9 magical small towns in Quebec that are like stepping into a fall fairytale
These spots are extra magical when the leaves change. 🍂
A person stands on a lookout in Quebec. Right: A small town in Quebec in fall.
Quebec in the fall is straight out of a storybook, with vibrant forests, crisp mountain air, and charming small towns perfect for cozy weekends away.
Whether you want to wander through colourful villages, sip cider while admiring the changing leaves, or explore hiking trails immersed in fall foliage, the province is full of destinations that will sweep you off your feet this season.
To help you decide where to go, we've listed some of the best small towns for taking in fall colours.
Including mountain towns and charming villages, here are nine magical towns in Quebec that will make you feel like you've stepped right into a fall fairytale.
North Hatley
Why You Need To Go: Nestled in the Eastern Townships region at the tip of Lake Massawippi, North Hatley is a picturesque village where fall feels extra magical.
The village, which is known as one of the most beautiful small towns of Quebec, is home to quaint streets lined with heritage homes, cute B&Bs, boutique shops, and cozy cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place for an autumn stroll.
The beginning of the fall, when the leaves start to change, is a spectacular time to tour the area by bike or on foot.
Until mid-October, you can also shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses, honey, flowers, and much more at the North Hatley Farmer's Market.
Mont-Tremblant
Why You Need To Go: While it's famous as a ski resort, Mont-Tremblant is also one of the best places in Quebec to experience fall.
The pedestrian village looks like a European fairytale town, with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and mountain views, and is only made prettier when it's surrounded by hues of orange and gold.
You can take a gondola ride to see panoramic views of the Laurentians as the leaves change colour, explore scenic hiking trails or embark on a picturesque cycling route in the lush mountain landscape. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate by the fire in one of the village cafes.
Less than 10 minutes away, you can also get incredible views of fall foliage at the Sentier des cimes Laurentides, a walk that will take you above the trees.
Val-David
Why You Need To Go: Val-David is a village in the Laurentians region chock-full of nature.
Surrounded by forest and rocky cliffs, the village is perfect for outdoor adventurers.
Parc régional de Val-David–Val-Morin is considered to be a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering 60 kilometres of hiking trails, more than 500 routes and 100 boulders for climbing, 35 kilometres of mountain bike trails, and rest and picnic areas, all set in a beautiful place that comes alive in the fall.
After your fill of outdoor fun, check out Rue de l’Église, Val-David’s main street, which offers an abundance of art galleries, eateries, shops and bakeries.
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Why You Need To Go: Tucked along the St. Lawrence River in Charlevoix, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is a dreamy little village framed by mountains and water.
The village is the oldest settlement site in Charlevoix, where you'll find the highest mountain east of the Rockies.
In the fall, the colours make this cute spot even more charming. You'll find sweeping river views, chalets, and access to one of Quebec’s most famous hiking destinations, Le Massif de Charlevoix.
In town, you'll also find a number of restaurants to satisfy any cravings, from fine-dining options to local cafes and comfort-food spots.
Orford
Why You Need To Go: If you’re craving fall colours, Orford is one of the top spots in Quebec to see them.
Located in the Eastern Townships, the village is right next to Parc national du Mont-Orford, where endless trails take you through rolling hills, lakes, and forests that turn into a golden wonderland come October.
Hiking is the best way to discover the park, as well as get access to numerous viewpoints said to be among the most spectacular of the Eastern Townships region.
The town itself is home to a number of bistros, cafes and inns where you can warm up after a day outside. Add in a nearby vineyard and microbrewery, and Orford becomes the ultimate fall getaway.
Montebello
Why You Need To Go: Montebello is a riverside destination that feels like stepping back in time.
Founded in 1878, the town oozes old-world charm and is known for its stunning log cabin (the largest in the world), the Fairmont Le Château Montebello.
Montebello boasts several cultural and historical attractions, as well as sprawling natural sites where you can admire the fall foliage.
Wander along the Ottawa River, browse local boutiques, or explore the popular Parc Omega, a wildlife park where moose, deer, and elk and other animals roam freely.
L'Anse-Saint-Jean
Why You Need To Go: L’Anse-Saint-Jean is a picture-perfect resort village located on the banks of the Saguenay Fjord.
In the fall, the dramatic cliffs and waterways found here are even more magical, framed by fiery autumn colours. Climb up to the Anse-de-Tabatière lookout to observe the fjord, or enjoy hiking trails, bike paths, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding among the fall foliage.
The village itself has a storybook quality, with covered bridges, period houses and cozy inns dotting its picturesque setting on the water.
The Mont Edouard resort offers a network of trails to explore, including easy forest paths and mountain trails, allowing you to explore its slopes and breathtaking viewpoints.
Saint-Raymond
Why You Need To Go: Just outside Quebec City, Saint-Raymond is an adventure hub surrounded by forests that transform into a kaleidoscope of colours every fall.
The small city is considered the gateway to the Vallée Bras-du-Nord, one of the best places in the province for seeing fall colours. Here, you can explore the many groomed trails of different lengths and levels of ability, go mountain biking or fatbiking in the woods, or paddle down the river in a canoe.
Saint-Raymond also offers horseback riding, flower farms and gardens, welcoming restaurants, a microbrewery, and a laid-back vibe that makes it a perfect fall escape.
Sutton
Why You Need To Go: Sutton is a true mountain village in the Eastern Townships that feels designed for autumn getaways.
Mont Sutton provides the setting for tons of adventure. Here, you can go mountain biking, enjoy ziplining or a zipline coaster, and explore a network of scenic hiking trails.
The Sentier du Village-Montagne trail links the mountain and the heart of the village, meaning visitors can go from the village all the way to the mountain on foot.
You'll also find a number of vineyards and cycling routes here where you can admire the changing leaves.
Every weekend from mid-September to mid-October, Mont Sutton's Fall Festival also offers plenty to do and see, with chairlift rides, hiking, mountain biking, ziplining and free food and music at the foot of the slopes.
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.