Quebec City in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Quebec City

-3°C (27°F) High Temp

-10°C (14°F) Low Temp

91 mm (3.6 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak season, with luxury properties in Vieux-Québec starting at CAD $120 versus CAD $350 in July
Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions - you can photograph this destination and Plains of Abraham without people in frame, and restaurant reservations are readily available
First pre-Christmas market atmosphere begins mid-month, with local artisans setting up craft stalls along Rue du Petit-Champlain before the December rush
Perfect fireplace weather for Quebec's legendary maple sugar shacks and cozy bistros - many restaurants offer special comfort food menus featuring tourtière and sugar pie

Considerations

Daylight limited to 9 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 4:30pm by late November), severely restricting outdoor exploration time
Unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles create treacherous ice patches on cobblestone streets in Vieux-Québec - emergency room visits spike from tourist falls
Many seasonal attractions close completely, including this destination zip lines, Plains of Abraham outdoor activities, and most river cruise operations

Best Activities in November

Château Frontenac and Old Quebec City Architecture Tours

November's bare trees provide unobstructed views of Quebec City's UNESCO World Heritage architecture. The Gothic Revival towers and 17th-century stone buildings look dramatic against grey November skies. Indoor portions of tours are perfectly suited for cold weather, and you'll have intimate group sizes of 8-12 people versus summer's 25-person crowds.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours that include significant indoor time at museums and heated stops. Tours typically cost CAD $25-45 per person and should include Musée de la Civilisation or Musée National des Beaux-Arts visits. Look for 2-3 hour tours with maximum 2 hours outdoor time.

Montmorency Falls Winter Preparation Activities

While zip lines close, November is when this destination begins its spectacular ice formation process. The 83m (272 ft) waterfall starts developing ice curtains that will become massive frozen walls by December. Viewing platforms remain open and heated visitor center provides shelter between photo sessions.

Booking Tip: Independent visits work best - CAD $13 adult admission, CAD $7 parking. Avoid tour packages in November as many advertised activities are closed. Visit between 11am-2pm for best lighting on ice formations. Allow 2-3 hours including cable car rides.

Maple Sugar Shack and Traditional Quebec Cuisine Experiences

November marks the beginning of 'comfort food season' when sugar shacks outside Quebec City transition from maple syrup production to hearty traditional meals. This is peak season for authentic tourtière, pea soup, and tire sur neige (maple taffy on snow) experiences, served in heated cabins with roaring fireplaces.

Booking Tip: Book combination transportation and meal packages 2-3 weeks ahead, typically CAD $65-95 per person including round-trip transport from Quebec City. Look for authentic cabanes à sucre within 45 minutes of the city. Some require minimum group sizes of 6-8 people in November.

Saint-Lawrence River Scenic Drives and Charlevoix Region Day Trips

November's bare landscape reveals dramatic river vistas typically hidden by summer foliage. The 2-hour drive to Charlevoix offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River widening into an inland sea. Art galleries and craft workshops in Baie-Saint-Paul provide warm indoor cultural experiences between scenic stops.

Booking Tip: Rent a car with winter tires (mandatory in Quebec by December 1st, recommended in November). Self-drive day trips cost CAD $45-65 fuel plus CAD $60-80 car rental daily. Guided day tours run CAD $120-150 per person and include indoor cultural stops for warmth.

Quebec City Museum and Indoor Cultural Institution Tours

November is ideal for exploring Quebec City's exceptional museum collection without summer crowds. The Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec and Musée de la Civilisation offer world-class exhibitions in climate-controlled comfort. Many feature special autumn exhibitions highlighting Quebec's cultural heritage.

Booking Tip: Purchase Quebec City Museum Pass for CAD $39 covering 17 attractions over 3 consecutive days. Individual museum admissions run CAD $18-24. Most museums offer free admission first Sunday of each month for Quebec residents - expect larger crowds November 3rd.

Historic District Underground City and Shopping Corridors

Quebec City's underground pedestrian network connects major hotels, shopping areas, and cultural sites - perfect for November's unpredictable weather. The system links Place Royale to this destination via heated tunnels, allowing extensive exploration regardless of freezing rain or snow flurries.

Booking Tip: No booking required for underground access, but consider guided urban exploration tours focusing on the tunnel system and connected historic sites. These specialized tours cost CAD $35-50 and last 2.5-3 hours, mostly indoors. Available through hotel concierges.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Salon des Métiers d'Art du Québec Preview Weekend

Quebec's premier artisan craft show begins its preview weekend in late November before the full December run. Local artists showcase traditional Quebec crafts including wood carving, textile art, and pottery in heated exhibition halls. This is your chance to purchase authentic Quebec-made gifts before Christmas rush pricing.

Mid to Late November

Restaurant Month Quebec City Preparation

Many high-end restaurants launch special winter tasting menus in preparation for December's formal Restaurant Month. You'll find preview prix fixe menus at 30-40% below December prices, featuring seasonal ingredients like Jerusalem artichokes, winter squash, and preserved meats.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots with aggressive tread - Quebec's cobblestones become skating rinks when wet at -5°C (23°F)

Windproof outer shell jacket rated to -15°C (5°F) - wind chill from St. Lawrence River adds 5-10 degrees to perceived cold

Merino wool base layers - synthetic materials become clammy in Quebec's 75% humidity even when cold

Waterproof gloves with touchscreen fingertips - you'll need phone access for GPS navigation on abbreviated daylight

Lightweight down vest for layering - indoor/outdoor temperature swings of 25°C (45°F) require adaptable clothing

Slip-on ice grippers (Yaktrax or similar) - essential for Vieux-Québec's steep cobblestone streets, available locally for CAD $25-35

Compact umbrella rated for wind - November brings sudden freezing rain storms with gusts up to 40 km/h (25 mph)

Thermal socks and sock liners - expect 4-5 hours daily outdoor walking on stone surfaces that conduct cold

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in dry winter air while avoiding frequent bathroom stops in cold

Portable phone battery pack - cold temperatures drain batteries 40% faster, and you'll rely heavily on translation apps

Insider Knowledge

Park in heated underground garages (CAD $15-20/day) rather than street parking - your car battery will thank you and you'll avoid scraping ice off windshields

Book restaurant reservations for 6:30-7:30pm - Quebecois eat dinner early, and many kitchens close by 9pm in November's slow season

Withdraw cash from bank ATMs inside heated lobbies rather than outdoor machines - outdoor ATMs frequently malfunction in freeze-thaw cycles

Many businesses switch to winter hours starting November 15th - attractions may close 1-2 hours earlier than posted summer hours, so call ahead

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing cotton jeans instead of synthetic or wool pants - denim becomes dangerously cold when damp from snow

Planning full-day outdoor itineraries without accounting for 4:30pm sunset - you'll find yourself navigating unfamiliar streets in darkness

Assuming summer ferry and cruise schedules still operate - most St. Lawrence River tour boats cease operations by November 1st