11 of the best things to do in and around Montreal this fall
Fall in Montreal isn't just a season; it's a lifestyle. Did you even truly experience autumn if you didn't pick your own apples, sip on a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or hike up a mountain with stunning views of the foliage?
And that's only the beginning. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and the smell of cinnamon wafts through the air, the city comes alive with endless activities that celebrate the beauty of the season.
From outdoor adventures that make the most of sweater weather to cozy nights in, it's time to enjoy one of the most magical parts of the year. Here are eleven of the best things to do in and around Montreal this fall.
Light up your life at the Botanical Garden
Price: $17.50 per adult for residents of Greater Montreal (discounts available on Mondays and Tuesdays from September 2 to October 8)
When: Until October 31
Address: Montreal Botanical Garden – 4101, rue Sherbrooke E.
Why You Need To Go: Mother Nature isn't the only one painting trees vibrant colours this fall. Each year, the Montreal Botanical Garden offers visitors an enchanting escape into a world of glowing beauty. This event showcases stunning lantern displays that illuminate the night, inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Indigenous cultures.
Wander through beautifully lit paths, where nature and artistry blend seamlessly to create a magical, immersive experience.
Whether you’re looking for a serene evening stroll amongst the trees, flowers and plants or prefer to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the lanterns, Gardens of Light is the perfect way to celebrate the season.
Break out of a world-class escape room
Price: Starting at $38.99 per person
Why You Need To Go: As temperatures drop, and coziness levels rise, you might be looking for new and exciting indoor activities. Did you know Greater Montreal is home to four of the top 100 escape room games? Each year, Top Escape Rooms Project (TERP) ranks the world's best escape rooms based on nominations from super-fans across the globe. In 2023, four Quebec escape games near Montreal made the list — and one of the concepts even took fourth place.
From an ancient demon-haunted cathedral to a Narnia-esque journey through a wardrobe portal, get ready for epic expeditions that use incredible storytelling, impressive acting, jaw-dropping sets and challenging puzzles to create an unforgettable experience.
TERP is about to open its nomination period for the 2024 award season, and the results are set to be announced on December 21. That leaves you with just over two months to explore the 2023 winners before this year's top 100 takes over — and isn't spooky season the perfect time for an exhilarating adventure?!
Peep leaves as the fall foliage peaks
When: Varies, between mid-September and the end of October
Why You Need To Go: Leaf peeping only peaks once a year! Don't miss your chance to see nature's dazzling annual display, as the treetops turn gorgeous hues of red, orange, yellow and gold. The key to making the most of fall foliage is being at the right place at the right time. While there are a number of Montreal spots with stunning views, it's worth noting that the Laurentian Mountains ranked second on a list of Canada's best fall foliage spots. You could also take a road trip or day trip across the border to 'fall's colour capital' aka Stowe, Vermont.
But how do you know when to arrange your forest stakeout? Quebec's tourism agency, Bonjour Quebec, has created a map that tracks the changing colours through all their stages so, as the website says, "you won't miss any of the show."
Pick your own apples
Price: Starting at $8 for a three-litre bag
When: Until the end of October
Why You Need To Go: Is it really fall in Montreal without a trip to the nearest U-pick apple orchard? Apple picking is not only the season's most quintessential activity — it's also the most versatile, ranging from wholesome family fun to getting day drunk on cider to soft-launching your lover on Instagram with the perfect new-couple photoshoot. Whether you prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, several farms near Montreal have you covered with a selection of succulent apples you can enjoy while breathing in the crips air and basking in the beauty of autumn. Bust out grandma's apple pie recipe to turn a Sunday Funday into a week's worth of goodness.
Road trip to a small town with Hallmark-level autumn vibes
Why You Need To Go: If you want to take your leaf peeping to the next level, set your sights on an enchanting small town near Montreal and plan a road trip. Imagine winding roads leading to old-fashioned cottages, friendly faces, quaint boutiques, cozy coffee shops and stunning landscapes. There are tons of adorable villages within driving distance where you can live out your Hallmark movie or Gilmore Girls fantasy — both inside and outside of Quebec — while enjoying storybook settings.
