transitional coat to keep you warm, an umbrella and sunglasses, because the beautiful days are with us.
Summer
Summer rimes with warm temperature so make sure to pack you bathing suit, beach towel and sunglasses to enjoy the magnificent water activities of the region and the beaches of Lac Saint-Jean. However, you should also think of taking a raincoat and/or umbrella in you luggages.
This is the best time to go hiking, so bring appropriate footwear and sportswear.
Fall
During fall season, it is essential to bring waterproof boots and a small transition coat, as the colder days are starting. You should also bring a toque, mittens and a scarf.
To enjoy the fall colors, you should go on an hiking trail, so bring appropriate footwear and warm sportswear.
Travelling with your dog requires some organization.
Lodging
Some hotels/motels, campsites and other accommodations accept dogs under conditions. Look for the small dog logo in our files to find out which companies accept animals.
Our recommendation: Always call the companies to find out the acceptance details of your hairy friends in advance.
Activities
Most sites do not accept dogs. Once again, look for the small dog logo in our files to find out which companies accept animals.
The national parks in the region accept dogs with some exceptions.
Our recommendation: Always call the companies to find out the acceptance details of your hairy friends in advance.
Restaurants
The vast majority of restaurants do not accept dogs indoors and some restaurants will allow you to have a dog on their terrace.
Our recommendation: Always call the companies to find out the acceptance details of your hairy friends in advance.
Our tip: Allow yourself a take-out meal and enjoy a picnic in a nearby park!
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.
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.
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 and Driving
This Act introduces 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 legislation 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.
General Information – Travelling in Québec 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 and 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.
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.
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 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).
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.
Emergency
911, 310-4141 or *4141 (from a cell phone)
Info-Santé (medical advice)
811
Québec Poison Control Centre
1 800 463-5060
Roberval Hospital
450 rue Brassard, Roberval
418 275-0110
Dolbeau‑Mistassini Hospital
2000, boul. Sacred Heart, Dolbeau-Mistassini
18 276-1234
Alma Hospital
300, boul. Champlain, Alma
418 669-2000
Jonquiere Hospital
2230, rue de l'Hôpital, arr. Jonquiere
418 695-7700
Chicoutimi Hospital
305, rue Saint-Vallier, arr. Chicoutimi
418 541-1000
Bay Hospital
1000, rue du Docteur-Desgagné, arr. The Bay
418 544-3381
