In Quebec, autumn retains its evocative power, carrying its procession of warm colours and breathtaking panoramas. Quebecers enjoy this period as a last caress before the long and harsh winter. The natives are not the only ones to be amazed in this province covered with forests on almost half of its territory, which is more than the total area of France! The Europeans, led by the French, were also amazed by these tones of red, orange and yellow, which gave Quebec landscapes the appearance of impressionist paintings
Autumn, city side
If nature is generous and national and regional parks abound in this part of the French-speaking world, it would be wrong to underestimate the seductive power of cities at this time of year. In Montreal, for example, there are many urban parks that are ideal places to get some fresh air and enjoy the symphony, while some picturesque areas, such as the Old Port or Square Saint-Louis, with its Victorian charm, are being rediscovered in a new light. A true green lung, Mount Royal, recognizable by the large cross that surmounts it, is an emblematic figure of the city of a hundred bell towers. Very popular with the population, this exotic mountain is ideal for strolling, as these two lookouts overlooking the city are a delight for photographers and other romantics. The site is so popular that it is closely protected by Les amis de la montagne, a charitable organization responsible for protecting and promoting it, through various activities, often free of charge and for families. Far from resting on the laurels of an effervescent summer, Montreal continues to enjoy a strong momentum in the fall. It can easily be discovered in a different light on a bicycle, on nearly 700 km of cycle paths. The botanical garden, and its different atmospheres, is also worth seeing. It lights up with fascinating lanterns. A real delight for the eyes after dark!
The multicoloured feast of the regions
Imagine the menu of a restaurant where you would be spoilt for choice. Coming to Quebec in the fall is a bit like that. A feast! From one region to another - there are 22 in the province - there is a sense of wonder, to varying degrees. In Chaudières-Appalaches, which contains half of the maples of the Belle Province, the contrast in colours is striking, while in the renowned Laurentians, located only one hour from Montreal, the colourful panoramas make the cameras crackle. Generally speaking, the further south you go, the brighter the show will be, with the northern conifers remaining green all year round. The Mauricie and Lanaudière, which have joined forces under the banner of "Québec Authentique", but also Quebec City and its region, as well as Charlevoix, a real balcony on the St. Lawrence, offer a beautiful show. A word of advice: take the river shuttle that links the capital to the city of Levis to enjoy a breathtaking view of Château Frontenac in Quebec City and its postcard setting.
In the far south, the Eastern Townships (Eastern Townships) remains THE destination to make the most of the gradients. With nearly 100% hardwood, spread over 80% of the territory, it is difficult to do better, especially since this region, where picturesque villages bear witness to an Anglo-Saxon heritage, shares 300 km of borders with the United States, more precisely the states of New York, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire. This mountainous area is home to some of the best known peaks for experienced hikers, such as Mount Washington, the highest point in the northeastern United States at 1,917 metres. In Estrie, cycling enthusiasts are also thrilled, with some 500 km of bike paths and 6,000 km of secondary roads!
It should be noted that throughout Quebec, many ski resorts organize fall activities, while allowing walkers to use their lifts to access their peaks and enjoy a breathtaking view of the colourful landscapes.
A festival of activities
In Quebec, the colour season is an excellent excuse to practice all kinds of activities. Each region has a rich and varied programme, in order to satisfy the greatest number of people, both loners and families, occasional sportsmen and women and purists
The 24 national parks remain playgrounds for energy expenditure and contemplation, as do the festivals that flourish here and there, bringing in their wake a multitude of educational, cultural, sporting and culinary activities. While hiking and cycling are a matter of course on this land dotted with trails, autumn brings its share of classic or more exotic outings. You can fly over La Mauricie National Park by float plane, marvel at the Laurentian Mountains in a helicopter, or sail on one of the province's many rivers in a kayak...
Car addicts have every interest in taking scenic route 155, which runs along the Saint-Maurice River between Shawinigan and La Tuque. Other sites play the thrill card, such as the via ferrata of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, in the Laurentians, or Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, in Charlevoix. Also in the Laurentians, several zip lines offer spectacular views of the region with 9,012 lakes. As for accommodation, there are many offers, from the most comfortable to the most rustic, an Indian tipi for example, to soak up the beauty of autumn and its colours in the heart of the wilderness
When colours go hand in hand with flavours
Autumn in Quebec is also synonymous with agri-tourism. It is the harvest season, starting with apples, or the more surprising cranberry season in central Quebec, which is recovered after flooding the fields. Many operators also allow self-picking, which is very popular in the United States. The perfect opportunity to get together with family or friends, and to choose fruits and vegetables yourself. More than 700 agricultural producers welcome visitors to their production sites. The majority are located in the lower Laurentians, north of Montreal, and in the region south of the St. Lawrence River, from Montreal to Quebec City. Bucolic Île d'Orléans, which was long called "Le jardin de Québec", remains a flagship destination for agri-tourism, as evidenced by the certification that distinguishes local know-how
Nearly thirty roads offering agri-tourism stops criss-cross southern Quebec. Among the most important are the Wine Route (Eastern Townships), the Cider Route (Montérégie), the Apple Festival Circuit (Laurentians), the Gourmet Route (Quebec City and Charlevoix), the Country Roads (Lanaudière), and the Route des saveurs (Charlevoix). Let's face it: gourmet food has never been a sin in Quebec during the fall. The symphony of colours is also that of flavours!
Smart info
When? When? The season of colours is as majestic as it is ephemeral! If the trees start to change tones around mid-September, the peak of the chromatic festival usually occurs during the first half of October
Getting there. By plane, allow between 6:30 and 7:30 flight time to Montreal from Paris
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