Category: Living in Quebec

Fun Things That You Can Do At The St-Tite Western Festival!

Saint-Tite Western Festival (also known as Festival Western de Saint-Tite) is one of the largest rodeo events in North America, the others being the Calgary Stampede and Houston Rodeo.

The festival takes place in St Tite spanning a duration of 10 days during the month of September. There is just so much to do at the Festival that many people prefer to camp nearby and go there everyday of the festival!

Here is how you can spend your day at the St Tite Western Festival –

Learn Country Dancing!

Throughout the venue, there are multiple dance floors where you will see artists and bands perform live country music in French as well as English! You will see people dancing so feel free to join them and learn some country line dancing! There are also separate dancing lessons that happen throughout the day.

Country Dancing at St Tite Western Festival

Party Bike Tour!

Grab yourself a drink and pedal with your friends on the Pedal Pub Bike! Think of it as the country’s version of the Party Bus! Drinking in public is allowed at the Festival. You can even bring your own alcohol.

Pedal hopping

Shop for Western Clothing

If you have been looking for western hats, shirts, jeans or boots, you will be able to find numerous stores within the venue where they are selling Western clothing. While some of the shops sell off-branded stuff, you will see branded stuff as well.

Western Clothing Store

Play Paintball!

Up for a challenge? Play Paintball with your friends and see who scores the most. You might win a prize depending on how well you score! There are many games similar to this around the venue.

Paintball

Beautiful Art at St Tite

You will see Quebec’s/Canada’s talent selling their art. This could be an opportunity if you are looking to decorate your house or office space.

Paintings and Arts

Free Massage!

There are some shops selling body massage tools and they will let you try out their product for free! So if you are feeling tired, you should definitely head there for a relaxing massage!

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

For a price you can take a ride that takes you through the small town of St Tite. These rides are suitable for couples or even large families! Some couples even do their ceremony at the festival and use these carriage rides.

Horse drawn carriage tour

Horse Rides

If you love horses then why not take a horse ride at St Tite! This might be more suitable for experienced people. You might need to register early in the morning for the event.

Horse Rides

5D Attractions

Unique mobile truck that offers you an immersive experience with a combination of 3D imaging and sensory effects (vibration/rain/foam). You can even take your kids on this ride with you!

5D ride

Electric Bikes Store

The festival has kept up with modern times! Some stores are selling electric bikes and you might be able to get them at a discount! There are other automobiles, trailers to view and try as well!

E-bikes store

Play and win Freebies!

There are a number of big companies that have setup their stores/showrooms and have games and competitions where they let you win freebies. Some even have draws for winning grand prizes like a car or house! There are fun activities for both adults and kids.

Ford racing challenge

Try some jerky!

If you haven’t tried Quebec’s jerky, you will see some stalls selling jerky. You can also get to try the product before buying. There are many other stalls to try other different food products as well

Mitch Jerky

Eat BBQ Food!

The quality of the food at the stalls is decent and the prices are reasonable. If you are at the festival, you should definitely try out some BBQ!

Pat BBQ’s

Even Pet Food is there!

Don’t be surprised if you see stalls selling pet food and supplements! Not only are they selling dry food but you can also buy frozen food for your cats/dogs! Pet food is primarily focused more towards Dogs but you will find a few products for cats and other pets as well.

Pur Evolution Pet Food and Supplements!

Ride the Mechanical Bull!

While you won’t be able to ride a real bull at the festival, you can still try out what it’s like riding with a Mechanical Bull! You might be able to watch real bull riding at the Festival’s rodeo event though!

Mechanical Bull rides

Buy sexy clothing!

Don’t be surprised! You will find all sorts of stores at the Western Festival. If you want to make yourself look good and sexy, you will find stalls selling you that kind of stuff!

Clothing stall

Fine Chocolate!

It might be worth trying out Quebec chocolate at the Western Festival. If you are looking for specialty chocolate for yourself or as gifts, you are definitely going to find some at the Festival.

Andre Shott Chocolatier

Ice Cream Experience!

You will find just so many stores selling you ice-cream and even bubble tea at the Festival. It’s going to be warm during the day so why not have some ice cream?

Ice cream store

You will find that there are tons of things to do at the Western Festival of St-Tite! Whether you are into shopping, or enjoy activities, you will find something at the Festival that suits your interests!

How To Request Review Of Decision For Refusal Of Personalized License Plate (Quebec)?

If you have applied for a personalized license plate for your vehicle with SAAQ, there is a possibility that the character combination you choose might get rejected for a variety of reasons.

Reasons For Rejection

SAAQ has mentioned on their website that they can reject combinations for the following reasons –

  • Difficult to read character combinations
  • Gives a false impression of being associated with law enforcement or government.
  • Associated with a distinctive trademark
  • Confusing character combinations
  • Obscene or Derogatory language

Here is a copy of the email that I received after applying for my character combination –

You recently ordered a personalized license plate from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.

We wish to inform you that the character combination you chose has been refused, as it includes an expression or message that promotes the perpetuation of a criminal offense, which does not respect the conditions set out by law.

The acquisition fee you paid for your personalized license plate will be reimbursed to your credit card within 4 to 6 business days. If it is not possible to provide a refund directly to your credit card, you will be mailed a refund cheque.

