Sépaq: booking your 2027 campsite in November

What's changing. The federal government's new Controlled Substances Regulations came into force on October 1, 2026. For travellers, they allow you to bring up to a 90-day supply of a medication that contains a controlled substance, based on the usual daily dose. The regulatory text notes this is longer than the 30-day limit that applied until then to narcotics and controlled drugs. The rule is federal: it applies to anyone entering or leaving Canada, Quebec included.

Which medications. Not all prescription drugs: only those containing a controlled substance. Health Canada gives common examples: amphetamines, anabolic steroids such as testosterone, clonazepam, lorazepam, methadone, methylphenidate, morphine, oxycodone. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

The conditions. The medication must be prescribed by a physician, dentist or nurse practitioner. It must stay in the container you got from a health care provider, with a label showing your name, the prescriber's name, the drug's name, the daily dose, the dosage form, quantity and strength, and the drug identification number (DIN), if there is one. It must be for you, for someone you're responsible for who is travelling with you, or for an animal travelling with you.

At the border. You must declare the medication to customs when you arrive in Canada. You can't have it mailed to you in Canada. A doctor's note isn't required, but you can bring one. The requirements are the same whether you're entering or leaving. Health Canada says that if your stay in Canada will last more than 90 days, you should email its Exemptions Section (exemption@hc-sc.gc.ca).

And in the country you're visiting. A medication that's legal in Canada may be banned elsewhere. Before you leave, Health Canada recommends contacting the representatives in Canada of the country you're visiting: they can confirm whether your medication is allowed there and what rules apply.

Good to know for newcomers. If you're going back to your home country for the holidays with this kind of treatment, keep the medication in its pharmacy container with the label, and check the rules of the country you're going to first. To understand prescriptions and the pharmacist's role in Quebec, see our guide to pharmacies and prescription drugs.

A reminder from the Office de la protection du consommateur. The possible labour dispute at WestJet has brought travellers' rights back into the spotlight when a flight is delayed or cancelled. Quebec's consumer protection office (OPC) reminds travellers that clients of Quebec-licensed travel agents are protected by a fund: the FICAV. This Quebec news page is available in French only.

What FICAV covers. The travel agents' client compensation fund can reimburse travellers who do not receive the travel services they paid for, because of a supplier default or the occurrence of an event such as a strike or lockout. The fund can also cover extra expenses: for example, unplanned hotel nights or the cost of a cruise missed because of a cancelled flight.

The important condition. The protection applies when tickets were bought from a Quebec-licensed travel agent, online or in person. If you buy directly from the airline or through an unlicensed intermediary, FICAV protection does not apply — you can still demand that the carrier find you another flight or refund your tickets.

How to check. Before buying, you can check on the OPC website whether a company holds a licence, under the "Se renseigner sur un commerçant" section. The fund also covers other services bought through the agency: coach transport, hotel nights, cruises, excursions.

Good to know for newcomers: if you are travelling back to your home country and buy your tickets through a travel agency, keep your proof of purchase and the agency's name. In case of a strike or cancellation, you can claim a refund from FICAV — a safety net that direct online bookers do not have.

Craving a fall getaway to taste Quebec? The Fête des Vendanges (Harvest Festival) in Magog, in the Eastern Townships, returns "between lake and mountain" to celebrate the know-how of local producers. According to the event's regional listing, it runs over two weekends: September 5, 6 and 7, then September 12 and 13, 2026.

More than 75 producers, under one sky. Vineyards, distilleries, cideries, microbreweries, cheesemakers and food artisans gather to share their creations and chat with visitors, in a lively musical setting. It's a concentrated way to meet Quebec's food scene without touring the whole province.

How the tasting works. Access to the tastings goes through a base package, Regular or VIP, which includes your official glass, tasting coupons and other surprises depending on the option. The package is valid for all five days of the event, and you can buy more coupons online or on-site depending on your appetite. Note: the festival advertises a 15% pre-sale discount ending August 17 — worth it if you plan ahead.

Good to know for newcomers: it's a great outing to understand Quebec's terroir culture — the attachment to local products, ciders and farm cheeses. Magog is about an hour and a half's drive from Montréal; pair the festival with a fall walk in the Mont-Orford area for a full day. Budget the package cost ahead of time, and remember that buying and drinking alcohol is reserved for those 18 and over.