Updated 2026-05-24 · 5 min read
Winter tires in Quebec — when to book and where to save
Quebec's winter tire mandate runs Dec 1 to Mar 15. The window to book at the best price closes much earlier. Here's the calendar Quebec drivers should actually follow.
📅 Optimal calendar
- 1
August – September: book your install slot
Shops fill up by October. Booking now saves 2-3 weeks of waiting in November.
- 2
Mid-September to mid-October: seasonal sales
Vipneu, Canadian Tire and Costco run the real discounts. Typical saving: $60-$120 on 4 tires.
- 3
Before Nov 15: install
First snow often hits the Laurentians by late October. Urban areas can wait until mid-November.
- ⚠
After Nov 15: inflated prices + waitlists
Myth: "I have until Dec 1." Reality: chaotic availability and last-minute premiums.
Where to buy
Costco Tires
~$80 vs retailInstall included + lifetime rotation. Limited stock (Michelin, BFGoodrich, Bridgestone) — not the cheapest in absolute terms, but the best service-to-price ratio.
Pneus VIP — Vipneu (100+ Quebec shops)
Quebec franchise network. -$50 to -$150 deals in September. Good choice for cheaper second-tier brands (General, Cooper).
Canadian Tire
+4% Triangle MCDensest network — a shop within 10 min anywhere. With the Triangle card, +4% in Canadian Tire Money (useful for parts, wipers, etc.). Often on sale with the ION+ card too.
CAA-Québec — tire promo
Members onlyCAA-approved shops give members a discount, usually -5 to -10% on labour. Bonus: free tow if the appointment goes sideways.
🔔 Seasonal alerts
Subscribe to our "Quebec Driver" newsletter — each autumn we ship a recap: best booking dates, active promo codes, current Michelin / Bridgestone / General comparison.
🔔 Enable my alerts💡 While you're at it: get an A-25 toll transponder installed during the same appointment if you live on the North Shore. See our toll section.