Granby City Guide

You can find Quebec dishes like poutine and tourtière. There are various international cuisines and growing vegan options. Most places close by 10-11 PM; late-night options are few.

Nightlife is quiet, mostly small bars and pubs without a club scene.

A growing coffee scene with local specialty cafes and chains.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), taxis (10-15%), and services (15-20%). Bars expect $1-2 per drink or 15-20%.

SIM cards are sold at Bell, Rogers, Telus, and other providers in malls or stores. ID/passport needed for activation. Bell, Rogers, and Telus offer best coverage.

Granby is generally clean with regular waste and recycling pickup.

Limited 24/7 services; some convenience stores and gas stations open all night.

Groceries can be found at IGA, Maxi, Super C, and Provigo with moderate international items. Stores usually open 8 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and have shorter weekend hours.

Most places accept debit and credit cards. Cash is less common but still accepted.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Desjardins, National Bank, RBC, and TD. Using ATMs outside your bank can cost CAD 2-3 per transaction.

Local public schools teach primarily in French. No international schools are in Granby. Admissions follow Quebec public system schedules.

Granby has a very small or no digital nomad community.

Several parks and lakeside areas offer shaded walks and good green spaces.

Lac Boivin has safe, scenic running paths popular with locals.

Several gyms offer fitness options.

Public tennis courts are at local parks, some bookings needed.

Padel courts are not common here.

Several studios offer different yoga styles, with some English-speaking instructors.

Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo are practiced at local dojos; English-speaking instructors are rare.

Ski Bromont and Mont Orford offer slopes 20-40 km away with rentals and mixed terrain.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on Lac Boivin and nearby lakes during summer.

No surfing; landlocked area.

No diving activities.

Hôpital de Granby is the main hospital; English-speaking staff are limited. Public and private clinics are available. Pharmacies like Jean Coutu and Pharmaprix have medication and consultations.

Tap water is safe to drink in Granby.

Granby is good for families with playgrounds, the zoo, and a water park. Baby supplies are easy to find.

The city is safe and accepting, though with limited LGBTQ-specific venues.

Generally pet-friendly with parks and some accommodations allowing pets.