This hike near Montreal leads to a dreamy heart-shaped lake hidden in a sea of fall colours

If you're on the hunt for a fall hike near Montreal with some of the best views of the changing leaves, look no further than this stunning regional park in Quebec that offers both gorgeous scenery and a whimsical hidden gem.

Set in a small town with plenty of nature, the hike will lead you to a viewpoint where you can see red, orange, and gold leaves, and a tucked-away lake shaped like a heart.

Located in the Laurentians, about an hour and 20 minutes from Montreal, is Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park, where you'll find picturesque trails, mountain biking adventures and breathtaking views at every turn.

The 600-hectare protected area is dotted with various peaks and two mountain lakes that are beautiful to visit in every season. However, as the leaves begin to change, the area becomes filled with shades of red and gold, making for an especially lovely sight.

The park is divided into two sectors, the Val-Morin sector and the Dufresne sector. The latter contains 60 kilometres of hiking trails and several peaks, including the popular Mont King.

The summit is a popular place for incredible views, and can be reached on a loop hike.

The Mont King trail is a 6.7-kilometre loop considered to be a moderately challenging route. The trail leads to a stunning lookout at the peak, where you can bask in the fall foliage.

The loop also delivers beautiful views of Lac Amigo, a natural heart-shaped lake surrounded by fall colours in autumn.

The route takes about two to two and a half hours to complete, according to AllTrails.

Beyond Mont King, the regional park is a destination in itself, with plenty of hiking, biking and climbing trails suitable for all levels. Other popular trails include Mount Condor Ouest, a classic for stunning panoramic views that lead to lookouts with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Tickets for the park start at $10 for hiking and can be purchased in advance online.

The Dufresne sector of the park can be accessed from Chalet Anne-Piché, a 5-minute walk from the heart of Val-David village.

After your fill of outdoor fun, you can visit Rue de l’Église, the village's main street, which offers an abundance of art galleries, eateries, shops and bakeries to grab a treat and warm up with a hot drink.

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.