If you’re planning a trip to Montréal, you can easily fill your days visiting its wonderful museums, dining on fabulous bistro fare and strolling through the historic streets. But in late September to the second and third weeks of October, you won’t want to miss the fall colors in Montréal. When the trees display their brightest reds, yellows and oranges, it’s worth it to spend time in nature to enjoy the area’s spectacular seasonal colors.
While you don’t have to go far from the city’s center to enjoy the fiery autumn hues, you can immerse yourself deeper in nature by driving just a few hours outside the city to neighboring villages and parks. With that, here’s where to see fall colors in Montréal and neighboring areas.
1. Eastern Townships
Where to go: Bromont, Orford and Owl's Head hills; Brome, Memphremagog and Megantic lakes; Sherbrooke city
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Head south of the St. Lawrence River, two hours outside Montréal, into the hills, farmlands and villages of the Eastern Townships. Parks and reserves offer easy hiking trails that are a fun way to experience the changing of the seasons with family. The Eastern Townships are also a foodie heaven, with wonderful restaurants, wineries, microbreweries and local producers of cheese, chocolate, coffee and other gourmet goodies.
The region also offers a variety of museums and other attractions. Whether it’s exploring trails, tasting regional treats or visiting local shops and museums, choose a route and bask in the warm colors of fall as you drive through the countryside between your planned stops.
2. King's Road Scenic Highway
Where to go: L’Assomption, Trois-Rivières
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PR 138 runs parallel to the north bank of the St. Lawrence River between Montréal and Québec City. The King’s Road Scenic Highway, a AAA Road Trip, begins about midway at Cap-de-la-Madelaine. The route passes through farmland and semi-wooded areas that are especially picturesque when seasonal colors are on display, providing a stunning backdrop to the charming villages along the way.
3. Montreal City
Where to go: Montréal Botanical Garden, Mont-Royal Park, Morgan Arboretum, Parc Agrinon, Old Montreal, Parc Jean Dapreau
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Montréal Botanical Garden
You can see some of the best fall colors in Montréal without leaving the city — just stroll through the autumn woods at the Montréal Botanical Garden. Trails through the vast arboretum will lead past a forest of red, yellow and orange. But colors abound here no matter when you visit—the Botanical Garden’s landscapes and greenhouses are updated throughout the year with lush displays of seasonal blooms and foliage.
Mont-Royal Park
Consistently rated one of the best things to do in Montreal, Mont-Royal Park is another wooded oasis within the city. Walk, jog or bike the trails that wind through the woods of Mount Royal or hike up to the top for a birds-eye view of the city framed in the colors of autumn leaves. Along with trails, the park includes scenic overlooks, historic sites and a lake, perfect for a family picnic or free outing.
Morgan Arboretum
On the western tip of the Island of Montréal is Morgan Arboretum, a 610-acre forest preserve on the McGill University MacDonald Campus. Walking trails here will take you into forests with a variety of trees, including beech, hemlock, red maple and sugar maple. The preserve also includes old fields and pastures, some of which became plantations for now-mature trees and shrubs grouped in themed collections, including birches, oaks, maples and flowering trees and shrubs. A self-guided tour and smartphone app are available to make the most of your visit.
Old Montréal
Take a stroll through the past in the district of Old Montréal, where you’ll find stunning buildings like the Notre-Dame Basilica and lots to do, like the Bonsecours Market and enjoy French culture and history. Or jog, cycle or stroll along a riverside pathway. If you go in October, all this history will be backdropped by a gorgeous watercolor of fall leaves.
Parc Jean Dapreau
The Parc Jean Dapreau is only five minutes from downtown Montréal, but it still feels like a natural getaway from the hustle and bustle. The Parc offers lovely waterfront views of the fall foliage, situated on the Saint Lawrence River and making up both Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands.
4. Mont Tremblant
Where to go: Tremblant pedestrian village, Lake Tremblant
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Mont Tremblant is two hours northwest of Montréal, nestled in the Laurentian Mountains. In winter, the village of Tremblant is a popular ski destination, but in fall, visitors flock to Tremblant for its unforgettable ochre and crimson leaves.
The best ways to take in the views of the mountains are by hiking or taking the gondola to the summit of Mont Tremblant, ziplining over the forest, playing golf on the Le Diable and Le Géant courses, kayaking on Lake Tremblant and watching an outdoor music performance in the village.
5. Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park
Where to go: Sentier des Lacs trail, Seigneurial Lake trail, Montérégien loop
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East of metropolitan Montréal is Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park, where you’ll find a nature-lover’s haven. With swaths of maple and bitternut hickory trees and orchards of over 2,000 apple trees, the park turns breathtaking golden hues in autumn.
The park also includes five different lakes, a tea room, campgrounds and plenty of trails for hikers. You can pick your own apples while keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, like deer and ducks.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Montréal to see fall colors.
Is Montréal worth visiting in October?
Yes, the seasonal colors in Montréal make it absolutely worth visiting in October. In late September to mid-October, the leaves in Montréal start turning red, yellow and orange, turning the city into a dazzling display of fall colors.
When is peak foliage in Montréal?
The best time for fall colors in Montréal is usually in mid-October (usually the second or third week of the month), though the leaves can start changing in late September. However, peak fall colors in Montréal vary year by year, so make sure to check out a fall colors map while you plan your trip.
How far is it from Montréal to Quebec?
Montréal is located within the Canadian province of Quebec. It’s about 250 km or 155 miles from Montréal to Quebec City, the capital of Quebec or about a two-hour and 45-minute drive.
Plan Your Trip to Montreal with AAA
On your quest to see the best fall colors in Montréal and its surrounding areas, you may also want to find other activities to do in the city. Check out our list of the top things to do in Montréal while you’re at it.
If you need help planning your journey, AAA Travel will give you peace of mind. AAA membership provides you with exclusive benefits like map routing and travel planning, savings, international driving permits and travel insurance. Let us take care of the planning and logistics so you can focus on chasing autumn’s beauty.