What sports can you watch in Quebec on your trip?

September 12, 2026 Comment this post

11-minute read

What if your best Quebec memory was made in the stands? From the electric atmosphere of a hockey game to the roar of Formula 1 cars and major cycling races, your trip to Quebec might just hold some exciting surprises. So, whether you are a sports fanatic or simply curious to soak up the local vibe, here are the sporting events not to miss on your trip to Quebec.

🗓️ See the calendar of sports and events to watch in Quebec!

1. What sports can you watch in Quebec in winter?

In Quebec, winter does not mean a break from sport; quite the opposite. As soon as temperatures drop, arenas fill up, curling brooms come out, and some Quebecers even take their canoes onto the frozen Saint Lawrence River! Here are our three favourite winter sports to catch during your trip.

🏒 Ice hockey

You cannot talk about sport in Quebec without starting with hockey! Two teams battle it out on the ice, aiming to get the puck into the opposing goal at a blistering pace.

In Montreal, the ultimate experience is a Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre, where nearly 21,000 fans create an incredible atmosphere.

Season: September to April, possibly later if the playoffs run on.
Where to watch: Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, and many other Quebec towns.
Teams: Montreal Canadiens, women's professional hockey, junior or university teams.
Price: Around $100 to $200 CAD for Canadiens tickets, compared to $20 to $60 CAD for other teams.
When to book: As early as possible for the Canadiens; a few weeks beforehand for other teams.
Where to book: On the team's or arena's official ticketing website. For the Montreal Canadiens, try Ticketmaster.
Duration: Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes for a game.

Authentik tip: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the game starts to watch the players warm up and feel the atmosphere build in the stands. It is all part of the experience!

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🛶 Ice canoeing

Four men on each side of a canoe sliding on ice — Before it became a sport, ice canoeing was a vital winter transport method for crossing the Saint Lawrence River.

Yes, you read that correctly, in Quebec, they go canoeing in the middle of winter! Teams alternate between navigating through icy water and running across ice floes, pushing their boat along.

The unmissable event? The Quebec Winter Carnival Ice Canoe Race, between Quebec City and Lévis.

Season: Mainly January to March, depending on ice conditions.
Where to watch: Along the Saint Lawrence, particularly in Quebec City, Portneuf, Charlevoix, and Rimouski.
Events: Quebec Winter Carnival Canoe Race, La Grande Traversée, Grande Virée or Défi des glaces.
Price: Often free from spectator areas, with some paid experiences available.
When to book: Not necessary for free areas. In advance for paid or VIP experiences.
Where to book: Directly with the race organiser.
Duration: Allow around 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the event.

Authentik tip: Dress warmly! You will often be outside and standing still for a good part of the race. Warm boots, gloves, and several layers will make all the difference.

🥌 Curling

Two teams, granite stones, and a target: welcome to curling! The aim is to place your stones as close to the centre as possible, while teammates sweep the ice to influence their trajectory.

In Quebec, many clubs and tournaments offer the chance to discover this iconic Canadian winter sport.

Season: Primarily September to April, with many tournaments in winter.
Where to watch: In numerous clubs in Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Estrie, or Abitibi.
Events: Provincial circuit and tournaments organised by Curling Québec clubs.
Price: Often free or low-cost for local tournaments, varying by competition.
When to book: Check the calendar a few weeks before your visit to the region.
Where to book: With the club or via the official calendar of Curling Québec.
Duration: Allow around 2 to 3 hours for a game.

Authentik tip: Familiarise yourself with a few rules before the game. You will better understand team strategies, and those famous sweeps will suddenly make perfect sense!

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🎀 University cheerleading

Four cheerleaders from UQAM University, each holding a sign with a letter of the university's name — Far more than just pompoms, competitive cheerleading combines gymnastics, acrobatics, lifts and choreographed routines.

In Quebec, cheerleading is a serious competitive sport! Choreography, lifts, pyramids, and acrobatics follow one another at an impressive pace.

Quebec even has its own university circuit, with several teams competing throughout the season.

🎓Top tip: University competitions are an excellent way to watch events at an affordable price and experience the atmosphere of Quebec university campuses.

Season: Mainly during the academic year, with competitions in winter.
Universities: University of Montreal, Laval University, UQAM, UQTR, University of Sherbrooke, and Bishop's University.
What to see: University circuit competitions and the RSEQ provincial championship.
Price: Varies by competition, generally more accessible than major professional events.
When to book: Check the calendar a few weeks before your visit.
Where to book: Through the RSEQ, the university, or the competition organiser.
Duration: Allow a few hours to watch several performances.

💡Good to know: Quebec university cheerleading brings together around 150 student-athletes in a single circuit. A great opportunity to discover the discipline far from American film clichés!

🏐 University volleyball

Two women's volleyball teams competing — Montreal regularly hosts international beach volleyball competitions right in the heart of the city.

Fast-paced, exciting, and easy to follow, university volleyball definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Teams play best-of-sets in a wonderfully friendly atmosphere.

Quebec has both women's and men's teams, with several universities competing at the highest provincial level.

