Major city · Canada
GranbyGranby, Québec
Give Granby 1 night (2 if you have kids): the zoo plus Lac Boivin paths fill a day; base here only if you have a car.
Granby is a small Eastern Townships city of about 69,000 people, 80 km east of Montréal off Autoroute 10, and it lives on one big draw: the Granby Zoo, one of Quebec's largest, with a water park and rides attached. Around it sit a shallow lake with flat bike paths, a provincial park in the marsh next door, and a downtown of poutine counters and BYO-wine bistros. It is a family stop, not a city break: one full day covers the zoo, half a day covers the lake and downtown. Without a car you are limited to the bus from Montréal and three local bus routes, so most travellers come by road, often as a night between Montréal and Sherbrooke or Magog.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (zoo, lake, beach); late Feb–Mar for sugar shacks
- avoid Nov–Apr for outdoor sights (zoo closed in winter; check dates)
- Airports
- YUL · YHU
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Granby911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Granby, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyGranby is a low-risk small city; the real issues are summer heat at the zoo, ticks and mosquitoes on the marsh trails…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 15 min by car via Autoroute 10; no direct rail link to Granby.).
- Getting aroundDowntown is walkable in 15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and pastry downtownC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- Sit-down mealBistro main courseC$20–35 (≈ US$15–30)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus rideC$3.25 (≈ US$3) adult; child 12 and under free
- Budget bedHostel or B&B bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$170 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$250 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 15 min by car via Autoroute 10; no direct rail link to Granby.) · YHU Montréal Saint-Hubert (Smaller field; about 1 h by car. Check seasonal routes.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Feb
Care*
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Mar
Care
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest Nov (14 rain days), driest Feb (11). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Granby: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
13 rd
Feb
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
11 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
12 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
13 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
13 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
14 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is walkable in 15 minutes end to end. Three local bus/taxibus routes (South, North, Centre) run seven days a week, roughly every 30 min on weekdays and hourly on weekends; adult fare about $3.25. The zoo and Yamaska National Park are outside the centre: reach them by car, bike or taxi. The Route Verte and L'Estriade bike paths pass through town.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Yamaska National Park (Roxton Pond)
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via Route 139 and local roads, about 20 min
Marsh, beach, flat bike paths; entry and parking fees apply. Book ready-to-camp or cabins ahead in summer.
Magog
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via Autoroute 10, about 45 min
Lake Memphremagog waterfront and a bigger choice of restaurants.
Sherbrooke
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Car via Autoroute 10, about 50 min; Limocar bus on the Montréal–Sherbrooke line stops in Granby
Use it as the next stop east rather than a return day trip.
Bromont
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via Autoroute 10, about 20 min
Ski hill in winter, water park and cycling in summer.
Montréal
skipDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Car via Autoroute 10, about 1 h 15 min; Limocar bus about 1 h 50 min
Too far for a comfortable same-day return; sleep in Montréal instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown (rue Principale, rue Dufferin)
Walk to restaurants, Victoria and Miner parks, the market; B&Bs and suites here.
Route 112 strip (rue Principale north)
Motels and larger hotels with parking and pools; you need a car for everything.
Lac Boivin / Route Verte side
Quiet stays on the bike path; best if you ride, 10–15 min drive from downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 1 night × C$170 | C$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Granby Zoo, adult day ticket2 × C$41 · online family promotion available | C$82 |
| Yamaska National Park entry + parking2 × C$17 · children 17 and under free | C$34 |
| Local bus day of rides2 × C$7 | C$14 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$65 |
| Trip total≈ C$358 per person per day, bed included | C$715≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and pastry downtown | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Poutine or burger at a cantine | C$12–18 (≈ US$9–14) |
| Bistro main course | C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Gastronomic dinner main | C$50–62 (≈ US$40–45) |
| Local bus ride | C$3.25 (≈ US$3) adult; child 12 and under free |
| Zoo adult day ticket | C$41 (≈ US$30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The zoo is the reason most people come: buy dated tickets online, arrive at opening in July–August, and expect a full day with the water park.
- Zoo and many attractions are seasonal: confirm opening dates before booking a winter trip.
- Restaurant kitchens in a town this size close early on weeknights; check hours the same day.
- Autoroute 10 is fast but the last stretch into town is local roads: allow extra time in summer traffic.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
GranbyGranby, Québec
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (health advice)811
Embassy
No embassies in Granby; the US consulate general and most others are in Montréal. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Limocar bus Montréal → Granby: about C$23 (≈ US$17), 1 h 50 min, one direct bus a day Mon–Fri
- Local bus, single ride: C$3.25 (≈ US$3) adult; child 12 and under free
- Taxi across town: C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Je voudrais… — I would like… (zhuh voo-DREH)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-SYON seel voo PLEH)
French is the everyday language; a bonjour on entry goes a long way.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Granby. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (zoo, lake, beach); late Feb–Mar for sugar shacks · avoid Nov–Apr for outdoor sights (zoo closed in winter; check dates) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YUL: last bus and car options checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown Principale/Dufferin, Lac Boivin and Daniel-Johnson Park, the zoo, Route 112 motel strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Granby Zoo, Lac Boivin centre, Yamaska National Park, Musée canadien de l'Arme et du Bronze) and eat pages with last orders.
- Zoo-day fixture: dated ticket, opening time, water-park bag, and a rain plan for the lake paths.
Sources
- officialVille de Granby
- officialGranby Tourism
- officialGranby Zoo
- officialSépaq — Yamaska National Park
- officialLimocar
- secondaryWikivoyage: Granby (Quebec), revision 5259631 (CC BY-SA 4.0)