Not only does Quebec has endless outdoor activities in the winter, it also has a high vaccination rate and no testing required for domestic flights.
“Quebec is not a consolation prize. It’s a first-class, world class destination, and for many years we did not invest enough in promoting Quebec domestically. We are a winter wonderland, and many of the cultural things travelling to Europe offers, we have right here!” says Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s Minister of Tourism.
Quebec reopened its border with Ontario in July, and now the province represents 30% of visitors. International visitors have returned too, mostly from the U.S. and France.
With the help of domestic demand, summer arrival numbers were superior to 2019, according to Proulx, who updated the industry , at a recent promotional event in Toronto. So far 2022 winter numbers are expected to track higher too, as people flock to the outdoors this winter, she adds.
“We’re really pushing on the winter activities, whether it’s skiing at Mont Tremblant, or the brand new four-season Club Med in Charlevoix, or enjoying our 33,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails across the province with gorgeous little warm up huts along the way,” says Proulx.
The Quebec Winter Carnival is back (Feb. 4 – 13, 2022), along with Montréal en Lumière / Montreal Lights (Feb. 17 – 27, 2022) and Igloofest (Jan. 13 – Feb. 5, 2022). The iconic Quebec Winter Carnival is one of largest winter carnivals in the world, with a variety of outdoor activities that celebrate the season while showcasing the historic charm and culture of the snow-covered city.
Club Med’s first North American mountain resort, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix, opened December 3 with views of the St. Lawrence River and an array of family-friendly activities. Visitors can hit the slopes, indulge in the open-air spa, or take a ride down the 7.5 kilometre sledging track.
“Everyone is really excited to visit Quebec this year because it’s a winter wonderland! I’m very optimistic for the winter season in Quebec, first and foremost with the high vaccination rate that we have in this province. People feel safe visiting, and we have the passport so we can safely go with others that are vaccinated to festival events, restaurants, venues, you know, so they choose Quebec for that. And that is a great reason to come to Quebec,” explains Proulx.
There are no testing requirements for Canadians flying domestically within Canada, however all air passengers are required to show proof of full vaccination. Quebec has created its own VaxiCode system to show proof of vaccination, but out-of-province visitors may enter places and participate in activities with only the two following documents: valid photo ID with an address outside of Quebec; AND a vaccine passport with QR code OR official proof of vaccination issued by their country or province.
“The measures that the government is asking are just about the same in Quebec as Ontario and other parts of Canada, so it’s not that complicated. You show your passport for restaurants, festivals and events, the same as elsewhere. Everyone is wearing masks indoors, and flying inter-province there are no testing requirements, just proof of vaccination, which makes everything pretty simple,” says Proulx.
