Major city · Canada
Forestville
Stop 1 night if you are driving Route 138 or taking the Rimouski ferry; skip it as a destination on its own.
Forestville is a small service town on Quebec's North Shore, about 3,270 people, built on forestry and the ferry link to Rimouski. It is a practical overnight stop on Route 138 between Tadoussac and Baie-Comeau, with a beach, a bird reserve you can only see by kayak, a golf course and a curling club. There is no reason to come here for its own sake; there is every reason to sleep here if you are driving the coast or waiting for the ferry.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for the ferry, beaches and bird reserve; Feb–Mar for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing
- avoid Nov–Apr if you are not here for snow (many services thin out; the ferry does not run)
- Airports
- YYY · 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 Forestville911 ▾
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 Forestville, 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
- SafetyVery safe.
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.
- AirportcheckYYY Mont-Joli (About 2 h 30 min by car via Route 132 and the Rimouski ferry, or a long drive around via Quebec City; check).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Sit-down mealRestaurant main courseC$20–35 (≈ US$15–30)
- BeerBeer in a bar / can at the grocery storeC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedCampsite with services, a night, per roomC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
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
- YYY Mont-Joli (About 2 h 30 min by car via Route 132 and the Rimouski ferry, or a long drive around via Quebec City; check) · YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 4 h 30 min by car via Route 138; the usual arrival point for a North Shore road trip)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Feb
Care
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Mar
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Apr
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
May
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Forestville: 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
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−18°C (0°F)0°F (−18°C)
12 rd
Feb
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
10 rd
Mar
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
11 rd
Apr
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
May
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Oct
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
13 rd
Dec
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
13 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
You need a car. Route 138 is the main street and everything sits along it or just off it; Route 385 heads north to the ZEC and the outfitters. The town is small enough to walk in the centre, but the beach, the campground and the ferry dock are a few km apart.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Tadoussac
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Route 138 west, about 1 h 15 min by car
Whale watching and the fjord; go early, parking fills in summer.
Baie-Comeau
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Route 138 east, about 2 h 30 min by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there and continue east.
Godbout
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Route 138 east, about 45 min by car
Small waterfront village and another ferry link across the river.
Franquelin
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Route 138 east, about 1 h 15 min by car
Quiet coastal stop; combine with Godbout rather than a dedicated trip.
Sacré-Coeur
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Route 138 west then Route 172, about 1 h 30 min by car
Gateway to the Saguenay fjord and the whale route.
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.
Route 138 strip (downtown)
Motels, the Écono Lodge, restaurants and the grocery store; best for one night with a car.
Baie Verte / ferry side
Campground and the pier viewpoint, a few dozen metres from the ferry dock; best if you have an early crossing.
Route 385 (north)
Campgrounds and outfitters along the road toward the ZEC; best for fishing and snowmobile trips.
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 double room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Rimouski–Forestville ferry, one way2 × C$25 · check; vehicle supplement extra | C$50 |
| Fuel, 300 km of Route 138 driving1 × C$40 · check | C$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$60 |
| Trip total≈ C$330 per person per day, bed included | C$660≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Canteen meal (poutine, burger) | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Restaurant main course | C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Beer in a bar / can at the grocery store | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Grocery run for a picnic | C$15–30 (≈ US$11–25) |
| Golf, 18 holes at Le Méandrecheck | C$40–70 (≈ US$30–55) |
| ZEC day accesscheck | C$10–20 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Rimouski ferry is seasonal: confirm the sailing dates and book ahead in summer.
- Access to Île-Laval is prohibited to protect nesting birds: you can only paddle around it.
- Distances on the North Shore are long and fuel stops are sparse; fill up before heading east or west.
- Winter driving on Route 138 needs winter tires and daylight planning.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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ForestvilleForestville
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Info-Santé (health advice)811
Embassy
No consulates here. For US, UK, Canadian and other consular help, look to Québec City or Montréal; in an emergency call 911.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rimouski → Forestville ferry: about 55 min by catamaran, summer only; fare check
- Forestville → Tadoussac by car: about 1 h 15 min on Route 138
- Forestville → Baie-Comeau by car: about 2 h 30 min on Route 138
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Où est le traversier ? — Where is the ferry? (oo ay luh tra-ver-SYAY)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
French is the everyday language; a short bonjour 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 Forestville. 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 for the ferry, beaches and bird reserve; Feb–Mar for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing · avoid Nov–Apr if you are not here for snow (many services thin out; the ferry does not run) · 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
- Ferry-day fixture: sailing times, check-in cutoff and a walk-to-dock plan from the campground.
- Four walking and driving clusters with rescue anchors: Route 138 strip, Baie Verte and the pier, the museum and arboriduc, Route 385 and the ZEC.
- Place pages with verified access rules (Île-Laval, ZEC, arboriduc) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter fixture for snowmobile and cross-country ski trips, plus a storm-day fallback.
Sources
- officialVille de Forestville — official site
- officialTourisme Côte-Nord
- officialTraversier CNM Évolution (Rimouski–Forestville)
- officialIntercar
- officialZEC de Forestville
- secondaryWikivoyage: Forestville (Quebec), revision 5248716 (CC BY-SA 4.0)