Quebec Travel Glossary

Common French and Quebec-specific travel terms explained in plain English.

Autoroute

A controlled-access highway. Road signs and route information are primarily in French.

Bonjour

A standard daytime greeting and a useful way to begin an interaction in French.

Cabane a sucre

A sugar shack associated with maple-sap season and traditional meals or activities.

Centre-ville

Downtown or city centre.

Chaussee glissante

Slippery roadway.

Deviation

Detour.

Ferme

Closed.

Halte routiere

Roadside rest area.

Ile

Island.

Issue

Exit, including an emergency exit depending on context.

Nord-du-Quebec

The large northern administrative region that includes Eeyou Istchee Baie-James and Nunavik.

NIV

French abbreviation for vehicle identification number; VIN in English.

Parc national

In Quebec provincial usage, a protected national park managed under Quebec law; verify the specific park authority.

Pourvoirie

An outfitter operation, often providing lodging and access to outdoor activities.

Rang

A rural road or historic land-division route common in parts of Quebec.

Route des Baleines

An official tourism route associated with whale-viewing regions along the north shore.

Sepaq

The provincial organization managing Quebec national parks and other outdoor establishments.

Sortie

Highway exit.

Stationnement

Parking.

Traversier

Ferry.

Verglas

Freezing rain or glaze ice.

Village-relais

A recognized community offering traveller services along certain routes.