10 Best Spots for Fall Colors in Quebec

Quebec is one of the best places to see vibrant fall colors, with stunning landscapes across the province. From the Laurentians to Charlevoix and beyond, Quebec offers perfect spots for hiking, scenic drives, and photography. During our trip, we were blown away by the beauty of this province and had no idea how scenic it would really be. We spent 10 days road-tripping through its golden landscapes, exploring the quaint and cozy towns, and immersing ourselves in nature. We are so excited to share with you our favorite spots to catch Quebec’s brilliant autumn foliage at its peak.

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  1. Mont Du Dome

We decided to hike this trail for sunset, and it turned out to be one of our favourite spots of the entire trip. Mont du Dôme is located near Parc National des Grands-Jardins in the Charlevoix region of Quebec. Situated within the UNESCO Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, this mountain offers a stunning backdrop of fall foliage as the surrounding forests explode into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The hike to the summit is moderately challenging, with well-maintained trails winding through dense boreal forests and exposed rocky ridges, providing spectacular views of the rugged Charlevoix landscape.

You can also explore nearby trails within Parc National des Grands-Jardins, which offers more outdoor adventures such as rock climbing, fishing, and camping amid one of Quebec's most beautiful autumn landscapes.


Mont Du Dome
Distance: 8km round-trip | Elevation: 460 metres | Difficulty: Moderate



favourite boots and fleece


2. Montagne des Érables

If you’re afraid of heights, this one might not be for you! Montagne des Érables is located in the Charlevoix region of Quebec within Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and is one of the highest peaks in the region. The mountain rises to 1,048 meters and is known for its dramatic cliffs and steep ascents. The summit is accessible via the Acropole des Draveurs trail, a strenuous but rewarding hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, the Malbaie River, and the rugged beauty of the Laurentian Mountains.

Make sure to take your time when exploring this area, as there are a ton of different lookouts along the way. We took 4-5 hours to hike and roam the peak, and it was difficult to leave because of how beautiful it is!

In autumn, the landscape transforms into a sea of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows as the maple trees for which the mountain is named (érables) dominate the scenery. The hike becomes particularly scenic during this season, with stunning views of the colorful forests below. The area is part of a unique glacial valley, carved over millions of years, giving it a distinct and dramatic geography.


Montagne des Érables
Distance: 10.5km round-trip | Elevation: 870 metres | Difficulty: Strenuous



Are you looking for a complete guide to BC & Alberta? Check out the link below for 300 of the best things to do, places to see, accommodation, cafes and more.


3. Route Du Mitan

We came across this route while searching for quaint autumn roads, and fell in love with it’s small town charm. Route du Mitan is a picturesque road that winds through the heart of Île d'Orléans, just outside of Quebec City. This is more of a sightseeing route, which offers rich agricultural landscape, dotted with centuries-old farms, orchards, and vineyards.

In autumn, the road is especially breathtaking, as the surrounding forests and orchards burst into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The route is also home to local artisans, farm stands, and wineries, where there are plenty of stops to taste fresh produce, cider, and local delicacies. This is one of the best spots to explore the quieter, scenic side of Quebec.


Start your route in Sainte-Famille, and drive to Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. We recommend visiting a sugar shack if you have never been to one! Cabane à sucre Familiale is just 5 minutes from Sainte-Famille. There are plenty of other fun places to check out, such as Verger de l’Hirondelle (apple orchard) or the La Midinette Bakery



Looking for a unique & comfortable way to travel?

Check out some of the cozy campervans for rent in Quebec City!


4. Dam Des Érables

The Dam des Érables is a scenic dam located within the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie in the Charlevoix region of Quebec. Nestled in the heart of a dramatic glacial valley, the dam is surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, and the Malbaie River. This area offers a ton of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing and wildlife viewing.

This bridge looked too perfect with a sea of gold behind it! Check local conditions before your visit to make sure you’re catching the autumn colors at their peak. We frequently used the Quebec Fall Foliage Report!



5. Mont King

Mont King is a hidden gem located in the stunning Gatineau Park. The mountain is known for its moderately challenging trail, which leads through dense forests and rocky terrain, offering several scenic viewpoints along the way. Every moment of this hike was beautiful! The autumn colors were vibrant throughout the entire trail, and we got to see a stunning display of leaves with a variety of colors. We don’t get colors quite like this in Western Canada, so it was a treat seeing them this vibrant.


Mont King
Distance: 6km round-trip | Elevation: 215 metres | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Please be sure to download a trail map, as there are many cross trails here



6. Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie

Whether you're interested in a scenic drive, a leisurely paddle on the river, or an adventurous hike, Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie offers a range of experiences that showcase the beauty of Quebec's wilderness. During Autumn, the entire area becomes a sea of yellow, cut through by a leisurely river. Visit SEPAQ to plan your trip and check out all of the activities you can experience in the park. You must pre-book entry into the park through the SEPAQ website.

Charlevoix - Chalet Le Refuge

Stay in one of the many beautiful cabins in the Charlevoix region, on your way into the park.


7. Mont Megantic

Mont Mégantic, in Quebec's Eastern Townships, is the highest peak in southern Quebec at 1,105 meters. It offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and Appalachian Mountains. Located in Parc National du Mont-Mégantic, the mountain features a variety of hiking trails through lush forests and rugged terrain. In autumn, the landscape transforms into a vibrant mosaic of fall colors. The park also hosts the Astrolab observatory, known for its stargazing events and astronomical research.

Sentier des Cimes is one of the best hikes you can do in the area, with sweeping views of the valley, and colorful foliage as far as the eye can see.


Sentier Des Cimes
Distance: 12.4km round-trip | Elevation: 390 metres | Difficulty: Moderate



8. La Branche

La Branche in Quebec is a scenic, off-the-beaten-path destination located in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. We found some of the most beautiful autumn colors in this area, with quiet roads and calm lakes. La Branche is also known for its artisanal and farm-to-table experiences, with local markets and food producers showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage. In this area you will find quite a few quaint cabins which are perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Chalet de style scandinave en pleine nature

Stay in one of the many peaceful and tucked away cabins in the area. This cabin in particular is nestled next to a gorgeous lake.

 
 

9. Lac Beauport

Lac Beauport, near Quebec City, is a peaceful retreat known for outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The area offers cozy cabin rentals like Le Hygge, a Scandinavian-inspired cabin that combines rustic charm with modern comforts. It’s nestled in the woods and features amenities like multiple fireplaces, an undercover deck and a wooden hot tub. This is one of the most beautiful cabins we have ever stayed in, and is completely surrounded by nature. In this area, you will find a few unique cabins such as La Montagne Le Maelstrom, and points of interest such as the delicious L'îlot Repère gourmand on Lac Beauport, a ski resort and a golf course.


10. Mont Tremblant

In autumn, Mont Tremblant transforms into a breathtaking display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the surrounding forests come alive with fall colors. It’s the perfect time for hiking the scenic trails, taking a gondola ride to the summit for panoramic views, or biking along the mountain paths. You can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the nearby lakes, or simply stroll through the charming pedestrian village, where local shops and restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a unique stay, the Chimos Refugees treehouses are just 40 minutes away from the park. This is a very rustic experience, but it is one of my favorite places to stay in Quebec.

Check out tremblant.ca for a full list of details & experiences in the area.

Thank you for reading!

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