🎓 Top tip: University competitions are a great way to catch a game without spending a fortune, and they offer a fantastic insight into the atmosphere of Quebec's campuses.

Season: Mainly October to March.
Universities: Laval University, University of Montreal, University of Sherbrooke, UQAM, UQTR, McGill, and others depending on the categories.
Worth seeing: Regular season matches, playoffs, and the provincial championship.
Price: Generally affordable, with varying rates depending on the university.
When to book? A few days to a few weeks before the match is usually enough.
Where to book? On the website or ticket office of the host university.
Duration: Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the number of sets.

Authentik advice: If your visit coincides with the playoffs or the provincial championship, make sure to prioritise these matches. The stakes are higher, and so is the atmosphere in the stands!

2. Which sports to see in Quebec in summer?

When the warmer weather arrives, Quebecers swap their skates for studded boots! Whether it's football, Canadian football, or baseball, here are our top 3 sports to watch during the summer season.

⚽ Football (soccer)

The Canadian football team during a friendly match against Iceland — In Quebec, they say 'soccer' rather than 'football'.

Football's popularity in Quebec grows every year. The game itself won't be too unfamiliar to British travellers! Here too, two teams of eleven players try to get the ball into the back of the net.

To experience the excitement of a big match, CF Montréal is the team to watch, but football is also played and watched elsewhere in Quebec.

Season: Mainly February to October, with playoffs in the autumn.
Where to watch? In Montreal and several other Quebec cities, depending on the teams and competitions.
Teams: CF Montréal is Quebec's main professional men's team.
Price: Varies depending on the match and seating category.
When to book? A few weeks in advance, earlier for the most popular matches.
Where to book? On the official ticket office of the team or competition.
Duration: Allow approximately 2 hours for a match.

Authentik advice: To really soak up the atmosphere, arrive a little before kick-off. Supporter groups often start creating a buzz even before the players enter the pitch!

🏈 Canadian football

Be warned, in Quebec, "football" doesn't mean soccer! A cousin of American football, Canadian football involves two teams progressing down the field by running or throwing an oval ball towards the opposing end zone.

This is one of the most quintessentially North American experiences to add to a road trip, with an atmosphere quite different from our European stadiums.

Season: Mainly June to November.
Where to watch? In Montreal, but also in several cities thanks to university and junior championships.
Teams: The Montreal Alouettes are Quebec's main professional team.
Price: Varies depending on the team, match, and seating category.
When to book? A few weeks in advance, longer for important matches.
Where to book? On the official ticket office of the team or university.
Duration: Allow approximately 3 hours for a match.

💡Good to know: Canadian football doesn't have exactly the same rules as its American cousin. The field is larger, and teams only get three downs to advance 10 yards, compared to four in the United States.

⚾ Baseball

A bat, a ball, and four bases to run: baseball is one of North American sport's great classics. Even though there isn't an MLB team in Quebec today, you can still catch a game during the summer.

The main draw? A generally relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that's very different from a hockey or football match.

Season: Mainly May to September.
Where to watch? In several Quebec cities hosting baseball teams and leagues.
Teams: Various Quebec teams play in regional and independent leagues.
Price: Generally much more affordable than the major professional leagues.
When to book? A few days to a few weeks in advance is usually enough.
Where to book? On the team's official ticket office or directly at the stadium.
Duration: Allow approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours for a match.

Authentik advice: You don't need to know all the rules to enjoy a baseball game. Grab something to eat, settle into the stands, and soak up the atmosphere: here, the experience off the field almost counts as much as the score!

🏉 University rugby

Four men playing rugby — The university season mainly takes place in autumn, with matches sometimes played in Canada's early cold weather!

Tackles, scrums, tries... university rugby offers a very different atmosphere from indoor sports. And unlike Canadian football, there's no bulky padding here!

Several Quebec universities have rugby teams, both women's and men's, with a short season concentrated in the autumn.

🎓 Top tip: University competitions are a great way to catch a game without spending a fortune, and they offer a fantastic insight into the atmosphere of Quebec's campuses.

Season: Mainly September to November.
Universities: McGill, Concordia, University of Montreal, University of Sherbrooke, Bishop's, and others depending on the championships.
Worth seeing: Regular season matches and the Quebec university championship finals.
Price: Generally affordable, with varying rates depending on the university and match.
When to book? A few days to a few weeks before the match is usually enough.
Where to book? On the university website or through their sports department.
Duration: Allow approximately 2 hours to enjoy the match.
Authentik's tip: The university rugby season is short. If you're travelling to Quebec in September or October, check the schedules for universities along your route.

3. Top sporting events to see in Quebec?

Some events are worth travelling for all on their own. Formula 1, tennis, cycling... Quebec plays host to major international competitions every year, drawing in both dedicated fans and curious onlookers. Here are three events to look out for on your trip.

🏎️ The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix

A Formula 1 car on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal — The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on an island right in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River!

For a few days, Montreal truly buzzes with the sound of engines. The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix brings together the world's top drivers on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, located on Notre-Dame Island.

