15 Ideas to Make the Most of Fall in Quebec and Ontario

Fall colours never last long. You get a few short weeks of stunning reds and oranges, and then, just like that, the grey season settles in. If you want to make the most of it and catch the show at its peak, your best bet is to follow the wave of colour. It usually starts in the east in late September, then slowly makes its way down toward Montreal and Ottawa in October.

Here are 15 ideas to enjoy fall, from the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula all the way to the Rideau Canal.

The Gaspé Peninsula

Best time to see the colours: late September to early October

Mount Ernest-Laforce

If you think seeing the Chic-Chocs in full fall colour takes a major expedition, think again. At Mount Ernest-Laforce, a 4.6 km loop gives you a 360-degree view of the mountains. It’s beautiful year-round, but in fall, it’s truly something else. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose!

Hiking in Forillon National Park

The same cliffs and the same seals as in summer, but without the crowds. Plus, the trails are lined with maples and yellow birches, and you’ll often have the viewpoints almost to yourself. Bring plenty of layers, because that sea breeze feels a lot cooler than it does in July.

Paddleboarding in Full Colour

Standing on your board with colourful mountains in the background is the kind of moment that sticks with you, and the kind of photo you’ll want for Instagram. Griffon Aventure offers guided outings if you don’t have your own gear.

Driving Route 132 between Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Percé

The St. Lawrence on one side, the colourful Chic-Chocs on the other. It’s hard to beat that kind of scenery. Leave early, stop often and give yourself time to wander through the villages. Auberge festive Sea Shack makes a great home base before hitting the road in the morning, with a seaside atmosphere that keeps the road trip feeling going once you’re back.

Chiller dans un hamac face à la mer

At Griffon Aventure, you can settle into a hammock with the sea in front of you and fall colours all around. Grab your wool socks and a good book, because this might just be your most relaxing fall experience in Quebec.

Le Bas-Saint-Laurent

Best time to see the colours: late September to early October

Bic National Park

If you’ve never been to Bic, now’s the time to add it to your list. You can either keep things easy and watch the seals by the water, or hike up to Pic Champlain. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous colours and seriously beautiful scenery.

Sunsets on the Beach in Rivière-du-Loup

The sunsets in Rivière-du-Loup are breathtaking. They’re even known as some of the most beautiful in the world. Now imagine that view with fall colours on top of it. Even better, Auberge internationale de Rivière-du-Loup is not far from the beach and welcomes you with a simple, warm atmosphere, plus free breakfast.

Seeing the Last Whales of the Season

September and October are often the best months for whale watching. You can treat yourself to a cruise or, if you’re watching your budget, take the ferry to Saint-Siméon and keep your eyes open.

Parc des Chutes

Right in downtown Rivière-du-Loup, just steps from the hostel, Parc des Chutes is your best bet for an easy fall outing. There are several trails and lookout points, and you can also check out a 33-metre waterfall. Back at the hostel, the terrace with its fireplace and string lights will make you want to settle in outside and enjoy the evening.

Montreal

Best time to see the colours: early to mid-October

Mount Royal

Passe par le chemin Olmsted si tu veux y aller mollo ou prends les escaliers si t’as de l’énergie à brûler. Une fois au belvédère, t’as la ville avec la montagne colorée devant et, juste à côté, le cimetière Mont-Royal, qui est beau et relativement tranquille à ce temps de l’année.

Take the Olmsted path if you want to keep it easy, or climb the stairs if you have energy to burn. Once you reach the lookout, you’ll get the city with the colourful mountain in front of you and, right nearby, Mount Royal Cemetery, which is beautiful and fairly quiet at this time of year.

Biking Under the Trees along the Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal bike path is lined with trees, which makes it a beautiful fall ride. Saintlo Montréal is perfectly located so you can easily rent a bike and get to the path, then come back to enjoy the hostel’s friendly energy right in the heart of the city, with free breakfast included.

Coffee on a Terrace

A small terrace with a heater and blankets while you sip your coffee or tea. Is there anything more comforting in fall? At Saintlo Montréal, you can also enjoy the hostel’s own terrace, take a breather between outings and soak up fall in the city.

Ottawa

Best time to see the colours: early to mid-October

Gatineau Park

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Gatineau Park is the place to enjoy fall in the area. In my opinion, the Champlain Lookout has the most spectacular view in the park, but Pink Lake is pretty great too. Weekends get busy, so aim for a weekday if you can.

The Rideau Canal by Bike or on Foot

Eight kilometres of tree-lined paths between downtown and Dow’s Lake, perfect for getting some crisp fall air. Saintlo Ottawa Jail is just minutes from the canal, and you can rent a bike nearby, all while sleeping in a former jail turned truly unique hostel, with free breakfast to start your day right.

The Canadian Museum of History

If the weather is rough or the leaves have already fallen, head over to Gatineau and visit the most-visited museum in the country. It’s honestly impressive, and you can easily spend the whole day there.

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