Snow is Slowly Melting
The winter season is slowly coming to an end and is taking with it the blanket of snow and the ice. Snow is quietly melting, just like the ice that covers the lakes and rivers of the province. From south to north, as the temperature rises, trees and bushes come back to life, growing buds, flowers and leaves over the weeks. While the ground thaws out and that flora awakens, some animals come out of their sleep. The black bears, marmots (these wake up a few times during winter) and some reptiles come out of their dens. The legend says that the marmot’s shadow determines the end of the winter season and the arrival of spring…
Temperatures Rise Up
Before a greensward covers the ground for another six months, let’s take advantage of all that spring has to offer for the next three months. At the end of March, around the 20 or the 21, winter officially turns into spring. The sun shines longer on the landscape and warms us up. The blankets of snow lose a few centimetres, but not enough to stop us from skiing! It is the ideal time for spring skiing. Come sit down at a table on the terrace after a few runs to have a drink with your friends in this warm temperature!
Another way to celebrate spring is by visiting a sugar shack. The sugaring season is a classic activity in Quebec. When the day temperatures rise above 0o C and the night temperatures fall below the freezing point, it is the best time to gather maple sap. Once gathered in a large basin, the sap is boiled and turned into syrup and taffy. Many sugar shacks in the province invite you to see how maple syrup is made. You can end your visit with a savoury and typical Québécois meal: pork grills, baked beans, cretons, as well as ham and eggs in syrup. It is surely not the healthiest meal, but it is sure tasty!
Trees Bloom!
Spring also brings back migratory birds, which fly to the warmer south regions at the end of the fall season. If you walk along the St. Lawrence River, you will surely be able to admire geese, ducks and a large number of barnacle geese.
Finally, now that snow has melted and that the sun is shining with all its might, the lilacs, tulips and apple tree flowers are blooming and the buds have grown into leaves, cafés open their terraces for visitors to enjoy their drink in the outside warmth. The streets and paths, which are busier, welcome tourists and hikers who are happy to get rid of their boots, gloves and coats. Summer is finally just around the corner.
Home
