This Quebec resort lets you soar through foliage on 'sky bikes' and sleep in cozy treehouses

Just a 90-minute drive from Montreal!

​A treehouse in fall. Right: A low-angle shot from under a person riding a sky bike, suspended amongst colourful treetops.

A treehouse in fall. Right: Soaring through the colourful foliage on a sky bike.

Senior Writer

Looking for the best fall foliage spots in and around Montreal? You may want to think less about location and more about your potential vantage point.

At one Quebec travel destination, just 90 minutes from Montreal by car, you can live and play amongst the leaves via flying bicycles and deluxe treehouses.

Au Diable Vert is a mountain resort in the province's Eastern Townships region. It describes itself on its website as an award-winning and "totally unique four-season outdoor centre," offering "people-powered activities and eco lodging."

From hiking on their private 22-kilometre trail system to star gazing at the "world's first open-air augmented reality planetarium" to kayaking, snowshoeing and visits with the on-site farm's adorable Highland cows, Au Diable Vert offers something for everyone all year round.

That said, it's even prettier in autumn — and, as we mentioned, there are two ideal ways to get an optimal look at the fall colours.

The first is by way of the 1,000-metre 'VéloVolant' circuit. Passing over ravines and waterfalls, you'll soar through the treetops on a suspended recumbent bike (think: stationary bike or spin bike), gliding along a cable supported by towering maples and pines.

The ride lasts 45 minutes and is basically a combination of cycling and zip-lining.

The bike only travels as quickly as you pedal so you can stop to bask in the beautiful views of Vermont's Green Mountains. Or, pick up the pace to get your adrenaline pumping.

While visiting Au Diable Vert for the day is a good option, sleeping over is even better. The resort has a unique roster of accommodations, including treehouses, where you can rest your head next to treetops adorned with stunning shades or reach out and touch the leaves from your deck.

The treehouse cabins, some of which are over 16 feet tall, can fit up to eight people. They're well-insulated and come equipped with actual beds, battery-powered LED lights and wood stoves you can use for cooking. You'll get access to shared bathroom facilities during your stay.

If you get tired of "roughing it" in the wilderness, you can always visit the quaint shops and restaurants in the nearby towns of Abercorn and Sutton for Hallmark-level autumn vibes.

It's the perfect fall getaway for you and your friends, lover, family or pup, as the whole park is dog-friendly, including the cabins!

Au Diable Vert

Price:

  • VéloVolant: $50 plus tax per adult (includes access to trails for the day)
  • Treehouse cabins start at around $149 per night.

Address: 169, ch. Staines, Glen Sutton, QC

Au Diable Vert Website

These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.

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.

  • Ilana Belfer
  • Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

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