Some argue that fall can be the best time of year to visit Quebec and experience the beauty of the province. And maybe they are not wrong. There’s something special about autumn in Quebec. The trees burst with vibrant color and the landscapes become breathtaking.
There are so many great spots where you can catch the fall colors in Quebec, but to help you narrow it down, here is a list of 10 of the best places to enjoy the fall colors in Quebec.
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When is the best time to see the colors?
If you want to take advantage of the landscape as it bursts with color this season, make sure to check out Bonjour Québec’s interactive map of fall colors in Quebec. This map is super helpful as you can zoom into different regions to see the stages of fall colors in Quebec. Usually end of September and beginning of October are the best times to take advantage of these beautiful colors.
Here are some of my top recommendations to make sure you soak in the views. Some of these spots require a weekend getaway, some require hiking and some can be a leisurely stroll. These are a few of my favorite spots to visit, all within a drive from Montréal.
Top 10 places to see fall colors in Quebec:
1. Mont Tremblant National Park
For most people, when you mention fall colors in Quebec, the first place that pops up is Mont Tremblant. And why not? This national park offers so many trails and opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Located in the Laurentians, Mont-Tremblant has some of the best mountain scenery in the region. And in autumn it’s simply unforgettable. Mont Tremblant National Park is filled with trails that will take people through the thick forests shining red, orange, and yellow.
For a more relaxed journey, you can take the panoramic gondola ride and get a close view of the landscape down below in all its vitality. For day trips to Mont Tremblant from Montreal, you can choose one of the following:
If you want to more of an adventure, the Mont Tremblant zip-line is a thrilling way to experience the burst of autumn hues while flying through treetops.
Here is a tour you can book for this experience: 3-hour zip line experience
One spot that you should not miss when visiting this area, is The Treetop walk (Sentier des cimes Laurentides) – a 40 meter high panoramic tower, which will bring you to breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Buy your tickets in advance and go through a fast queue using this tour: Laurentians Treetop Observatory and Walk
If you do decide to hike in the region, you will have plenty of options. Here are two of my favorite trails:
Mont Nixon
This is a beautiful trail (an 8 km loop) that brings you to quite a few viewpoints and they are all worth stopping at! If you’re looking for a short moderately challenging hike with great views then this is a good trail to hike.
Lac Superieur Loop
For a more casual stroll, you can check out this loop trail around Lac-Supérieur, which will take approximately 2 hours to complete.
2. Oka National Park
Another park that is perfect for seeing fall colors in Quebec would have to be Oka National Park.
Located on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains, it is a quieter, more serene spot compared to the others on this list. Walking along the park’s hiking trails, during autumn, will make you fall in love with this area.
One not-to-miss trail is Calvaire d’Oka. It leads right to a viewpoint with a chapel and a widespread panoramic view across the countryside, framed by the bright colors of the fall foliage.
3. Gatineau Park
An easy hike you can do in this park is the Carbide Wilson Ruins hike – this family-friendly trail is lovely during all seasons, but especially in the fall. Colors in the park definitely dazzle visitors. The ruins themselves are a delight for photographers, especially with trees covered in fall colors. This is one place you should not miss!
4. Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Park
With steep cliffs and deep valleys by the Malbaie River, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Park is a must-visit for dramatic landscapes.
This already fantastic nature reserve, in the fall, changes into one of the liveliest mosaics of color, and ranks among the best places to see the fall foliage in Quebec.
The most popular trail in the park is the Acropole des Draveurs, loved for its challenging trail combined with a fantastic, unforgettable view. As you pass the challenging trail and reach the top, you can witness a valley beneath you, quilt-painted in vibrant colors of autumn. This view from the top is often said to be one of the most beautiful views in Quebec.
But if you want something more relaxed, you can still experience the colors of fall on a riverboat cruise along the Malbaie River. The quiet waters, coupled with the high peaks, make it a tranquil place to experience the fall colors.
Despite how you choose to spend your time in this region, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Park is a must-visit in the fall season.
5. Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm
Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm is a fantastic area for experiencing fall colors in Quebec, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. One of my favorite places is Mont Sourire. This easy hike is a hidden gem suitable for all ages. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding area, with the vibrant fall foliage creating a breathtaking panorama.
Another option in this area is Mont Ouareau, which is a more moderate hike, but the stunning views make it worth the effort.
6. Mauricie National Park
Mauricie National Park, situated approximately halfway between Quebec City and Montreal. With its 63 km Promenade Road, you can drive through one of the more stellar autumn landscapes in this province.
Along the way, you will run into several lookouts such as the Passage and the Île-aux-Pins, which will bring you to a beautiful view of Lake Wapizagonke and the surrounding forests. These viewpoints are especially beautiful in the autumn with foliage reflecting on the calm waters of the mirror-like water.
For the more enthusiastic walker, several trails lead further into the woods. Specifically, the Lac-Solitaire trail is a tranquil path leading to a quiet lake surrounded by an autumn view.
If you like to canoe, explore the Waber Falls excursion which includes paddling with a short hike to a picturesque waterfall, both with fall backdrops.
7. Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park
This park is one of my favorite places in the fall. It is a fantastic location to visit in autumn to enjoy all the colors that September and October bring out.
One trail I highly recommend is the Mont King trail, which as has stunning views of the Laurentian mountains. It is suitable for most hikers and it is a great choice if you want a peaceful atmosphere.
8. Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships are another perfect spot for breathtaking fall foliage. In this part of Quebec, you can find picturesque landscapes making it a perfect getaway to see the fall colors.
One place in the region I recommend visiting is Sutton. Here you can find Mont Sutton and Sutton Natural Environment Park with fantastic hiking trails that give you the perfect views for fall colors in Quebec. Sutton Village itself is also worth visiting, with quaint streets and historic buildings framed by colorful trees.
This area is also part of Quebec’s wine route giving you the opportunity to leisurely drive through the vineyards soaking in the beautiful fall scenery.
A hiking trail that I love in this region is The Lac Spruce trail. It’s a relatively easy trail that loops around the peaceful Lac Spruce, making it a great option for a relaxing walk while enjoying the natural surroundings.
During the fall, the trail is stunning as the trees around the lake burst into vibrant colors. The lake and the reflection create the most picturesque setting.
9. Parc Jean-Drapeau
If you wan to stay around Montreal and see the beautiful colors in the city, then Parc Jean-Drapeau is the best place for this. Just minutes from downtown Montreal, you can hop on the Metro or drive to this amazing park. There are extensive spaces to enjoy the autumn colors. The atmosphere is quite peaceful and you can leisurely walk through the park and soak in the views.
10. Mont Royal
And last but not least, the one place everyone, whether you are a local or a visitor should visit: Mont Royal. This is one place you can always go back to for a nice walk, a bike ride or a hike to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Beaver Lake and the Kondiaronk Belvedere offer perfect views of the changing colors around the city. This is also an ideal spot for a nice picnic. So grab your blankets, snacks and drinks and relax as you take in the simple beauty of the seasons changing.
As the leaves transform and the landscapes glow with vibrant hues, Quebec becomes a wonderland of natural beauty in the fall.
Whether you choose to hike up the heights of the mountains or take in the wide views around the city of Montreal — you will be able to experience autumn in Quebec in many different ways.
I would love to hear where in Quebec you’ve enjoyed the fall colors the most. Let me know in the comment box below.
If you are planning on doing any of the hikes mentioned above, make sure that you are prepared. Here are my must-haves when I go on a hike anywhere:
Good hiking shoes are a must and make a world of difference. I have always used these Merrell shoes and I highly recommend them.
I usually like to have a light backpack, which I why I love these foldable, water resistant backpacks.
To not add too much weight to my bag, I use these foldable water bottles. They are light and easy to carry and when you are finished drinking, you can pack it up without it taking much space or weight.
Check out this link for other items you might need for your hike.
