Sherbrooke in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Sherbrooke

5°C (41°F) High Temp

-4°C (24°F) Low Temp

99 mm (3.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage season - maple trees along the Saint-François River display brilliant reds and golds, best viewing 1st-2nd week of November before leaf drop
Pre-winter pricing on accommodations - hotel rates drop 30-40% after Canadian Thanksgiving until ski season begins in December
Magog and Lac-Mégantic day trips are spectacular with minimal crowds - expect 2-3 other cars at scenic lookouts versus 50+ in peak summer
Indoor cultural season begins - Théâtre Nicaragua and Centennial Theatre launch winter programming with discounted preview performances

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) in a single day, making outdoor activity planning challenging
Many seasonal attractions close after Halloween - Foresta Lumina ends October 31st, most hiking trail facilities close by November 15th
Limited daylight for outdoor activities - sunset by 4:30 PM means only 6-7 hours of usable daylight for sightseeing

Best Activities in November

Eastern Townships Fall Foliage Drives

November's first two weeks offer the region's most impressive maple displays without summer traffic. Route 108 between Sherbrooke and Magog provides 45 km (28 miles) of continuous color. Morning drives (9-11 AM) offer best lighting and minimal fog. Temperatures range 2-8°C (36-46°F), perfect for car touring with occasional photo stops.

Booking Tip: Rent a car 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend visits - local agencies often sell out during peak foliage. Self-drive routes cost CA$80-120/day including gas. Consider guided coach tours for CA$65-85 per person if you prefer not to drive on potentially icy roads.

Quebec Winter Sports Preparation Tours

November is ideal for ski area reconnaissance before season opens. Mont-Orford and Bromont offer behind-the-scenes tours of snowmaking operations and early-bird season pass sales. Cool temperatures 0-5°C (32-41°F) make hiking the slopes comfortable before snow cover. Perfect timing to secure equipment rentals and lessons for December return visits.

Booking Tip: Book ski area tours through resort websites directly - typically CA$25-35 per person. Early-bird lift tickets purchased in November save 40-50% versus peak season rates. Most mountains offer November facility tours on weekends only.

Saint-François River Heritage Walks

November's cool, crisp air makes riverside walking ideal before winter freeze. The Sentier de la Rivière Saint-François offers 12 km (7.5 miles) of maintained paths with interpretive stations about lumber industry history. Morning temperatures around 3°C (37°F) are perfect for 2-3 hour walks. Fewer bugs than summer, clearer views through bare trees to historic mill sites.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free year-round. Guided heritage tours available weekends for CA$15-20 per person through tourism office. Wear microspikes or grip aids - sections can be icy by mid-November. Allow 3-4 hours for full trail with photo stops.

Maple Syrup Farm Late Season Tours

November offers unique behind-the-scenes access to sugar shacks preparing for spring production. Cabane à sucre operations within 30 km (18.6 miles) of Sherbrooke demonstrate equipment maintenance and tree tapping preparation. Indoor portions include tastings of various maple grades at cozy temperatures while outdoor tours require bundling up for 0-5°C (32-41°F) conditions.

Booking Tip: Reserve farm tours 1-2 weeks ahead as many operate limited November schedules. Tours typically CA$18-25 per person including tastings. Weekend availability better than weekdays. Some farms offer hot maple taffy on snow experiences when temperatures drop below -2°C (28°F).

Musée de la Nature Indoor Discovery Programs

November's shorter days make indoor cultural activities perfect. The natural sciences museum offers hands-on workshops about Eastern Townships geology and wildlife adaptation for winter. Interactive exhibits are climate-controlled comfort while outside temperatures drop. Special November programming often includes aurora borealis simulation shows ideal for evening visits after 4:30 PM sunset.

Booking Tip: Museum admission CA$12-15 adults, special workshops additional CA$8-12. November often features discount family packages. Book workshop spots online 1 week ahead as group sizes limited to 20 people. Perfect rainy day backup when outdoor plans get cancelled.

Coaticook Gorge Pre-Winter Photography Tours

November provides dramatic lighting for gorge photography as bare trees reveal rock formations hidden in summer foliage. The suspended footbridge offers unique perspectives 50 m (164 ft) above the Coaticook River. Cool temperatures 1-6°C (34-43°F) create atmospheric mist effects best captured in early morning golden hour around 7:30 AM.

Booking Tip: Gorge access CA$8-12 per person, photography workshops additional CA$25-35. Book guided photo tours 1-2 weeks ahead through park office. Bring camera batteries - cold weather drains power 2-3 times faster. Tripod recommended for low-light conditions common in November.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Sherbrooke International Film Festival Closing Screenings

Final weekend screenings of documentary and international films at venues throughout downtown. Features Q&A sessions with filmmakers and discounted passes for remaining showings. Indoor venues provide perfect escape from November weather.

Mid November

Festival des Traditions Québécoises

Traditional Quebec music and storytelling celebrating pre-winter customs at various cultural centers. Features maple-based food vendors, traditional crafts demonstrations, and folk music performances. Many events held indoors with heated venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - sidewalks become icy by mid-November and you'll walk 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily sightseeing

Layering system: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell - temperatures swing 10-15°C (18-27°F) throughout the day

Waterproof gloves and warm hat - November wind chill can make 2°C (36°F) feel like -5°C (23°F) during outdoor activities

Traction aids or microspikes for boots - morning frost and ice patches common on hiking trails and historic district cobblestones

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 50% faster, essential for GPS navigation and photography

Small umbrella and packable rain jacket - 10 rainy days means 33% chance of precipitation during any outdoor activity

Wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton) - feet stay warmer and dry during 2-3 hour outdoor walking tours

Warm scarf or neck gaiter - protects against wind when walking between indoor venues downtown

Sunglasses - low November sun angle creates intense glare, especially with snow reflection after mid-month

Hand warmers - small chemical heat packs invaluable for 3+ hour outdoor activities like foliage photography or river walks

Insider Knowledge

Local Quebecois start wearing winter tires by November 15th - if renting a car, specifically request winter tires for safety on potentially icy secondary roads to foliage areas

Most restaurants switch to winter menus in November featuring hearty tourtière, maple-glazed root vegetables, and warming soups - lunch portions are generous and cost 20% less than dinner

University of Sherbrooke students create informal heating networks in downtown cafes - follow locals to spots like Café Bla-Bla and Espace Culinaire for longest indoor warm-up sessions between outdoor activities

November hotel rates drop significantly after American Thanksgiving weekend (4th Thursday) - delay booking until after US holiday for 30-40% savings on weekend stays

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - outdoor activities must end by 4:00 PM or you'll be navigating trails and viewpoints in darkness without proper lighting

Packing only fall clothing instead of winter gear - November weather can include snow flurries and sub-freezing temperatures requiring full winter preparation

Assuming summer attraction schedules apply - many outdoor sites like Foresta Lumina close after Halloween, while others switch to weekend-only operations