Regional variation in wood density and modulus of elasticity of Quebec's main boreal tree species

•Regional variation in wood density and MOE was evaluated in Quebec, Canada.•Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure 30,159 increment cores.•A multi-species near-infrared calibration was successfully developed.•A latitudinal gradient in wood density and MOE was observed in hardwoods.•Conversely, the spatial distribution was not uniform in softwoods.