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Imagine going to work without any traffic jams. Or being able to enjoy walks in nature just a few minutes from home, every day. In Saguenay, this reality could be yours. Living in Saguenay means having the opportunity to realize your full potential in an environment where everyday simplicity exists in perfect harmony with safety and well-being. Doesn’t that sound like the dream? Read our blog post to discover all the good reasons to choose Saguenay as your new home!
The COLD: all you need to handle it is these few tips
First off, let’s talk about the (not) hot topic: the frette.
Remember that Quebec experiences all four seasons throughout the year: winter, spring, summer and fall. In Saguenay, the first snowflakes begin to fall in October, giving way to winter, which lasts until April. During the cold season, temperatures can dip to -30 °C in winter, although winter averages hover around -15 °C.
And don’t forget that in the summer, temperatures will reach up to 30 °C and sometimes feel higher due to the humidity (humidex). Trust us: in the middle of a July heatwave, you’ll be dreaming of the freezing cold and the white snowflakes!
Bundle up against the cold
As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! If you want to make the most of winter, you have to get yourself a good winter soute (snowsuit).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A tuque (knitted hat) to keep your ears and head warm
- A scarf or neck warmer to protect your neck and to keep the cold from slipping in through your collar
- Gloves or mitaines (mittens) for your hands
- A well-insulated, waterproof coat for your body
- A pair of boots for your feet
Pay special attention when bundling up babies and children. When you go out with your baby, make sure that their head, hands and feet are all protected.
For children (and adults who like to play in the snow), make sure to get some bas de soute (snow pants) and waterproof boots so they can play without any cares!
Saguenay: a paradise of ice and snow!
In Saguenay, as soon as the landscape is once again covered with a blanket of snow, we head outside to play in it: sliding, skating, skiing, walking and fishing. All while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
For winter sports lovers, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski touring, Saguenay has several ski resorts with plenty of snow where you can fly down the slopes at full speed.
There’s nothing better than a day of snow tubing with family and friends! Sitting comfortably on a rubber inner tube, alone or holding tight to your neighbour’s tube by the handle, you’ll slide down the snowy slope at full speed.
Or what would you say to going snowshoeing on a guided night-time hike in the forest? Why go at night? To go stargazing at the top of a snowy hill! Maybe you’ll even get to see the Aurora Borealis. You could experience this unforgettable moment as if it’s frozen in time—one of many that are possible here in Saguenay!
For a unique experience, try pêche blanche or ice fishing. As soon as the ice on the fjord allows, especially at La Baie, hundreds of small fishing cabins are set up on the ice. That’s how a village on ice comes to life! Those with the most patience will try to catch fish, while the children make the most of this vast playground! To find out more, visit Glaces du Fjord (in French only).
It’s hard to forget about Canada’s national winter sport: ice hockey. The area’s ice skating rinks bring together skaters and hockey players of all generations. On top of learning how to skate, you can get to know people! In residential neighbourhoods, you can even see children playing hockey in the streets.
At the end of the day, there is nothing better than warming up around the fire with family, a cup of steaming hot chocolate in hand.
For more winter activity ideas, you can read this article: Saguenay: A Town Jam-Packed with Activities
Shovelling: a new sport to master
You’ll find out sooner or later that with lots of snow comes some responsibilities. Jokingly called “Quebec’s national sport,” shovelling is essential to making sure that you can safely leave your home. With a good shovel, make sure to clear your entryway, stairs and emergency exits. You can also use de-icing salt and sand if you have a particularly icy entryway.
If you’re not able to shovel your entryway, there are companies you can pay to clear your property (or neighbours who will help for a few homemade meals). It’s convenient when everything is cleared of snow before you have to leave for work.
Driving in winter
Driving around Saguenay is synonymous with autonomy and freedom. However, winter conditions require certain adjustments and paying very close attention to the roads. What’s more, certain modes of transportation, like motorcycles, are prohibited in the winter.
So we always recommend to first look at the weather when planning your trips. It’s best to avoid driving during a snowstorm!
You must put winter snow tires on your vehicle from December 1 to March 15. In Saguenay, it’s common to use your snow tires well before that. You’ll need to use windshield wiper fluid that can withstand temperatures of up to -45 °C and when it’s cold, be sure to have at least a quarter tank of gas at all times.
Next, make sure to clear your car of snow with a snow brush and a scraper. An igloo sur roues (igloo on wheels) is a danger to you and other people on the road, especially when visibility is reduced. And you run the risk of getting a fine if your char isn’t cleared of snow. We strongly suggest that you never leave a child alone inside a running car that’s buried in the snow as this greatly increases the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The cold and ice can make roads slippery and icy. Adapt your driving by reducing your speed and braking earlier than in normal conditions.
If you find yourself with your car stuck in the snow (it happens to everyone!) or in an emergency, you can also prep a winter bag, including things such as: a snow brush, a scraper, tire traction plates, a shovel, a blanket and a flashlight.
Keep in mind that the Ville de Saguenay enforces certain street parking restrictions during the winter. To facilitate the clearing of snow from public spaces, it’s prohibited to park your vehicle in the street or public parking lots from midnight to 7 a.m. from November 15 until April 1 (or you can be fined).
Do you plan on driving in Quebec but you don’t know where to start? No worries! We’ve got an article about that.
