The Seven Guide For Quebec Visitors

Since Quebec and Ontario are both within Canada, there are no border controls when travelling between them. However, visitors should ensure they have proper identification, such as a valid driver’s license or provincial ID, especially if booking accommodations or engaging in regulated activities like fishing or hunting.

For those travelling with minors, it’s always a good idea to carry a parental consent letter if only one parent or guardian is accompanying the child.

For more details, visit the Government of Ontario’s official travel site.

Quebec visitors may bring personal goods and belongings without issue. However, there are some regulations regarding alcohol and cannabis.

• Alcohol: Ontario allows adults (19+) to bring reasonable amounts of alcohol for personal use. If purchasing liquor in Quebec for use in Ontario, be aware that Ontario’s provincial laws apply once you enter the province. Alcohol is sold through the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores, The Beer Store, and select grocery stores. Drinking hours in licensed establishments are from 11 am until 2 am. It's an offence to consume alcohol in public places not licensed for alcohol consumption. Please note that driving motorized vehicles, including cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, and boats, while impaired is illegal. You can immediately lose your license for 90 days for refusing to take a breathalyzer test or for having a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit.
• Cannabis: While legal in both provinces, transporting cannabis across provincial lines is subject to federal laws. Legal purchasing is available through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and licensed retailers. You are allowed to transport cannabis within Ontario up to the legal possession limit, but it must be stored securely and not accessible to the driver if you're travelling by vehicle. Visit Canada.ca for updated regulations.

Quebec driver’s licenses are valid in Ontario, and standard road rules apply. Here are key regulations to note:

• Seat Belts & Child Safety: Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Children under 40 lbs (18 kg) must use an appropriate car seat.
• Winter Tires: Unlike Quebec, Ontario does not mandate winter tires, but they are highly recommended for travel during colder months.
• Rental Vehicles: If renting a vehicle, ensure your contract permits travel outside Quebec.
• Insurance: Your Quebec insurance coverage remains valid in Ontario. However, for extra protection, consider verifying your policy’s interprovincial coverage with your provider.
• Speed Limits: Typically, 100 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise posted.
• Mobile Devices: Use of handheld devices while driving is prohibited.

For road assistance, contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122.

Quebec and Ontario have reciprocal health agreements, meaning most medical services are covered with a valid RAMQ card. While your Quebec health insurance is valid in Ontario, it's prudent to carry your health card and consider additional travel insurance for services that may not be covered. For more details, visit RAMQ.

Ontario businesses accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) and Interac debit. Be aware that some Ontario establishments may not support Desjardins ATMs. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in areas with limited banking services.

Ontario has a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13%, compared to Quebec’s combined GST/PST rate of 14.975%. This tax applies to most goods and services. For more information, visit Canada Revenue Agency.

Fishing Regulations

Licences: As a Quebec resident, you are considered a Canadian resident when fishing in Ontario. Canadian residents require an Outdoors Card accompanied by a valid fishing licence tag. You must carry these documents while fishing. If you are under 18 years old and accompanied by a person with a valid Outdoors Card and fishing licence, you do not need your own licence; however, any fish you keep are part of the catch and possession limit of the person holding the licence. To have your own limits, you will need your own Outdoors Card and licence.

Ontario-Quebec Boundary Waters: Anglers may fish in certain boundary waters with either an Ontario resident fishing licence or a Quebec resident fishing licence. These waters include Clarice Lake, Labyrinth Lake, and Raven Lake.

Bait: Ontario has specific regulations regarding the use and transportation of bait to prevent the spread of invasive species and fish diseases. It's important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before fishing. For detailed information, please refer to the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.

Limits and Regulations: Ontario has diverse fishing opportunities, and regulations can vary by location and species. Anglers must be aware of the general regulations and any exceptions that may apply to the specific waterbody they plan to fish. For comprehensive information, consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.

Hunting Regulations

Licences: Non-residents of Ontario, including Quebec residents, must have one of the following to obtain a hunting licence:

1. An Ontario non-resident hunting licence issued to you after January 1, 1968.
2. A hunting licence issued to you after January 1, 1968, by a competent authority in a jurisdiction where you were a resident.
3. An Ontario hunting licence verification certificate showing your licence to hunt in Ontario or that you passed the hunting licence examination.

Additionally, all hunters are required to have an Outdoors Card, which is valid for three calendar years.

Firearms Information

Consult the Government of Ontario's Hunting Licence (non-residents of Ontario) page for guidelines surrounding hunting in Ontario. 

• Pleasure Craft Operator Card: Required for operating a motorized boat in Ontario. Quebec-issued cards are valid.
• Reporting Entry: If travelling from Quebec via water, certain reporting rules may apply when crossing into designated Ontario waterways. Visit CBSA for updates.

Ontario observes the following statutory holidays:

• New Year's Day – January 1
• Family Day – Third Monday in February
• Good Friday – Friday before Easter Sunday
• Victoria Day – Monday before May 25
• Canada Day – July 1
• Civic Holiday – First Monday in August (not statutory)
• Labour Day – First Monday in September
• Thanksgiving Day – Second Monday in October
• Christmas Day – December 25
• Boxing Day – December 26

Planning ahead during these dates is recommended, as some services may be limited.

For police, fire, or medical emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency police services, you can contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122.