For gardeners looking to start seeds or plan a landscape project, a hardiness zone is much more than just a winter cold indicator. It is your primary reference point for ensuring the survival of your fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials. In Quebec, gardening success isn't about luck; it's about knowing your zone and the limits it sets.
Essential Link: While your hardiness zone helps you understand the climate for permanent plants, our complete planting calendar provides the specific last spring frost date for your municipality. Checking this calendar is the crucial step to avoid moving your vegetable seedlings outdoors too early.
Alphabetical Directory of Hardiness Zones by Region
Use the map and tables below to find the growing zone and minimum temperatures associated with your municipality:
The lower the number (e.g., zone 2), the harsher the climate. Conversely, zone 6 (such as Montreal) offers a longer growing season. Pro Tip: If you live in zone 4, choose plants rated for zone 4, 3, or 2 to guarantee survival. Avoid plants from higher zones without adequate winter protection.
View the official map on the Natural Resources Canada website
Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Amos | Zone 2a | -45.6°C to -42.8°C |
| Chibougamau | Zone 2a | -45.6°C to -42.8°C |
| Rouyn-Noranda | Zone 2b | -42.8°C to -40.0°C |
| Val d'Or | Zone 2b | -42.8°C to -40.0°C |
Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Gaspé | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Matane | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Mont-Joli | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Rimouski | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Rivière-du-Loup | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Baie-Saint-Paul | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Beauport | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Lévis | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Quebec City | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Saint-Georges | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
Estrie and Centre-du-Québec
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos (Val-des-Sources) | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Bécancour | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Bromont | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Coaticook | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Drummondville | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Granby | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Magog | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Sherbrooke | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Thetford Mines | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Victoriaville | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
Laurentians and Lanaudière
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Blainville | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Joliette | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Mirabel | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Mont-Blanc | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Mont-Laurier | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Mont-Tremblant | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Repentigny | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Saint-Jérôme | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Saint-Sauveur | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Terrebonne | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
Montreal, Laval and Montérégie
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Acton Vale | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Belœil | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Boucherville | Zone 6a | -23.3°C to -20.6°C |
| Brossard | Zone 6a | -23.3°C to -20.6°C |
| Châteauguay | Zone 6a | -23.3°C to -20.6°C |
| Hudson | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Laval | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Longueuil | Zone 6a | -23.3°C to -20.6°C |
| Mont-Saint-Hilaire | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Montreal | Zone 6a | -23.3°C to -20.6°C |
| Saint-Hyacinthe | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Vaudreuil-Dorion | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
Outaouais
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Aylmer | Zone 5b | -26.1°C to -23.3°C |
| Buckingham | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Chelsea | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
| Gatineau (Hull) | Zone 5a | -28.9°C to -26.1°C |
| Maniwaki | Zone 4a | -34.4°C to -31.7°C |
| Wakefield | Zone 4b | -31.7°C to -28.9°C |
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
| City | Zone | Average Minimum Temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| Alma | Zone 3b | -37.2°C to -34.4°C |
| Dolbeau-Mistassini | Zone 3a | -40.0°C to -37.2°C |
| Jonquière | Zone 3b | -37.2°C to -34.4°C |
| Saguenay | Zone 3b | -37.2°C to -34.4°C |
| Saint-Félicien | Zone 3a | -40.0°C to -37.2°C |
Need gardening supplies?
Once you’ve identified your zone, stop guessing your transplant dates. Consult our planting calendar to find the frost dates for your area, and visit us in-store to get expert advice from our team!
How is your zone calculated?
The Canadian system is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It combines seven climatic factors determining the long-term survival of plants:
- Minimum winter temperatures: Critical for the survival of roots and fruit trees.
- Length of the frost-free period: Determines the length of your vegetable growing season.
- Summer rainfall: Influences the plants' water reserves before winter.
- Maximum temperatures: Impacts summer heat stress.
- Snow cover depth: Acts as a natural insulator to protect your perennials.
- January rainfall: A risk factor for ice-smothering of lawns and roots.
- Maximum wind speeds: Causes bud desiccation in winter.
