The leaves start changing colour, and there is something in the air. Halloween is just around the corner! If you are in Quebec during this season, what can you do to spend Halloween? Is Halloween popular in this province, and are there any particular activities being organized? Here is a small guide on how to celebrate Halloween in Quebec and experience it as a local.
Is Halloween Celebrated in Quebec?
First question: is Halloween celebrated in the province of Quebec? Is it popular? The answer is yes. As is the case in the rest of North America, Halloween remains a beloved day by many people in the province. Several fall activities also take place all across the province every year.
How Does Halloween Work in the Province of Quebec?
Halloween is celebrated on the evening of October 31st. Most of the time, children wait until dark to start trick-or-treating, since it gets dark earlier at that time of year. Also, since it can be cold in autumn in Quebec, it is not uncommon to see our small Halloween enthusiasts wear jackets under their costumes and sometimes even snowsuits, depending on the year.
Some cities prefer celebrating Halloween on the Friday or Saturday before October 31st to ensure kids enjoy their evening. This only occurs in some areas, but it could be wise to check beforehand with a local in the city of choice to know when it’s going to happen.
Halloween Traditions in Quebec
There are many things to do on Halloween. Here is a list of traditions in Quebec you should know about and maybe even participate in!?
Carving Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving remains a classic thing to do on Halloween around here. People can be very creative when it’s time to make their Jack O’Lanterns. In addition, it is possible to visit farms and pick your own pumpkin before you carve it. For example, la Courgerie is great place in Lanaudière, but every region has its U-pick farm.
Decorating Houses for Halloween in Quebec
Another way to celebrate Halloween in Quebec is to adorn your house with spooky decorations. People start adding spider webs, tombstones, and skeletons to their homes a few weeks before October 31st. Some houses are real Halloween masterpieces!
Certain neighbourhoods even go all in and create haunted houses or haunted alleys.
Go Trick or Treating
On October 31st, most children go trick-or-treating. They wear their favourite costumes and visit their neighbours to get candies when the sun goes down. It is not unusual to see firetrucks and policemen in the streets to ensure everything goes smoothly and to give sweets.
Halloween Parties and Costume Parties
Teenagers and adults might not be trick-or-treating, but they can enjoy Halloween parties! Whether a more private or open event, it is the perfect occasion to disguise yourself and try to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller!
Many bars offer special events during the Halloween season and invite people to come show off their amazing costume and maybe even win prizes in contests.
List of Interesting Activities Related to Celebrating Halloween in Quebec
In the same vein, you might be looking for activity suggestions if you want to celebrate Halloween in Quebec. What can you do to ensure having a great time? Here are some ideas.
Haunted Tours in Quebec City
If you are visiting Quebec City during the Halloween season, we recommend you take the time to do one of the old city’s haunted tours. Since Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America, it has many great ghost stories. Let us suggest two walking tours to consider during your stay:
- Ghost Tours of Quebec: with the Ghost Tours of Quebec, you can follow one of the costumed guides and their lantern through the cobblestone streets of the old town. The tour starts in the Quartier Petit Champlain and lasts 90 minutes.
- Les Promenades Fantômes: what about letting the ghosts of Quebec City tell you their stories? Les Promenades Fantômes is another walking tour that will help you discover the spooky stories of New France.
There are also haunted tours in Montreal, check it out here.
The Haunted Village of the Village Québécois d’Antan – Drummondville
Located between Quebec City and Montreal, the Village Québécois d’Antan offers plenty of activities to celebrate Halloween every year. Whether you are looking for horror or family-oriented things to do, the Haunted Village is a must if you are in the Centre-du-Québec area.
The Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
If you are passionate about history and are in the Mauricie region, you might want to visit the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières. It is one of the longest-operating prisons in Canada, and visiting it during the Halloween season makes for a great idea!
Fright Fest at La Ronde – Montreal
La Ronde is a popular amusement park in Montreal. It organizes several special activities to celebrate Halloween every year, including the Fright Fest for the more courageous and the Kids Pumpkin Festival for families.
In conclusion, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween in Quebec; it remains one of the most popular holidays in the province. Whether you prefer to go trick-or-treating or take advantage of this opportunity to do a ghost tour, there is always something to do to enjoy the spooky season!
For ideas and tips on visiting Quebec destinations and regions, click here.
For more seasonal articles, read these:
- Fall Packing List for Quebec: What to Bring With You
- Apple Picking on the South Shore of Montreal – Everything You Need to Know
- Centre-du-Québec Rolls Out Its Red Carpet: Harvest Cranberries
Do you want to learn more about visiting Quebec? Take a look at our other pins!
No Comments