Major city · Canada
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
Go for one night as a Route 132 stop between Québec City and Gaspé: sculpture studios, a river quay and sunsets. Two nights only if you slow down.
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a small St. Lawrence River village in Chaudière-Appalaches, about 120 km east of Québec City, known as a wood-carving and visual-arts centre. Most travellers pass through on Route 132 toward Gaspé; one night covers the quay, the sculpture walk and the Museum of Living Memory. It is a village, not a city: no train, no airport, and a car is the practical way in.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Apr (cold, many studios and restaurants closed)
- Airport
- YQB
- Nights
- 1
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 Saint-Jean-Port-Joli911 ▾
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 Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, 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
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime village; the real risks are highway driving on Route 132, cold water and tides at the quay, and winter road conditions.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and 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.
- AirportYQB Québec City Jean Lesage International (About 1 h 30 min by car via Autoroute 20 and Route 204; no direct public transport to the village.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical way to reach and move around Saint-Jean-Port-Joli; the village core is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end, but studios…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and pastryC$4–8 (≈ US$3–6)
- Sit-down mealDinner main, mid-range restaurantC$22–38 (≈ US$16–30)
- Street or quick mealCasual lunch (soup, sandwich or pizza)C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
- BeerDraught beer at a pubC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–30 (≈ US$11–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryC$8–15 (≈ US$6–11) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or auberge bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$260 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
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
- YQB Québec City Jean Lesage International (About 1 h 30 min by car via Autoroute 20 and Route 204; no direct public transport to the village.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Feb
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C) low), wettest Dec (15 rain days), driest Feb (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli: 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
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
14 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
12 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
12 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
14 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
15 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
A car is the practical way to reach and move around Saint-Jean-Port-Joli; the village core is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end, but studios, farms and lookouts are strung along Route 132 and Avenue de Gaspé. No train station and no local bus network; taxis are limited, so book ahead if you arrive without a car.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Montmagny
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Route 132 west by car
Migratory-bird stopover and a small town centre; pairs well with a morning drive.
Grosse Isle
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive to Berthier-sur-Mer or Montmagny, then the seasonal ferry
Ferries run in season only: check sailing dates and book.
Lévis
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Autoroute 20 west by car
Ferry across to Québec City makes a full day.
Saint-Georges
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Route 204 south then Route 173
Beauce town; a long half-day, better as a through-route.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Autoroute 20 west by car
Easy day trip, but most people do it the other way round.
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.
Village core (Av. de Gaspé / Place de l'Église)
Walk to the quay, church, galleries and most restaurants; motels, an auberge and B&Bs.
Route 132 west (Av. de Gaspé O)
Motels and river-view chalets along the highway; you need a car for everything.
Route de l'Église / A20 access
Highway-side motels and campgrounds; convenient for a one-night stop, no village atmosphere.
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$150–240 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × C$160 | C$160 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × C$70 · check | C$70 |
| Fuel, Québec City return, about 240 km1 × C$30 · check | C$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$62 |
| Trip total≈ C$341 per person per day, bed included | C$682≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and pastry | C$4–8 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Casual lunch (soup, sandwich or pizza) | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Dinner main, mid-range restaurant | C$22–38 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Draught beer at a pub | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Museum entry | C$8–15 (≈ US$6–11) (check) |
| Campground pitch, one night | C$30–50 (≈ US$25–40) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train or airport: arrive by car or coach, and check seasonal coach schedules before relying on them.
- Many studios, galleries and restaurants close or cut hours outside summer; call ahead in the shoulder season.
- Route 132 is a two-lane highway with cyclists and slow farm traffic: pass only when clear.
- Winter driving on Highway 20 and Route 132 can be icy; check road conditions before setting out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Saint-Jean-Port-JoliSaint-Jean-Port-Joli
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Info-Santé (24 h health advice)811
Embassy
No embassies in the village; the US consulate general and most embassies are in Québec City or Montréal (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- YQB → Saint-Jean-Port-Joli by car: about 120 km (75 mi), 1 h 30 min; taxi or transfer C$150 (≈ US$110)+ (check)about 75 mi (120 km), 1 h 30 min; taxi or transfer C$150 (≈ US$110)+ (check)
- Québec City → village by car: about 120 km (75 mi) via Autoroute 20 and Route 204, 1 h 30 minabout 75 mi (120 km) via Autoroute 20 and Route 204, 1 h 30 min
- Coach, Québec City → Montmagny area: seasonal and limited; check current schedules
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 celui-ci — I would like this one (zhuh voo-DREH suh-LWEE see)
- Parlez-vous anglais ? — Do you speak English? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
French is the main language; a bonjour before a question 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 Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. 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 · avoid Nov–Apr (cold, many studios and restaurants closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport 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 YQB: rental-car pickup times, last coach options, taxi fallback.
- Walking cluster map of the village core: quay, church, sculpture walk, galleries, restaurants.
- Place pages with verified seasonal hours for the Museum of Living Memory, the quay and the sculpture biennial.
- Winter and shoulder-season fixtures so gates A–D can go green.