Flights from Quebec City (YQB) and Montreal (YUL) to Punta Arenas, Chile
Here is what to know before booking a flight to Punta Arenas from Quebec City and Montreal.
From Montreal, fares to Punta Arenas usually run between $1250 and $1650. The best fare spotted recently is $1309 (about 2% below the typical price).
Punta Arenas stands on the Strait of Magellan at the far southern edge of Chile, a windswept port with a grand square, painted metal roofs and a long seafaring history. It is the practical gateway to Patagonia, from penguin colonies just offshore to the towers of Torres del Paine a few hours north. Walk the waterfront into the wind, then use the town as your launch point for the wild south!
When to go
The Patagonian summer from December to February brings the mildest weather, long daylight and the open window for penguin colonies and Torres del Paine. Spring and autumn are quieter but windier and more changeable, and layers are essential in any season. Winters from June to August are cold, dark and quiet, with reduced boat trips and tours.
Getting there from Quebec City and Montreal
From Québec City or Montréal you will connect through a US hub, then Santiago, and finally a domestic flight far south to Punta Arenas. This is a long journey with at least two connections and typically an overnight crossing, so plan for close to two days of travel. Santiago is a common overnight stop before the final leg.
What to see and do
- Isla Magdalena and its large Magellanic penguin colony
- The Nao Victoria Museum with its full-scale ship replicas
- Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint over the coloured rooftops
- The road north to Torres del Paine National Park
Good to know before you go
Uber, Cabify and DiDi operate in Punta Arenas and make short trips easy, with registered taxis as a reliable backup. The currency is the Chilean peso, and cards are widely accepted, though carry some cash for smaller vendors and remote stops. Spanish is the language, spoken with a fast southern accent. The wind is a constant companion, so pack a proper shell even in summer.
Travel information is provided as a guide and can change. Always confirm fares, schedules and entry requirements before booking.