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What to do in Quebec this fall?

Group on top of a mountain in Parc national de la Gaspésie.
© Dany Vachon

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We love fall! Enjoy the Quebec landscapes that slowly change colours, carry out special activities well suited to this season and prepare to put on a few layers of clothes with a smile… Fall is one of the unmissable events in the province; let’s see what to do in Quebec this fall!


1. Paddle on the St. Lawrence River at Sunset

It’s well known that Bas-Saint-Laurent offers some of the most beautiful sunsets in Quebec! Book a few nights at our Rivière-du-Loup hostel (rooms and dormitories) and enjoy the incomparable rhythm of life in this maritime region. Plan at least one outing on the St. Lawrence in a kayak or SUP to let yourself be immersed in its charms. Why not time your outing with the most orange of sunsets to reward yourself?

Personne faisant du SUP au coucher de soleil près de Rivière-du-Loup
© Patric Nadeau – Photographe
Jardin Botanique de Montréal
© Sylvie Li @ shoot Studio – Tourisme Montréal

2. Experience Urban Nature at Its Best

Fall is definitely happening at the Botanical Garden in Montreal! Between the strange plants, the moon festival, the sorcerer’s steps trail, the breathtaking Chinese lanterns and a host of other activities, the nature park comes to life to amaze visitors. Plus, the attraction is on the same (green) metro line as our Montreal hostel, making it easy to reach!

3. Pick Your Own Halloween Pumpkin

There are several places that offer the opportunity to pick your own Halloween pumpkin, but connoisseurs fall for La Courgerie in Lanaudière. With hundreds of types of cucurbits on sale in addition to numerous transformed products, it’s impossible to leave this place empty-handed!

Illustration d'une citrouille
Quelqu'un tient un verre de vin rouge devant un champ et un coucher de soleil.

4. Hop Along the Wine Route

Autumn rhymes with grape harvests; take the opportunity to visit a few vineyards and stock up on good bottles for your upcoming dinners. The Eastern Townships are a particularly popular region for a wine tour, particularly on the Brome-Missisquoi wine route! While you’re at it, why not lend a hand during the harvest? Several establishments welcome you for the occasion!

5. Take a Trip to Gaspésie National Park

National parks are exceptional places to appreciate the outdoors, the fauna and flora of Quebec. Autumn is certainly not to be neglected, especially since if you change regions, you will stretch your season. Some parts of the province see the colour changes before/after others. So set off on an incomparable hiking adventure to the top of our mountains. Maybe you will even get a chance to see caribou!

L’Auberge festive Sea Shack in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts welcomes you nearby (30 minutes by car) in its chalets and campsites until September, in its blue house from October to May and even for van life-ing in winter!

Un caribou
© Daniel Desmarais – TQ

6. Peruse the Charlevoix Flavour Trail

Foodie and completely fan of Quebec regions or looking to discover them in more depth? The Charlevoix Flavour Trail is a destination of choice for an upcoming fall trip. Between the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and Grands-Jardins national parks and the valleys along the river, Charlevoix is full of succulent gourmet addresses to make up your foodie itinerary!

Base yourself at Auberge La Secousse in La Malbaie (rooms and dorms) and let your creativity run wild to compose an unforgettable journey. For photo inspiration, don’t miss the article on the 14 most Instagrammable places in Charlevoix.

Assiette de tartare
Plateau de fromages et de charcuterie

7. Visit the Haunted Village at Village Québécois d’antan

In Centre-du-Québec, the famous Quebec village of yesteryear comes alive to give you the scares this fall at the haunted village. History, heritage and culture take on a whole new chilling meaning as you shiver in horror.

The multisensory visit promises monsters, shocks, fear, and certainly a few screams! Take advantage of your visit to the region to discover a cranberry grove at harvest time. What a spectacle, this time without Halloween surprises!

8. Immerse Yourself in a Hot Bath at the Nordic Spa

While the thermometer shows an increasingly cold temperature, nothing better than a hot bath to enjoy the well-deserved weekend. With friends or your loved one, head to the Nordic spa closest to you or the furthest away! All regions of Quebec have renowned establishments to offer.

Femme dans une piscine devant une forêt et un lac en automne
© BALNEA spa + réserve thermale

Ready to venture out now for a fall weekend in Quebec or plan an outing with friends to enjoy the season? These various suggestions for activities to do in Quebec in the fall should certainly have stimulated you!

And you, what are your preferences for spending fall in Quebec?