How to Get to Quebec Province
Take a plane or a cruise; walk or bike around. Quebec is the largest province in area out of all of Canada, and planning ahead on how to get there, and how to move around its vast and beautiful landscapes is crucial to avoid any mishaps. Do you need a visa? An international driver's permit? These and many other questions must be considered before you embark on a trip to this wonderful place!
Quebec Province is huge. There's no way to hide it. It is three times the size of France, the largest province in the whole of Canada in area, and the second biggest in population. Just to get there, not to mention move around once you're there, especially from places like Europe or South America, it is necessary to plan ahead.
Located over a large portion of eastern Canada, Quebec Province has an area of 1,542,056 km2 and is home to a few well-known cities such as Quebec City, its capital, Trois-Riviéres, and Montreal, all three located along the Saint Lawrence River valley, the most populated region in the whole province.
Historically, Quebec Province was both a French and an English colony, and as a result, its official language is French, but most people in Quebec, especially in tourist areas, speak English (and maybe even other languages). You'll have to be on the lookout and, if it really worries you, you might want to learn a few words in French so you can visit and get around easily, but as with visiting any country where you don't speak the language, just be kind and respectful, and you'll be sure to have a good time!
And before buying your tickets and planning your trip to Quebec Province, be sure to check out if you need a visa to enter Canada. This is a crucial step, since Tourist visas may need a financial and time investment and so should be the first thing you consider when traveling. People from certain countries, like those belonging to the Schengen area, are only required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding a plane to Canada, but, as a part of your travel planning, you should always check what documents you need to visit this and any other wonderful place.
How to reach Quebec Province
The steps to get to Quebec province depend on where you want to go, and where you're coming from:
Air travel
The easiest, most practical way to get to Quebec Province is by grabbing a plane from pretty much anywhere in the world and arriving at one of its international airports:
- Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal
- Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City
- Montréal-Mirabel International Airport
- Aéroport international de Mont-Tremblant (YTM) in the Laurentides
Your flight will take you to the biggest metropolitan areas in Quebec, and then you can start planning what to do if your idea is to delve into the more remote places in the region.
Into the ports
Thanks to the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec Province connects with the Atlantic Ocean on its southernmost side. Through the St. Lawrence Seaway, lake Memphremagog, or the Gulf of St. Lawrence, you'll be able to reach places such as Quebec City, Montréal, and Saguenay. With this in mind, if you happen to be taking a pleasure cruise along the eastern coast of North America, you might think of stopping at incredible places such as these and enjoying a few days exploring the best of Quebec Province.
On 4 wheels
As mentioned before in this article, Quebec Province is very large in area, so moving around it, and the whole of North America in a car or bus might take a very long time. For example, traveling by car from New York City to Quebec City will take you roughly 10 hours (longer than the flight there from Paris). However, if this is your chosen way of visiting Canada and this beautiful and diverse province, renting a car (if you don't have one) is one of the best ways to have independence and freedom while there.
How to move around Quebec Province
Cars, motorcycles, buses, planes, trains, bikes, and boats. These are some of the ways in which you'll be able to explore the incredible Quebec Province. Depending on what you want to visit and what your financial means might be, there will surely be an ideal option for you!
Take a Car or motorcycle
Quebec's Road Network stretches along an incredible 325,000km. You'll have the chance to drive around and explore a lot of different places, get there when you want to, and even reach hidden or lesser-known destinations that you simply couldn't if you didn't have the facility of a set of wheels under you. Though remember to be extremely careful in the winter, there might be restrictions or bans during the season, especially for motorcycles, to protect your safety.
You can rent a car or motorcycle, or bring your own if you're coming from other places in America. Remember to check the requirements for renting and driving cars and motorcycles in Canada, since they will probably recognize diver's licenses from English and French-speaking countries, but you might need an international driving permit if you come from countries with documents in other languages.
Hop on a train or bus
To move between cities, or around them, a bus might be the best option for you! There are several different companies such as Orléans Express, Intercar or Maheux that will transport you between the different cities and towns of Quebec Province.
Now, each city such as Montreal (STM), Quebec City (RTC), Joliette (MRC de Joliette), Longueuil (RTL), and Sherbrooke (STS) has its own public transportation network. From buses, metros, and local trains, you'll be able to get around the city without a problem, at a reasonable rate.
Don't forget that tour buses can be some of the best ways to get to know a city swiftly, and without having to worry about parking! In Quebec City, for example, you can sign up for a few different bus tours that will take you through the city, along its surrounding natural landscapes, or a bit further away and towards new adventures!
And the same is true for train routes! In North America, the railway system is second to the motorized one. However, there are trains that will take you from Montreal to Quebec City, or connect you to the country's capital, Ottawa. And in the routes from Montreal to La Tuke and Senterre, or Montreal to Jonquiére, you can hop off at certain scenic spots so you can visit some more off-the-map places. Remember to always discuss your stops with a member of the train staff, so that you are aware of what is allowed.
Ride your bike
Quebec Province has a network of 12,000km of bike paths! So you'll be able to put on your helmet, set the course, and ride your bike both inside and outside its main cities. You can take the Route Verte, North America's most extensive signposted bike path network, and one of the most beautiful in the world!
You'll also find bike paths in the cities, where you can rent a bike and explore freely. And in the winter, you might think of renting a fat bike in a place like Quebec City or Montreal, a means of transportation that will keep you safe in the snow, and allow you to go around the city without worrying!
Boat touring
Discover places like Île d'Orléans, the Saint Lawrence, the Richelieu, and the Malbaie Rivers as you ride a boat around Quebec, Montreal or Charlevoix. It is a great way to see a panoramic view of the cities, and spend a day relaxing, as well as getting to know new places and even go whale watching along the St. Lawrence and the Saguenay Fiord!
And in Quebec City, there is a city ferry that lasts around 12 minutes, and takes you from Quebec to Lévis, by crossing the St. Lawrence River! It is a practical way to move around, but it will also give you a quick panoramic view of the city.
Walking around
Walking or hiking are the best ways to travel around. You get to go at your own pace, stop when you want to, and visit the places that truly interest you!
In Quebec Province, you'll find walking tours in the main metropolitan areas, such as Quebec City, where you'll follow a guide around the old town or even visit the "ghostly" parts that hide around the city.
And as for hiking, you can find incredible tours in places like the Jacques-Cartier National Park, Mont-Tremblant, the Sainte-Anne Canyon, and the Parc des Sept-Chutes!
So, if you're planning on visiting Quebec Province, be sure to prepare yourself and all the ways in which you will get there, and move around once you do. It is certainly important to plan ahead for the weather as well, and if you need a little help, you can read about when you should go to Quebec, for a summary of each season's highlights.
Additionally, if you're curious to know more about what you can do in this wonderful place, check out our guide to the best things to do in Quebec. You will find that this Canadian province is an incredibly diverse place with an offer for every type of person.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Quebec Province, now!