Posted July 17, 2026 4:50 pm.
Last Updated July 17, 2026 5:24 pm.
Quebec’s annual construction holiday begins this weekend, bringing a surge in traffic as roughly one-third of the province takes time off over the next two weeks.
The increase in travel also marks one of the deadliest periods of the year on Quebec roads. Last year, there were 38 deaths in 30 collisions on roads patrolled by the Sûreté du Québec during the construction holiday.
In response, the provincial police force says it will increase patrols across the province through Aug. 2, focusing on the leading causes of fatal collisions, including speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and seatbelt use.
“On the roads, the police officers will be more present to hold operations. Mainly the things that we verify year after year are the major causes of car collisions. I talked about speeding but there’s also driving under the influence so there will be operations to control that. The use of the cell phone, distraction is also one of the major ones so that is something that police officers will be watching also and wearing the seatbelt,” said Joyce Kemp, lieutenant in the communications department with the Sûreté du Québec.
Road safety advocates say drivers should remember that vacations are meant to be relaxing.
“Well what they need to do is simply chill. People are on vacation, they have to relax,” said André Durocher, director of the CAA-Québec Foundation for Road Safety.
Durocher said several factors contribute to the increased danger on Quebec roads during the construction holiday.
“The summertime is so short in Quebec people tend to cram in a lot of different activities and sometimes you know people are tired, people drink too much. There’s a lot of people on the road. There’s also people for example that are hauling trailers or campers and stuff like that and it’s not the same conditions when you drive hauling a trailer as it is when you’re not,” said Durocher.
Durocher added that more Quebecers are vacationing within the province.
“The fact that more quebecers are spending their vacation in the province rather than going south of the border that’s another impact,” said Durocher.
The Sûreté du Québec says most fatal collisions can be prevented.
“In most of the collisions, there is almost always a human decision that is behind it so yes most of these are avoidable,” said Kemp.
“So if everybody just slows down, focuses and eliminates distraction and is patient and plans it should help for us to have a better record,” said Kemp.
Construction workers welcome time off
For many construction workers finishing up work Friday, the holiday offers a chance to escape physically demanding jobs and spend time with family.
“We’ve been screaming, singing and all like cheerful and all that the whole day. Like we’re all excited about this time now we’re about to go to the restaurant,” said Sébastien Cassan, a carpenter.
Cassan said his plans include visiting loved ones and taking time to unwind.
“Honestly I want to see family in ottawa, camping and just like relax honestly, see friends, a couple parties obviously, drink here and there but no yeah just relax,” said Cassan.
Marc Juteau, a foreman, said he plans to tackle projects at home during the break.
“During these two weeks, I’m going to take advantage of the time to do some work around the house. Because here, we work a lot and we don’t have time for personal projects,” said Juteau.
Vacation plans vary across Quebec
Not everyone will be taking advantage of the construction holiday.
“No no time off actually it’s a quarter end so a lot of people are working right now so no vacation for me,” said Gabriel Plamondon, a Montreal resident.
Others are planning to travel with family.
“I’m going to Gaspésie with my family and we’re gonna probably relax and go to the beach,” said Laurina Desharnais, a Quebec City resident.
Some are preparing for major life changes instead of taking a vacation.
“I taught summer courses at the CEGEP level and those are about to end and once they’re done my time isn’t vacation time. It’s time spent packing up and getting ready to move to Barcelona,” said Robyn Jaquays, a Montreal resident.
Others will continue working while making time for family on weekends.
“I’m still working but if I go like in the weekend I go to see my daughters in Ottawa like some changes like that, but on vacation, vacation no,” said Towfik Mohammed, a Montreal resident.
