Sherbrooke in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Sherbrooke

36°F (2°C) High Temp

14°F (-10°C) Low Temp

71 mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak maple syrup season - March is when local sugar shacks are in full production with fresh syrup tastings and cabane à sucre experiences throughout the Eastern Townships
Winter activity sweet spot - snow conditions are still excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but daylight extends to 6:30 PM by month's end
Spring festival season begins - March marks the start of cultural events including the Festival des traditions du monde and early preparation for Sherbrooke's summer festival circuit
Ideal weather for indoor cultural exploration - perfect temperature for spending hours in Musée de la nature et des sciences or catching performances at Centennial Theatre without summer heat or deep winter conditions

Considerations

Highly variable weather creates packing challenges - you might experience -10°C (14°F) and 2°C (36°F) in the Easttimor day, requiring layering strategies most tourists underestimate
Mud season begins late month - the freeze-thaw cycle creates muddy trails and some outdoor attractions may have restricted access or less appealing conditions
Tourist services in transition - some seasonal attractions aren't fully operational yet, and winter activity providers may be winding down before summer operators start up

Best Activities in March

Eastern Townships Maple Syrup Farm Tours

March is peak maple syrup season when sap runs are strongest. Sugar shacks throughout the region offer traditional cabane à sucre experiences with horse-drawn sleigh rides, fresh maple taffy on snow, and hearty Québécois meals. Morning temperatures below freezing and afternoon warming above 0°C (32°F) create perfect conditions for sap collection.

Booking Tip: Reserve weekend spots 2-3 weeks ahead as locals book heavily during March break. Weekday visits offer better availability and pricing, typically CAD $25-45 per person including meal. Look for authentic family-operated farms rather than tourist-focused venues.

Magog-Orford Winter Sports

Mont-Orford maintains excellent snow conditions through March with extended daylight for afternoon skiing. Cross-country skiing on Lac des Nations offers impressive winter scenery with 15 km (9.3 miles) of groomed trails. March's moderate temperatures make outdoor activities comfortable without extreme cold gear.

Booking Tip: Day passes typically CAD $40-65. Equipment rental available on-site for CAD $35-50/day. Book accommodation in advance if staying weekends - March break drives up demand. Check snow reports before traveling as late-season conditions can change rapidly.

Sherbrooke Cultural District Walking Tours

March weather is perfect for exploring downtown Sherbrooke's historical architecture and murals without summer humidity or winter extremes. The city's 18 large-scale murals are easily walkable in 2-3 hours, and indoor cultural sites like Musée des beaux-arts provide warm retreats during variable weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps from tourism office. Guided cultural tours typically CAD $15-25 per person, available weekends. Combine with indoor attractions for weather flexibility. Most walking routes cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles).

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook Winter Adventures

March offers the last chance to experience the suspended footbridge (169m/554ft long) with winter scenery before spring crowds arrive. The 50 km (31 miles) of snowshoe trails remain accessible through most of March, and the Foresta Lumina light installation creates magical evening experiences in crisp March air.

Booking Tip: Winter activities typically CAD $12-20 admission plus equipment rental CAD $10-15. Foresta Lumina requires advance booking, especially weekends, at CAD $24-32 per adult. Dress warmly for evening light shows - temperatures drop significantly after sunset.

Jacques-Cartier National Park Snowshoeing

Located 45 minutes from Sherbrooke, March provides excellent snow conditions for the park's 42 km (26 miles) of snowshoe trails without the harsh cold of January-February. The Jacques-Cartier River valley offers spectacular winter scenery, and wildlife spotting improves as animals become more active in warming temperatures.

Booking Tip: Park access CAD $8.90 per adult. Snowshoe rental available for CAD $13/day. Popular trails include Éperviers (3.2 km/2 miles) and Cascades (5.5 km/3.4 miles). Start early - parking fills quickly on powder days and weekends.

Lac-Mégantic Dark Sky Reserve Stargazing

March offers some of the clearest skies of the year with low humidity and stable atmospheric conditions. The world's first International Dark Sky Reserve provides exceptional stargazing opportunities, with constellations like Orion visible in early evening and spring constellations emerging later in the month.

Booking Tip: Observatory visits typically CAD $12-18 per person. Dress extremely warmly - nighttime temperatures can reach -15°C (5°F). Book guided sessions in advance through ASTROLab. Self-guided visits possible but check weather forecasts for clear skies.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke

This multicultural festival celebrates international traditions through music, dance, and cuisine. Features indoor venues perfect for March weather, with performances from various cultural communities and traditional food vendors.

Throughout March

Cabane à sucre season

Traditional maple syrup harvest celebrations throughout the Eastern Townships. Family-run sugar shacks offer authentic Québécois experiences with horse-drawn sleigh rides, maple taffy on snow, and traditional meals featuring maple-infused dishes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated, waterproof boots rated to -20°C (-4°F) - essential for snowshoeing, maple farm visits, and navigating icy sidewalks during freeze-thaw cycles

Layering system with merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof shell - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) in single days require adaptable clothing

Waterproof gloves and liner gloves - wet conditions combined with cold temperatures make hand protection critical for outdoor activities

Warm hat covering ears - wind chill can make temperatures feel 5-10°C (9-18°F) colder, especially during evening stargazing or outdoor dining

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and snow reflection intensifies sun exposure during outdoor winter activities

Traction devices for boots (microspikes or yaktrax) - freeze-thaw cycles create icy sidewalks and trail conditions that catch tourists off-guard

Lightweight rain jacket - March sees 10 rainy days with mix of snow, sleet, and rain depending on temperature fluctuations

Thermal underwear for evening activities - stargazing and night photography require staying warm in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods

Daypack with extra layers - weather can change rapidly during day trips to national parks or maple farms located 30-60 minutes from city

Cash in small bills - many maple farms and local seasonal vendors prefer cash payments, and tipping sugar shack staff is customary

Insider Knowledge

Book maple farm visits for weekdays if possible - locals flood sugar shacks during March break (first or second week), driving up prices and crowds significantly

March is when locals start planning summer festival season - early bird tickets for Festival des arts de rue and other summer events go on sale with substantial discounts

University of Sherbrooke students return from reading week mid-March, revitalizing the downtown restaurant and nightlife scene after quiet early March period

Late March is prime time for spotting wildlife on winter trails - animals become more active as temperatures moderate, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings - tourists pack for average temperature but March can swing from -10°C to +5°C (14°F to 41°F) within hours, creating uncomfortable situations

Planning too many outdoor activities without indoor backups - 10 rainy days and variable conditions mean rigid outdoor itineraries often fail

Assuming winter activities are winding down - March is actually peak time for maple syrup experiences and many winter sports remain excellent through month's end