This Quebec train winds past dreamy coastal villages and rolling hills bathed in fall colours

Fall in Quebec is a great time to get out and explore, as the leaves change colour and burst into shades of red, orange and gold.

One of the most enchanting ways to take in the scenery isn't by car or on foot, but by train. You can hop aboard a scenic train ride this fall that will take you past charming small towns and rolling hills for what just might be one of the most breathtaking autumn rides in the country.

Le Train de Charlevoix is a tourist rail service — the only one in the province — that offers a unique way to take in the fall splendour.

Starting from Quebec City, the train takes passengers along a scenic route to La Malbaie, crossing many small towns and coastal villages along the way.

With large windows that immerse you in the scenery, the train provides stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains that are usually otherwise inaccessible.

The route begins in Quebec City at Montmorency Falls Park, a great place to take in the fall colours and admire the rushing waterfall. From there, the train makes its way to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a charming town where you'll find unique sites like the Canyon Sainte Anne.

The train will then pass Le Massif de Charlevoix, an iconic mountain in the region, which is the highest east of the Canadian Rockies, as well as Petite-Rivière-Saint-Francois, a small town known as the gateway to Charlevoix.

The train will then reach Baie-Saint-Paul, where travellers can choose to stop. Renowned for its art and heritage, the town boasts a relaxing, postcard-like setting along the St. Lawrence River, offering a mix of nature and culture.

Here, you'll find museums, art galleries, shows, lively bars, bistros and gourmet restaurants that make Baie-Saint-Paul the cultural capital of the region.

Take a stroll down the bustling Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street to find charming boutiques, art galleries, artisanal shops and restaurants where you can grab a bite.

The train will then pass Les Éboulements, a village with a unique landscape offering camping and hiking, before reaching La Malbaie, its final stop along the route.

Known as the birthplace of resorts in Canada, La Malbaie is home to golf courses, bike paths, hiking trails, whale watching, sea kayaking on the St. Lawrence, and delicious local gastronomy.

A popular way to see the fall colours here is by embarking on a hike in Malbaie River High Gorges National Park. The park offers glacial valleys, majestic waterfalls, and trails bathed in fall colours.

Fare prices for Le Train de Charlevoix start at $99 per person for a round-trip journey from Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie. Travellers can also choose to travel round-trip from Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul, or the full journey from Quebec City to La Malbaie.

There is no food service on board, but passengers are free to bring their own lunch. Beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are available.

If you want to stay the night, the train offers fare and accommodation packages at several hotels, with food and other amenities like spa passes included.

The train operates until November. The best time to ride for peak fall foliage will usually be around early to mid-October. You can also consult Quebec's fall foliage map to track the changing leaves.

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.