Get spooked at a haunted village
Price: $39.99 per adult, $33.99 under 18s
When: Every Friday and Saturday from September 27 to October 26, 2024 and Sunday, October 13
Address: Village Québécois d'Antan – 1370, rue Montplaisir, Drummondville, QC
Why You Need To Go: "If you're looking for a Halloween experience that's more than just pumpkins and lattes, pack up your car and head to the Haunted Village at the Village Québécois d'Antan in Drummondville. Just an hour and a half from Montreal, this historic village goes full-on spooky every fall, transforming into a terrifying town straight out of your nightmares," writes MTL Blog's Helena Hanson in an article about the Halloween experience, which features a three-kilometre-long trail with over 20 terrifyingly realistic scenes and buildings. With its eerie vibes and immersive scares, the 16th edition of Village Québécois d'Antan will haunt your dreams long after you leave!
Alternatively, La Ronde is also about to transform into a giant haunted house that's "more terrifying than ever and much closer to home.
Snap the best pics ever at Montreal's new 'Instagrammable' museum
Price: $35 per person
When: Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 290, rue de la Montagne
Why You Need To Go: Sixteen artistic universes await you at Musée Imaginarium, a new Griffintown museum dedicated to transforming the selfie studio experience. From a tropical forest to a diva's dressing room to a human-sized poutine pool, this photogenic 4,500-square-foot playground is the perfect place to load up on colourful content that'll keep your Instagram feed looking fresh for the rest of the fall. Even if you're not a social media fanatic, Musée Imaginarium serves as a unique rainy-day activity where you can share some laughs and make some (very artsy) memories with your friends.
Planning on travelling this autumn? There's even a passport photo service offered from inside a vintage fridge.
Take a seasonally spectacular hike
Why You Need To Go: Hiking is a go-to fall activity for good reason. Regardless of your fitness level, exercise feels a whole lot easier when you're distracted by magnificent mountain views adorned with vibrant autumn foliage. The best part is you don't have to go far to take advantage of this season's natural splendour. For example, Val-David's Mont King, located less than 90 minutes from Montreal, leads to lush forests showcasing the changing colours of the leaves, as well as a heart-shaped lake down below.
Warm your belly (and heart) at an upcoming food festival
When:
- Pizza Fest MTL: October 1 to 31
- Ramen Ramen: October 14 to 27
Why You Need To Go: Think Montreal food festivals are only for summer? Think again! As the weather cools, it's the perfect time to warm up with delicious comfort foods at Pizza Fest MTL or Ramen Ramen Fes.
Pizza Fest, billed as "the biggest pizza celebration in town," is already in full swing. Pizza lovers can indulge in an array of mouthwatering pies from local restaurants and vote for their favourites until the end of the month. The event also features a 'Biggest Eater Contest' on October 1, and the 'Pizza Fest Challenge,' a competition to crown Canada's best pizzaiolo, happening on October 15 and 16.
Meanwhile, Ramen Ramen returns for its third edition starting mid-month. Hosted by ASIASIE, the festival invites ramen enthusiasts to slurp and savour the iconic Japanese dish over two weeks. On October 14, as part of the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, there will be a special screening of the cult ramen film Tampopo, with ramen served on-site. An interactive map of participating ramen spots is set to be available on October 7.
Bon Appétit!
Get lost (and found) in a Halloween maze
Price: $25 per person 12 and older. Reservations required.
Age: Not recommended for children under 12
When: Thursday to Sunday in October, and October 30 and 31, 6:30 p.m. to midnight. It's important to check the website or social media before going, as the activity may be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
Address: Fraisière Lauzon & Fils – 11, rang Trait-Carré, Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, QC
Why you should go: Instead of (or in addition to) visiting a haunted house, why not get your jump scare fix from a Halloween maze this spooky season? When the sun goes down in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, about 30 minutes from Laval, monsters and ghoulish creatures come to life in the heart of a cornfield. Bring a flashlight and lots of courage, as you prepare to face the nightmarish characters that roam the dirt roads. As far as fall activities go, Fraisière Lauzon et Fils' Haunted Night Maze is a dream come true. Wait, did we say that right?! We meant a nightmare come to life.
Go on a cozy café crawl
Why You Need To Go: Starbucks isn't the only place in town to get an amazing Pumpkin Spice Latte or festive seasonal beverage. If you want to support local this autumn, treat fall drinks like they're Pokémon and try to catch them all. From Mollo's artisan apple treats to Brûlerie St-Denis' Pumpkin Spice Lattes, featuring a homemade spice blend with real pumpkin, there's a beverage to suit every taste bud at the city's cozy neighbourhood cafés. Visit as many as you can before winter flavours take over!
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.
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