An unusually mild start to winter in Quebec has disappointed tourists and forced cities to adapt to the unexpected weather conditions. According to meteorologist Jean-Philippe Bégin from Environment and Climate Change Canada, December 2023 was the second-warmest December on record for southern Quebec. The warm temperatures and relatively low snowfall have been labeled a false start for winter by the agency.
The mild conditions have had a significant impact on tourism in the province. In Montreal, tourists hoping to experience a winter wonderland in Old Montreal were instead greeted by a damp and gray cityscape. Visitors, such as Yull Navarro from Guadalajara, Mexico, expressed their disappointment at the lack of snow and the sight of dirty ice patches. Similarly, Katrina Hercules, an Ottawa-born resident of Southern California, expressed her longing for snow, highlighting that it is one of the main reasons she visits Canada during the winter.
The mild winter has also had visible consequences on the cleanliness of the cities. With public cleaning operations slowing down during the colder months, the lack of snow cover has left litter exposed on the streets of Montreal. The City of Montreal has had to rely on manual cleaning efforts and even rent a street sweeper to assist in keeping the streets clean.
As winter activities are a key part of Quebec City’s tourism offer, the lack of snow in December likely affected visitor traffic to the surrounding ski resorts. According to estimates, the area received only 19% of its usual December snowfall. While the city itself remained vibrant, the lack of snow dampened the winter activities that tourists usually enjoy. Robert Mercure, the general manager of the local tourism office, acknowledged that some people were disappointed, but he remains optimistic that 2023 will be a record tourism year for the Quebec City area.
Further south, near the U.S. border, the lack of snow in Montreal has also affected the Mont Sutton ski destination. While the resort managed to keep its slopes open through December thanks to snow and cold temperatures at the beginning of the month, there was still a drop in visitors during the holidays. CEO Jean-Michel Ryan attributed this decline to the lack of snow in Montreal, which may have dissuaded city dwellers from making the trip to the mountains.
To adapt to the changing climate and ensure the continuity of winter activities, Mont Sutton has made significant investments in its snow-making systems. By preparing for warmer seasons due to climate change, the resort has been able to maintain its slopes even without significant natural snowfall. Ryan believes that skiers should also adjust their expectations and take advantage of the available slopes in the mountains.
The mild start to winter in Quebec has disappointed tourists, impacted the cleanliness of cities, and affected visitor traffic to ski resorts. City officials are considering ways to adapt their upkeep strategies due to climate change, and ski destinations are investing in snow-making systems to mitigate the effects of the changing weather patterns. As winter tourism remains a significant draw for Quebec, it is crucial for cities and resorts to find innovative solutions to ensure the enjoyment of winter activities in the face of a changing climate.
This report was first published on Jan. 5, 2024.
