Local Customs

Quebec is a French speaking province, which is why we enjoy such a rich and diverse culture. Mont Tremblant is an international resort and offers service in both languages of English and French. Visitors from all over the world come to Mont Tremblant to experience the warm welcome of the Quebec people, who are only too proud to share their beautiful history, culture and incredible landscape with you. Joie de Vivre - come experience it!

National Holidays

There are 8 statutory holidays celebrated annually in Canada on which banks and some businesses remain closed. Most restaurants, theatres, and stores remain open for business.

Banking Hours

Banks are open Monday through Thursday 10 am to 3-4:40 pm and Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some banks open extended hours and are open on Saturdays.

Department Stores

Department stores are open Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 6 pm, and stay open later on Thursday and Friday evenings until 9 pm. Sunday hours are generally noon to 5 pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies are often open from 8 am to 9 pm, and some are open 24-hours.

Currency

American money is accepted in much of Canada, however in order to obtain the best exchange rate, we recommend you change your money into Canadian funds at a bank or financial institution. Traveler's checks and major U.S. credit cards are accepted in most areas.

The units of currency in Canada are the Canadian dollar (C$) and the cent. The $1 and $2 bill are no longer used; they have been replaced by $1 (loonies) and $2 coins (toonies).

US Citizens

Although a passport is not required for American citizens and legal residents to visit Canada, a proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or valid passport, and proof of identity is required. Naturalized U.S. residents should always carry their naturalization certificate or "green card" with them, while U.S. residents entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport, naturalization certificate, or a "green card."

Citizens from other countries

Citizens of the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand must have a valid passport to enter Canada for stays of up to six months while children under 16 may travel on an accompanying parent's passport. Citizens of other countries require a passport and may also require a visa. A proof of necessary funds for you visit may also be required.

Note: Firearms and illegal drugs are not permitted into Canada

Tipping

While tipping practices should depend greatly on the service and quality of goods you receive, it is general practice in Quebec to tip 15% of your total bill, before taxes, in restaurants and bars. Housekeepers also appreciate a tip when you are happy with their performance.

Taxes

A 7% goods and services tax is applied to every transaction in Canada except for basic groceries.

You can get a GST refund on purchases taken out of the country and on short-term accommodations of less than one month. However, this refund does not apply to food, drink, tobacco, car or motor home rentals, or transportation). You can obtain rebate forms, which must be submitted within 60 days of your leaving Canada, from certain retailers, duty-free shops, customs officials, or from Revenue Canada. Some duty-free shops provide instant cash rebates up to a maximum of $500 when you leave Canada, and most provinces do not tax goods that the vendor ships directly to your home.

Remember to save your original receipts from stores and hotels (not just credit-card receipts), and be sure the name and address of the establishment is shown on the receipt. Original receipts are not returned. Receipts must total at least $200 to be eligible for a refund, and each individual receipt must show a minimum purchase of $50.

A 7.5% Quebec sales tax is applied to every transaction in Quebec.

Royalty

Please note that a 3 % royalty determined by the Tremblant Resort Association is applicable to accommodations and 2% of the listed or advertised price of the goods and services offered a the Resort of Tremblant. This notice is presented to you in accordance with the Regulations of the Consumer Protection Act (Articles 91.6 and 91.7).

The royalty allows the Tremblant Resort Association, a non-profit organization, to ensure that guests enjoy a unique and truly memorable experience by offering quality entertainment, events and shows, the majority being free, as well as world-class services and facilities. The royalty concept is widespread throughout our industry in North America and it contributes to a resort's success.