This beautiful small town near Montreal looks like an autumn postcard
Here's how to plan the perfect fall day trip. 🍂
A white church in a small town near Montreal. Right: A person walks in a small town.
If you want a fall getaway from Montreal that feels straight out of a postcard, add this day-trip spot to your autumn itinerary.
Just a road trip from Montreal, you can visit a charming mountain town known for its fiery fall foliage, covered bridges, and cozy fall scenery for a dreamy autumn escape.
Stowe is a beautiful small town in the U.S. state of Vermont, located just over 2 hours from Montreal. The town offers a picture-perfect downtown area with well-preserved historic buildings, scenic parks and forest areas, and unique cultural experiences that make it well worth crossing the border for.
Stowe is frequently cited as one of the top destinations for fall foliage in the United States, where stunning autumn colours paint the landscape in shades of red, orange, and gold.
The beautiful foliage can be seen all around town, but some spots offer particularly great viewing.
Smuggler's Notch State Park is one of the best places in town to see the changing fall colours. Known as one of Vermont’s most legendary mountain passes, Smuggler's Notch is a winding corridor of towering cliffs, dense forests and dramatic rock formations.
The park offers hiking trails where you'll be surrounded by stunning fall foliage. The scenic byway through Smugglers' Notch is also thought to be one of New England’s most sought-after drives, where you can see the changing leaves right from your car.
In the park, visit the Barnes Camp Boardwalk, a short boardwalk trail through wetlands, for an incredible view of Smugglers' Notch and connections to longer hiking trails. Or, hike to Sterling Pond, a moderate, half-day hike that leads to a stunning alpine pond.
Stowe also offers three beautiful covered bridges, each with its own story and unique design, that are surrounded by fall colours. Visit the Brookdale Bridge, located at one end of the Stowe Recreation Path, to see a classic red covered bridge surrounded by shades of orange and gold.
Of course, you can't miss a classic view of the Stowe Community Church. Built in 1863, the beautiful church continues to serve the community, and its iconic white steeple is especially stunning to see in the fall. You can find perfect vantage points from the Stowe Recreation Path or view it right from the town's Main Street.
In town, you'll find charming storefronts, many decorated for the fall season, where you can shop hand-crafted goods, local art, stylish apparel and Vermont-made treats, as well as restaurants serving up everything from casual bites to gourmet meals on Mountain Road.
If you're making it a full day trip, consider a stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, located just outside town. This family-run spot has become a fall institution, offering fresh-pressed cider, "legendary" cider donuts, and shelves stocked with local goodies.
Another popular stop is the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in nearby Waterbury, where you can grab a scoop of the brand's iconic ice cream and even see a graveyard of discontinued flavours.
Foliage in Stowe typically begins to turn in early September and lasts through mid-to-late October, with peak foliage generally visible the last week of September and the first week of October.
With its historic buildings, quaint downtown area and mix of nature and culture, the mountain town offers a mix of outdoor adventure, sweet treats, and New England charm that's hard to beat.
Its proximity to Montreal makes it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway — just don't forget your passport!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
