Fun and entertainment Quebec

Timetable

Mainly located in the city, nightclubs are generally open from Thursday to Saturday, from 10pm to 3am (later for afterhours). For activities with friends (movies, billiards, bowling, go-karting, escape games, etc.), opening hours vary widely depending on the type of establishment. There are also a few casinos in Quebec that offer extended hours. For the performing arts (music, comedy, theater, etc.), annual programming is concentrated mainly outside the summer season, in the evenings most of the time.

Budget & Tips

Clubbing in Quebec is generally less expensive than in Europe (although not necessarily to the same high standard). As everywhere else, entry is often free before a certain time (usually 11pm) or by joining the guest list. Ladies also benefit from free admission on ladies' nights (at least one night a week). For cinema, discounts are often offered for matinee shows and on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesdays). Good deal for shows too: La Vitrine offers special deals and advantageous rates on pre-sales for all kinds of shows and events in Quebec (lavitrine.com).

It's important to remember that prices generally exclude taxes. Not only must you add taxes (14.975%), but also the 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that a venue's bar counter, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit card.

To be booked

To ensure that you have a seat, reservations are highly recommended for shows, and sometimes even mandatory. For certain activities such as go-karting, escape games or paintball, reservations are often imperative and a deposit may be required. For the rest, you just have to show up on the day.

Night transport

In Montreal, there is no problem getting home late at night. If the metro is in operation until 12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. (depending on the metro line and the day), more than twenty night buses take over and cover the entire city. Elsewhere in Quebec, there is no public transit service at night, except for cabs, Eva and Uber. However, several cities - and even villages - have drive-through services available year-round, but you may have to be a member to use their services.

Age restrictions

In Quebec, the legal drinking age is 18. Wherever a bar license applies, only people over the age of majority are allowed. Note that if you look under 25, you will probably be asked for official photo identification. You should also be aware that some clubs may require you to be 21 or 25 years of age to attend.

What's very local

There is nothing special about this except that a dress code is required in most nightclubs and casinos.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in clubs, entertainment venues, casinos, as well as on their terraces. The same applies to billiard rooms, activity centers (karting, laser tag...), etc. Smoking is also prohibited 9 meters from the door of the establishment, although some people do not respect this distance.

Tourist traps

Just as with sporting events, the resale of entertainment tickets is ubiquitous online, and sometimes even on the street. While it's true that you can save a few bucks by buying from resellers, it would be a shame to waste your money on fake tickets. So go through the official ticket offices.