What is the availability of ATM's in the Candian Maritimes and Quebec City?
We'll mostly be in cities in the Maritimes.

Also, do the ATM machines take American cards without a chip? Not worried about the pin which works in Europe so should work in Canada.

Thanks. Sue

Atm machines in maritimes/quebec city are the same as rest of canada. they are in banks situated on every corner in every town and village. there is always a bank in a major mall and on Main St, no matter the population. all banks have abm machines on premises.


in some small villages the atm room will not be open late at night, other times you swipe your card to get in. not to worry, some gas station's abm are serviced by major banks.

if you have any trouble you can use the no name machines for a fee in lobbies/gas stations, etc. they are low technology but safe. (my friend withdrew a large sum of usd from canadian abm back in the day when it was a profitable venture for her)

as for quebec, they have their own banking system which may or may not accept your card, though i suspect it should. don't try their caisse populaire/caisse des depots/desjardins if in doubt.

the usual banks where your card would work without a chip are rbc, scotiabank, bmo, td, cibc. we have regional credit unions (caisses as above). i don't think i got a chip on my bank card til this year, and that only because i misplaced mine.

and finally if you really get in a bind, ask around for the pin machines that still swipe, buy a retail product and withdraw at the till. fewer and fewer stores accept the swipe method (only as secondary).

ps our machines accept pins with more than 4 digits.

i don't live in maritimes/quebec city, i grew up there.

final note: take your time in the maritimes. don't hurry as they love to talk and tell stories. this is part of the experience.

in quebec city, wear good shoes. the cobble stone and hills/stairs will get the best of you. Plaines d'abraham, chateau frontenac, levis ferry for a short diversion, great food, shopping, buskers in summer, lots of history (oldest running printer, blown glass, etc which may or may not stil exist)

you will have loads of great experiences. take them for what they are: learning a new way to reach the same end.

Thanks so much for such great information.

I will print your answer and take it with me.

We've wanted to take this trip for a long time, so we are really looking forward to it.

Sue