SAAQ

I was quite surprised by this decision from SAAQ as my character combination did not have anything to do with what they were claiming. If you believe you have a similar case, here is what you will need to do.

How To Send Request For Review

You will need to send a letter to the following address requesting them to review their decision –

Direction des opérations centralisées
333, boulevard Jean-Lesage, N-3-22
Case postale 19600, succursale Terminus
Québec (Québec) G1K 8J6

Your letter should contain the following points –

  1. What was your Order ID and what combination you applied for.
  2. How did you come with the combination, Does it relate to you personally?
  3. Mention that you do not believe it has any negative connotations.
  4. Also, it would be good to mention that you do not have a criminal record.

Review Timeline

Once you submit the letter, it can take about 2-3 weeks to hear back from SAAQ regarding if your decision was successful or not. In my case, the character combination was accepted after review.

Here is the message I received from SAAQ –

We are pleased to inform you that the character combination you have chosen has been accepted. Your order has been sent to the manufacturer and you should receive your personalized license plate within 3 to 6 weeks.

SAAQ

Once you receive your plate, you are still required to activate it before placing it on your vehicle.

How To Change Address In Quebec?

If you have recently moved in the Province of Quebec, you will need to notify the following authorities as soon as possible

  • Government of Canada
  • Government of Quebec
  • The Banks
  • Your Employer
  • Canada Post
  • Subscriptions and Utilities Providers

Update Address with Federal Government

This can be done either by calling them at Service Canada or by using the Service Canada Portal. I would recommend to go with the online portal as it’s very easy to use and you don’t have to wait a long time on the phone. To be able to use the service you would need to setup a My Service Canada account.

Link to Service Canada – https://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/

Alternatively you can also update your address through your CRA account.

Steps for updating address through CRA

  • Login to your CRA account.
  • Select profile on the portal
  • Select Edit contact information
  • Edit your mailing and home address
  • Review and submit

Update Address with Government of Quebec

The easiest way to update your address after moving is to use the online service that is offered by Quebec. It’s called SQCA (Service québécois de changement d’adresse) and is a one stop portal to update and notify different government departments regarding your address change.

Link to the Change of Address service for Quebec – https://www.adresse.gouv.qc.ca/

Steps for updating address through SQCA –

  • Start Quebec Change of Address Service
  • Select what services need to be updated
  • Enter your Identification details
  • Enter Former Address
  • Enter New Home Address
  • Enter Mailing Address
  • Review and Submit

If you have moved from another province then for your driving license you would need to book an appointment with SAAQ.

Update Address With Banks

There isn’t a one stop portal to do this however you would need to let whichever bank/credit card provider that you are signed up with that you have changed your address.

Here’s the link for the major Canadian Banks –

Update Address With Your Employer

A lot of people forget to notify their employers of an address change and this causes their important documents like tax and benefits to be sent at the wrong address.

Setup Mail Forwarding With Canada Post

Canada Post offers a mail forwarding service that you can utilize. There is a fee for using the service but if you are expecting to receive important mails, then it is recommended that you sign up for it before your move.

Link to the Canada Post portal – https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/

Notify Subscriptions and Utility Providers

In Quebec the Utility Provider for Electricity is Hydro Quebec, so you would need to notify them regarding the address change. Their link is https://www.hydroquebec.com/

You will also need to update address with whoever you have your phone connection. Most people have their phone plans with the following companies –

Also There is a chance that your payments for purchases might get rejected if your address has changed, so it is recommended that you keep it in sync with your current address. Sometimes, the credit card companies allow payments to go through but it can sting if your mobile payment doesn’t go through and now you are out of network.

Hopefully this will make your move a lot more easier! 🙂

How To Get Custom License Plate In Quebec?

The process of getting a custom license plate in Quebec is pretty easy and straightforward. You don’t even need to go to the SAAQ office to request your personalized license plate.

Requirements For Custom License Plate

To be able to apply for a personalized license plate, the following is required –

  • Must be residing in Quebec.
  • Must either have a car registered in Quebec or planning to buy a car soon.
  • Must have a Visa/Mastercard credit card for payment (AMEX is not accepted)

If you are planning to get a personalized license plate before your purchase –

  • You are required to have a Quebec Driving License.

How Do I Apply For A Personalized License Plate?

You will need to visit SAAQ’s official website and under Vehicle Registration, you will have the option to order a personalized license plate (https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle-registration/personalized-licence-plates)

Order personalized license plate

You would then need to enter your personal information.
If you own a vehicle already, then you will need to provide the vehicle’s registration number.
Otherwise, you will need to enter your driver’s license details.

Personal information

You will then be able to enter your Desired Character Combination.
Make a note that certain combinations are not allowed.
For example, if the combinations are determined to be abusive, obscene, confusing, trademark, disregard to road safety, then your license plate request might be refused.

Personalized license plate

Payment Methods

Once you have provided all the details, you will be able to complete your order request by making the payment. You must make the payment online using Mastercard or Visa card.

Currently American Express credit cards are not accepted.

Delivery Timeline

The personalized license plates will be delivered using Canada Post with a tracking number and you should receive them in about a month.

Requesting Review For Refusal

In certain cases, your request for custom QC plate might get rejected. For review you will need to submit a letter to SAAQ to review their decision.