Even if you're not a huge F1 fan, the event is well worth experiencing for its incredible atmosphere and the excitement that takes over the entire city.

When: Usually in spring.
Where: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Montreal.
Price: Varies depending on the grandstand, seating, and number of days.
When to book: Several months in advance, as the best seats sell out quickly.
How to book: Via the official Canadian Grand Prix ticket office.
Duration: The event spans several days, including practice, qualifying, and the main race.

Authentik's tip: If your trip coincides with the Grand Prix, book your accommodation well in advance too. The event attracts a huge number of visitors to Montreal, and availability quickly drops.

Authentik testimony: "Formula 1 can be pretty pricey, so if you'd like to attend the Canadian Grand Prix without blowing your travel budget, go for general admission. You won't have a grandstand seat, but you'll still have access to the circuit and entertainment areas, and you can find a spot on the grass by the safety fences to watch the race up close. I've gone for this option several times and have never regretted it! It's a great way to really appreciate just how fast the cars are, and the atmosphere between fans of different teams is always really friendly. That's also what I love about F1!" Mélaine, Marketing Coordinator (Linkedln)

🎾 The National Bank Open

A men's tennis match taking place in Montreal — Each year, Montreal welcomes the world's top tennis stars, alternating between the men's and women's tournaments.

Every summer, the biggest stars in world tennis stop off in Canada for the National Bank Open. Montreal alternately hosts the men's and women's draws, with the other taking place in Toronto.

It's a fantastic chance to see some of the world's best players in action, enjoying the summer atmosphere at Stade IGA.

When: Usually in summer.
Where: Stade IGA, Montreal.
Price: Varies depending on the session, court, and round of the competition.
When to book: Several weeks to a few months in advance for the most popular sessions.
How to book: Via the official National Bank Open ticket office.
Duration: From a few hours for a session to a full day, depending on your ticket.

💡Good to know: Montreal hosts the Open every year, but the men's and women's draws alternate with Toronto. So, check which competition will be held in Montreal during your trip.

Authentik testimony: "Adding a visit to this international tournament to your itinerary offers a wonderful cultural and festive immersion. Hot dog in hand, local commentary, and a friendly atmosphere – you definitely won't regret ticking this sporting box. Having done it twice in Montreal, I've had some brilliant times. After the matches, take some time to explore Jarry Park, pop into Jean Talon Market, and grab a self-service bike to cycle through Villeray and Mile End in summer (you're guaranteed to fall in love with it)." Justine, Marketing Manager (Linkedln)

🚲 The Quebec and Montreal Grand Prix Cycling events

A group of cyclists taking part in the Montreal Grand Prix — Riders complete several laps of the same circuit, which is perfect for watching them speed past without having to move!

Here, you don't need a ticket to see the champions fly by. The Quebec and Montreal Grand Prix Cycling events welcome the world's elite road cyclists every year on two particularly challenging urban courses.

It's also one of the easiest events to fit into a road trip. Simply pick your spot along the route and enjoy the spectacle.

When: Usually in September.
Where: On the streets of Quebec City and Montreal.
Price: Free access along the routes.
When to book: No ticket needed for free zones, but plan your spot in advance.
How to book: No booking is required to watch the races for free.
Duration: Allow a few hours, or even a full day for dedicated fans.

🌈 Special event in 2026: Montreal will host the UCI Road World Championships from 20 to 27 September, more than 50 years after they last took place in the city. For a week, over 1,000 athletes from more than 75 countries will compete on the streets of Montreal.

Authentik's tip: The courses consist of several laps, so there's no need to chase after the cyclists across the city. Choose a good spot, and you'll see them pass by multiple times.

Quebec sporting events calendar

Already know when you're heading off? At a glance, find out which sports and major events you could see during your trip to Quebec.

Sport or event	Period	Where?
Ice canoeing	January to March	Along the St. Lawrence, notably Quebec City, Portneuf, Charlevoix, and Rimouski
Soccer	February to October	Montreal and several cities in Quebec
🏅 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix	Spring	Montreal
Baseball	May to September	Several cities in Quebec
Canadian football	June to November	Montreal and several university towns
🏅 National Bank Open	Summer	Montreal
Ice hockey	September to April	Throughout Quebec, notably Montreal, Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Sherbrooke
Curling	September to April	Throughout Quebec
University rugby	September to November	Several Quebec universities
🏅 Grand Prix Cyclistes	September	Quebec City and Montreal
University volleyball	October to March	Several Quebec universities
University cheerleading	Mainly in winter	Several Quebec universities

The periods are given as a guide and may vary from year to year. Remember to check official calendars before you travel.

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About the author

Alexandra Grenier

Marketing Content and Communications Intern

I moved to Montréal ready for a new adventure and the chance to discover Canada, and it didn’t take long for me to fall for the city’s energy and Québec’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. Since arriving, I’ve loved exploring new neighbourhoods, trying out Montréal’s cafés and watching the beautiful sunsets from Mount Royal.

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