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Autumn in Quebec is like stepping into a painting — vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds fill the landscape as if Mother Nature decided to roll out her finest carpet. Sure, the classic New England fall gets all the love (hey, you can check out what they offer [here], but let’s not skip on fall in Quebec. Here are some of my favourite best day-trip spots you can venture to from Montreal without burning a hole in your pocket. Let’s dive right in!
Time From Montreal: 2 hours Budget Factor: Moderate Activities:
Hiking
Gondola rides
Food tours
If you’re a sucker for postcard-perfect views, Mont Tremblant is your go-to place. You can hop on a gondola that takes you up the mountains for panoramic views that’ll make your Instagram followers drool. For the foodies among us, some cafes and bistros offer pumpkin and apple-flavoured everything!
The Charm of the Eastern Townships
Time From Montreal: 1.5 hours Budget Factor: Low Activities:
Wine tasting
Cycling
Picking apples
When you arrive in the Eastern Townships, you’ll be greeted by rolling hills and picturesque farmlands. This area is famous for its wineries and orchards, so you can get your sip and pick on. I spent an afternoon here, and it felt like I was in a French countryside painting. You can learn more about the wine routes and other activities at [Bonjour Quebec](https://www.bonjourquebec.com/en-ca/explore/seasons/fall).
The Wonder of Laurentides
Time From Montreal: 1 hour Budget Factor: Low Activities:
Horseback riding
Kayaking
Nature walks
Imagine paddling in a kayak with a backdrop of blazing orange and yellow trees! Laurentides is stunning and super close to Montreal, making it perfect for a spontaneous day trip.
The Majesty of Fall in Quebec City
Time From Montreal: 2.5 hours Budget Factor: Moderate to High Activities:
Exploring historic sites
Café hopping
Shopping for unique antiques
Quebec City is like a time capsule of cobblestone streets and historic beauty. But when fall hits, oh man, it’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale. Although it’s a bit longer drive, it’s worth every minute and cent. Personally. I prefer to make this a weekend trip.
Quick Tips for Fall In Quebec Leaf Peeping
Timing is Key: The leaves usually change from late September to late October, but keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Dress in Layers: Fall weather can be unpredictable.
Pack Snacks: Apple cider, anyone?
Capture the Moments: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone!
Apple Picking Near Montreal: A Wholesome Day Out
Nothing screams autumn more than the simple joy of apple picking! If you’re based in Montreal, you’re in luck. The region around the city is dotted with charming orchards where you can engage in this fall-favorite activity. Here are some places to fill up your baskets and create Instagrammable memories.
Verger Labonté: The Apple Labyrinth
Distance From Montreal: 40 minutes Budget Factor: Low to Moderate Activities:
Apple Picking
Corn Mazes
Mini-Farm
What to Expect:
Verger Labonté offers a unique twist with their apple labyrinths. Wander through the orchard, basket in hand, and pick from varieties like McIntosh, Spartan, and Empire. The fun doesn’t stop there; corn mazes are also themed around different stories!
Vergers & Cidrerie Denis Charbonneau
Distance From Montreal: 50 minutes Budget Factor: Moderate Activities:
Apple Picking
Cider Tasting
Pancake House
What to Expect:
This family-run orchard has a variety of apples and a cidery where you can taste their homemade products. And hey, if you get hungry, their on-site pancake house is a must-visit for some delicious meals.
Le Verger du Flanc Nord
Distance From Montreal: 30 minutes Budget Factor: Low Activities:
Apple Picking
Picnics
Farm Animals
What to Expect:
This charming little orchard is a fantastic spot for a quick day trip. You can pick from various apples and even bring your picnic basket to enjoy amidst the apple trees. The kids (and, let’s be honest, the adults, too) will love the small farm where you can meet and feed some adorable animals.
Domaine Cartier-Potelle: An Apple Affair
Distance From Montreal: 1 hour Budget Factor: Moderate to High Activities:
Apple Picking
Wine Tasting
Gourmet Market
What to Expect:
Domaine Cartier-Potelle offers apple picking, a gourmet market, and wine-tasting experiences if you’re up for a fancier outing. Their wines are superb, and the gourmet market has many local products you can take home as souvenirs.
With all these incredible options, your weekends are sorted, right? Grab your basket, and let’s go apple-picking!
The Fall Adventure Continues: Beyond Apple Picking
If you’ve had your fill of apples or are just looking to mix things up, you’ve got options! From leaf-peeping on scenic drives to getting lost in a corn maze, here are some alternative fall activities you can indulge in around Montreal.
Scenic Drives: The Jacques-Cartier Bridge Loop
Distance From Montreal: Starts and ends in the city Budget Factor: Low Activities:
Driving
Photography
What to Expect:
A drive over the Jacques-Cartier Bridge provides panoramic views of Montreal against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage. The loop can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many stops you make for photos.
Pumpkin Patches: La Courgerie
Distance From Montreal: 1 hour Budget Factor: Low to Moderate Activities:
Pumpkin Picking
Hayrides
Corn Mazes
What to Expect:
La Courgerie turns the humble pumpkin into a day’s worth of fun. After selecting your perfect pumpkin, hop on a hayride or navigate through a corn maze.
Laval Nature Centre: An Oasis Near the City
Distance From Montreal: 30 minutes Budget Factor: Low Activities:
Nature Trails
Animal Encounters
Picnics
What to Expect:
Here, you can stroll down peaceful trails, picnic by the pond, and even interact with farm animals. It’s a great way to spend an autumn day without venturing too far from the city.
Ecomuseum Zoo: A Different Kind of Leaf Peeping
Distance From Montreal: 30 minutes Budget Factor: Moderate Activities:
Animal Viewing
Nature Walks
What to Expect:
At the Ecomuseum Zoo, the focus shifts from leaves to the animals who live amongst them. It’s a unique way to enjoy the fall season, surrounded by Quebec’s native wildlife.
So, what’s catching your eye? Ready to branch out from apple picking?
