Every fall, Quebec turns into a living painting: flaming red maples, golden birches, purple oaks. The peak travels from north to south, from late September in the Laurentians and Charlevoix to mid-October in the Montérégie and the Eastern Townships. This guide gathers 14 places to admire the fall colours with family or friends, each with the venue’s listing, access and prices.
Tips: colour weekends are the busiest of the year in the national parks; Sépaq requires same-day reservations in the most popular parks (Mont-Saint-Bruno, Oka, Jacques-Cartier, Mont-Orford) and parking lots close when full. Leave before 9 a.m. or aim for a weekday. And to follow the peak region by region, several parks publish a weekly “colour report” on their listing.
🍁 Why it does you good
An hour in the forest lowers cortisol, the stress hormone; trees release phytoncides that boost immune defences; and a screen-free walk restores attention and creativity. Fall colours are the year’s best excuse to go check.
🍂 The 14 places
Parc national du Mont-Orford (Eastern Townships)
A timeless classic: views over Magog and Lake Memphremagog, and the Mont Orford chairlift for those who’d rather ride up.
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (Laurentians)
Quebec’s largest park. Rivers, waterfalls and mountains light up; the La Roche or La Corniche trails offer breathtaking views in an hour’s walk.
Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay
The deep blue of the fjord against gold and purple forests. The Cap Trinité lookout is unforgettable at this time of year.
Mont Saint-Hilaire (Montérégie)
An hour from Montréal, easy-to-moderate trails and superb views over the Richelieu valley.
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier (Québec City area)
Steep mountains, a winding river and blazing forests: the valley looks like a postcard from late September.
The Eastern Townships by car
The Route des Sommets, the Sutton area or Brome Lake: winding roads lined with red maples for a fall weekend.
Gatineau Park (Outaouais)
A stone’s throw from Ottawa, spectacular lookouts, including Champlain, among forest, lakes and hills.
Le Massif de Charlevoix
Between sea and mountain, unobstructed views of the river and Charlevoix’s blazing forests.
Lac-Saint-Jean
Around the lake, forests and fields take on warm hues; Pointe-Taillon national park and the Monts-Valin are the two most beautiful sectors.
Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie
Views of the river and mountains: Parc national du Bic, Mont Saint-Pierre and Mont Albert, with sea air as a bonus.
Mont-Mégantic (Eastern Townships)
Famous for its starry sky, the park is just as sublime by day: climb to the summit for a 360-degree panorama.
Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno (near Montréal)
Easy to reach and perfect for families: several trails around small lakes ringed with maples, and an orchard on the way out.
Charlevoix and Baie-Saint-Paul
Hills, colourful valleys and picturesque villages framed by the river.
The Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix
For hikers: the trail follows the river with exceptional views of the forest and mountains.
🎉 Fall colour festivals
Scenic chairlifts, farmers’ markets, music and kids’ activities: several mountains and villages celebrate peak colour over two or three weekends. All the listings in the Fall colours group are here, with this year’s dates.
Eastern Townships
Montérégie and Laurentians
Lanaudière and Montréal
Québec City and Chaudière-Appalaches
Outaouais
Elsewhere in Quebec
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