As daylight saving time approaches, residents of Quebec will face a significant change this weekend. Many have been enjoying sunrises around breakfast time, but starting on November 1, this will shift as clocks turn back one hour.
Sunrise Times in Quebec Cities
On Saturday, November 1, the sun will rise at the latest times of the year in various Quebec cities. In Montreal, it will rise at 7:34 AM, while in Sherbrooke, it will be slightly earlier at 7:27 AM. Remarkably, this will be the last occurrence of such late sunrises, as even during the winter solstice, these cities will see similar sunrise times.
Regional Variations and Sunset Times
Quebec’s vast geography leads to notable differences in sunrise and sunset times across the province. For instance:
- In Gaspé, the sun sets at 3:55 PM on November 1.
- In Normétal, the sunset occurs an hour later at 4:54 PM.
- In Thunder Bay, the sun will set at 6:37 PM but will not rise until 8:43 AM.
Commute for children in some areas may require flashlights due to the early mornings and adjusted daylight hours.
Unique Time Zones in Quebec
In certain areas, such as Basse-Côte-Nord, the local time zone is distinct. From Kegaska to Blanc-Sablon, residents maintain standard time year-round, avoiding daylight saving changes. This region operates on Atlantic Time, matching the time in Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
This approach helps prevent extreme cases, like a 2:40 PM sunset in Blanc-Sablon during mid-December. During June, the sun rises as early as 3:31 AM, reflecting the unique timekeeping it employs. However, Newfoundland operates on a half-hour offset, creating a 1.5-hour difference in summer between regions separated by the Belle Isle Strait.
Weather Considerations
As the time change approaches, the weather may affect visibility. The sun may not make an appearance on Friday, and while some sunshine is expected on Saturday, overcast skies might dominate. Residents should anticipate limited sunlight, with about two hours of sunshine on Saturday and potentially four hours on Sunday.
Important Dates for Time Changes
The transition back to standard time occurs this weekend on November 1, with another change set for March 8, 2026, when clocks will spring forward again. Residents are encouraged to adjust their schedules accordingly as daylight saving time shifts.
