HOME >>>Practical Info - Winter travel

The winter season usually begins with snow towards mid-December and gradually tapers off at the end of March. Temperatures range from 0 to -30 Celsius.


RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO DRESS

Below you will find a host of clothing tips to help you to make the most of your trip:

The 3-layer system involves wearing several layers of clothing. The layer next to the body wicks away perspiration; the other layers keep in the heat. You will therefore need absorbent underclothes, and you should change them at the end of every day, even if they feel dry.

The first layer: The base layer should wick away perspiration, keeping you nice and dry. For this, synthetic fibres are your best bet.

The middle layer: Insulation. Synthetic polyester fibre (polar fleece) is very effective. Wool could be a good second choice.

The third layer: The outer layer protects you from water, snow, and especially wind. It should be loose-fitting, breathable and waterproof.

Having said all that, you will also need the following items: winter hat, scarf, polar gloves, sunglasses, winter boots, warm socks, sweater, shirts, pants, sweatshirts, tights or leggings (avoid cotton, go for synthetics), protective and moisturizing sunscreen, lip balm, and photo equipment protected from the cold by an insulating material (wool or polar fleece).

To sum up, always arrive as warmly dressed as possible. A ski suit is perfect for Canadian winter sports.

For excursions and snowmobile tours, you will be provided with a pair of winter boots (-40 degrees), "extreme cold" gear (Parka and snow pants), heavy-duty gloves and safety helmet. You can buy a cagoule on site (about 7 euros). There is a place at the back of our snowmobiles to transport your personal belongings in special bags. You can leave your excess baggage at the departure point.



CREDIT CARDS

Before leaving Europe, inform your credit card company (Visa or MasterCard) that a $500, $1200, $1500 or $2000 damage deposit (depending on the type of snowmobile and/or the outfitter) will be "frozen" on your credit card. This amount will be "unfrozen" when you return the snowmobile as long as it is undamaged.

DRIVER'S LICENSE

Required for snowmobile driving. Most foreign driver's licenses (France, Belgium, Switzerland, England, Australia, etc) are valid in Québec. In the event of a road accident resulting in bodily harm, the driver and passengers of a vehicle registered in Quebec are entitled to the same compensation from the Société de l'Assurance Automobile du Québec (Quebec's public automobile insurance plan) as a Québéc resident. If the vehicle involved in the accident is not registered in Québec, or if the injured visitor is a pedestrian or a cyclist, compensation will be awarded according to the degree of responsibility of the non-resident.

To consult the regulations for driving a snowmobile: CLICK HERE



SNOWMOBILE TOURS

Please note that our snowmobile tours involve some physical effort, and that participants will require a certain minimum level of endurance. You may arrive at your destination after nightfall, depending on the pace of your day as well as Mother Nature's caprices. The snowmobile trails are sometimes uneven, meaning that we have to drive more slowly. In this boreal forest, the terrain is usually mountainous and sometimes flat. We will cross frozen lakes and rivers and may sometimes use backcountry trails through powder snow.



GENERAL INFORMATION

Highway Code: The speed limit on highways is 100 Km/h, while in urban areas and villages it is 50 Km/h. Seatbelts are required for all vehicle passengers everywhere in Canada. A right turn is usually permitted at a red light; you must stop and check both ways for pedestrians and vehicles before turning. This does not apply everywhere in Quebec, particularly on the Island of Montreal and at certain intersections where indicated by a road sign. Canadians drive on the right side of the road. Highway 407 in Ontario is an all-electronic open access toll highway which extends 108 kilometres east-west, just north of Toronto.

Electricity: Electrical outlets in Canada provide the same current as elsewhere in North America - 110 volts 60 cycles AC. An adapter is necessary for European plugs.

Purchasing alcoholic beverages in Quebec: All persons aged 18 years and over may purchase alcoholic beverages in Quebec. Wine and spirits are sold at Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) outlets. Beer and local ciders are sold in grocery stores and convenience stores, where you will also find a limited selection of wine.

Purchase of alcoholic beverages in Ontario: All persons aged 19 years and over may purchase spirits as well as local and imported beer and wine in stores run by the government-run Liquor Control Board of Ontario. Beer and local ciders are sold in grocery stores and convenience stores, where you will also find a limited selection of wine.

Business Hours: Most stores are open (without interruption) from 9:30 am - 9:00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 9:00 - 5:00 on the weekend. However, some businesses may be closed on Sundays, or on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings.

Medical Services and Emergencies: We recommend that you check whether your health insurance covers medical and hospital charges incurred while travelling abroad. In case of emergency (medical, police, fire), dial 0 anywhere in Quebec except for the greater metropolitan areas of Montreal and Quebec, where you have to dial 911. In Ontario, dial 911 in most areas for fire, police or ambulance. For other emergencies, dial 0 .

National Holidays:

•  New Year's (January 1 and 2)

•  Good Friday

•  Easter Monday

•  Victoria Day / Fête de Dollard (second-last Monday in May)

•  Quebec National Holiday (June 24) - only in Quebec

•  Canada Day (July 1)

•  Labour Day (first Monday in September)

•  Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)

•  Christmas (December 25 and 26)

Currency: The local currency is the Canadian dollar ($), which is divided into 100 cents(¢). Canadian banknotes are currently issued in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, and coins in 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1, and $2 denominations. Most credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Travellers' Cheques are accepted in large hotels, certain restaurants and major stores in big cities; otherwise they must be cashed in a Foreign Exchange Office or a bank. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A wide network of instant tellers allows money to be withdrawn at any time of the day or night, 7 days a week.

Taxes, tips and service charges: Two forms of sales tax, Québec Sales Tax (QST) and the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), are charged on most goods and services.

Tipping is usually 10% to 15%, and is rarely included in the bill. Taxi drivers, hairdressers and porters are tipped at the client's discretion.