8 beautiful Quebec fall destinations everyone should visit at least once, according to a local
Don't let the end of summer get you down! Instead, put on your favourite cozy sweater, down a Pumpkin-spiced latte, step out into the crisp autumn air, and experience Quebec at its most beautiful and colourful.
Although the province is full of scenic wonders year-round, during fall, when the landscape transforms into blazing reds and glimmering golds, everything gets more beautiful. Read on to discover the best places in Quebec to take in the beauty of the season.
Parc National du Mont-Tremblant
Address: 3824, ch. du Lac Supérieur, Lac-Supérieur, QC
Distance from Montreal: 2 hours
Why You Need To Go: This national park is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and was even named the second best place in Canada to view the fall foliage. And it's no wonder — at 875 metres, the park's namesake mountain is one of the highest in the Laurentians, and this time of year, it transforms into both a towering array of golden and red leaves and a breathtaking vantage point to view the colourful scenery below.
You can explore Parc National du Mont-Tremblant on one of its more than 82 kilometres of trails or if you're feeling extra adventurous, try Via Ferrata du Diable, a thrilling blend of hiking and rock climbing. Even though the park is full of modern amenities (fully equipped cabins and romantic chalet rentals, anyone?), it's the oldest national park in Quebec and one of the oldest in North America, proving that like wine, some things really do get better with age. And speaking of wine, why not unwind from a long day of hiking with a glass (or two or three, no judgment) at the nearby village resort town, Mont-Tremblant, a beautiful fall destination of its own.
Tadoussac
Address: Tadoussac, QC
Distance from Montreal: 6 hours
Why You Need To Go: Considered one of the most beautiful places in the province, Tadoussac is a popular spot year-round, famous for both its natural scenery and whale watching. But if there's any time of year to scratch this quaint maritime village off your travel bucket list, it's now.
The dazzling fall foliage of Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and the surrounding Saguenay Fjord is worth the trip alone, but it's the whale watching that really makes Tadoussac a must-see fall destination. Although whale-watching season runs from May to October, the autumn months are when the whales are most active and numerous as they prepare for their long migrations south for winter (whales, they're just like us!). This is the best time of year to spot beluga, minke, humpback, fin, and blue whales.
Forillon National Park
Address: 2286, boul. de Grande-Grève, Gaspé, QC
Distance from Montreal: 10 hours and 30 minutes
Why You Need To Go: Located on the northeastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Forillon National Park has a little bit of everything: lush forests, striking cliffs, towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and active marine life. It's the perfect marriage between land and sea and a popular national park any time of year. But imagine its already stunning landscape and then sprinkle it with hints of gold and crimson, and you'll understand why Forillon National Park is even more spectacular in the fall.
It's also peak whale-watching season in the region, so if you can peel your eyes away from the shimmering fall foliage, you may be lucky enough to spot a blue whale, Atlantic white-sided dolphin, or harbour porpoise.
Mont-Sainte-Anne
Address: 2000, boul. du Beau Pré, Beaupré, QC
Distance from Montreal: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Why You Need To Go: This ski resort in Beaupré is a popular winter spot, but it's open year-round and arguably even better in the fall.
At 803 metres, Mont-Sainte-Anne offers stunning views of the Saint Lawrence and the surrounding Laurentian Mountains, even more breathtaking when dusted in the reds and golds of autumn leaves. You can reach the mountain's summit on a dense trail network with hikes ranging from easy to difficult, or take a romantic gondola ride to the top. There's even an autumn brunch at the summit each Sunday until October 5, so you can take your breathtaking views with a side of bacon.
Eastern Township Vineyards
Distance from Montreal: Between 1 hour and 2 hours
Why You Need To Go: Hit up your favourite designated driver and go for a breathtaking and unforgettable road trip through Quebec's wine country. September and October are grape harvest season in the Eastern Townships with local vineyards, wineries, and cideries hosting special events to mark the occasion.
With over 31 active vineyards in the region, you really can't go wrong with any, but highlights include Sherbrooke's La Halte des Pèlerins which allows you to take part in the grape harvest the first two weekends of October, Brigham's Vignoble La Bauge which features an exotic animal park, and Château Ste-Agnès in Sutton, situated around a charming castle. Couple that with colourful fall foliage, and you won't even need wine goggles to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Le Massif de Charlevoix
Address: 185, ch. du Massif, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC
Distance from Montreal: 4 hours
Why You Need To Go: Don't wait until winter to visit this popular ski resort in the Charlevoix region of the province. Le Massif de Charlevoix is open year-round, and in the fall, it boasts stunning views of the vibrant landscape below, dazzling with reds, oranges, and yellows of the foliage, and blues of the nearby Saint Lawrence River.
Although Le Massif isn't just a clever name — the mountain stands at a massive 806 metres tall — there are beginner-friendly hikes to the summit included among the 20-kilometre trail network and even a pet-friendly gondola to the top, making taking in the scenery as easy breezy as the crisp autumn air.
Parc Oméga
Address: 399, rte. 323 N., Montebello, QC
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Why You Need To Go: Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Okay, not exactly, more like bison, and foxes, and bears, oh yes!
Parc Oméga is a large safari park just outside Montebello, where you can encounter over 20 species of North American wild animals in their natural habitat. The 12-kilometre safari trail allows you to enjoy the animals from the safety and comfort of your car, so don't let a fear of bears or a cool autumn breeze keep you away. While the park is open year-round, September through November is deer mating season, making fall a unique time to observe bucks go toe to toe (or antler to antler) to compete for the affections of does.
Parc National du Mont-Orford
Address: 3321, ch. du Parc, Orford, QC
Distance from Montreal: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Why You Need To Go: Brimming with statuesque sugar maples that come autumn, transform into blazing reds and golds vibrant enough to light up the entire Eastern Townships, Parc National du Mont-Orford is the ultimate fall destination.
The park and its glorious fall foliage are best explored on foot, hiking one of the scenic trails that make up its over 80-kilometre trail network. The trails range from easy to difficult, and all offer breathtaking views of the colourful and mountainous landscape.
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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A rendering of the Vol de l’Oiseau mécanique light show at Le Massif de Charlevoix.