Going to the Cottage in Quebec

“We’re going up North,” or “We’re going to the Cottage” are two phrases you will become very familiar with while you are living here in Quebec. Whoever spoke them is getting ready for a weekend (or longer) getaway up at a chalet, cottage or cabin, in the northern regions of Quebec. When Quebecers say “up north,” they don’t mean the Yukon. The phrase actually refers to a place as close as two hours north (give or take) of Montreal.