With the return of cooler weather and flamboyant colors in the mountains, fall is arguably the best season for hiking in Quebec. The province is full of national parks and spectacular hiking trails that allow you to admire the autumn landscapes at their most beautiful. Here are 11 hikes to do in Quebec this fall to enjoy the colors and get some fresh air in a magical setting!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
1. Jacques-Cartier National Park, Quebec Region
Just 30 minutes from Île d’Orléans, Jacques-Cartier National Park is a sure bet if you’re wondering where to hike in Quebec this fall. Here, you can explore majestic valleys and the park’s lush forest, in addition to being a prime spot for canoeing or paddleboarding, in addition to your hike. In our opinion, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful national parks in Quebec!
With trails suitable for all hiking styles, there’s something for everyone! During our last visit, we opted for the Cascades Trail for a gentle hike accompanied by the soothing sound of the waterfalls. This trail, accessible to all skill levels, also offers breathtaking views of the colorful mountains.
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Chute-à-Bull Regional Park, Lanaudière
In the Saint-Côme area, Chute-à-Bull Regional Park is a must-see for a fall hike. With over 16 km of trails, you can enjoy the bucolic landscapes as well as discover the history of log driving. The highlight: an 18-meter waterfall where we loved stopping for a break surrounded by nature.
In addition to their hiking trails, the park now offers a guided tour to discover the Chute-à-Bull cavern. After a 2.5 km hike, you can venture into the heart of the cave and discover the geological history of the region. If your spelunker spirit is keen to visit the cavern, don’t forget to reserve your access and pay the additional fees for this underground adventure.
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Mont Sourire, Lanaudière
With its magnificent view of Lake Ouareau and the Lanaudière mountains, Mont Sourire is a hike you must do at least once this fall. Less than a kilometer from the parking lot on Chemin de la Cascade, you’ll find a lookout where you can stop to admire the surroundings and even enjoy a picnic at sunset. Although the hike is considered easy, we recommend wearing good footwear, as the trail can quickly become muddy.
PS: Access to the trail and parking is free.
4. Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Regional Park, Lanaudière
Located in the Sainte-Béatrix, Saint-Jean-de-Matha, and Sainte-Mélanie areas, Parc des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles offers nearly twenty trails for all levels and experiences. With an entrance in each municipality, you’ll be spoiled for choice for your next hikes in Lanaudière.
During our visit, we started in the Saint-Jean-de-Matha area to enjoy the superb views of the Monte-à-Peine Falls via trail #8 (La Chute) and #1 (Desjardins). In addition to the falls, the regional park has three suspension bridges for panoramic views of the region and the water rushing beneath your feet. Bonus: Your $10/person park admission fee allows you access to any of the entrances, so you can easily visit the different waterfalls and suspension bridges during the same visit.
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
5. Grands-Jardins National Park, Charlevoix
Grands-Jardins National Park is also a great place for a fall hike! It has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi with its slightly desertic vibe reminiscent of the south of the United States. With its breathtaking peaks, you can’t help but feel apeased, being surrounded by these ancient glacial valleys that are now more lush than ever. If you’re passing through Charlevoix this fall, it’s the perfect opportunity to stop by and explore one of the most beautiful parks in the province!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6.Forillon National Park, Gaspésie
Being the easternmost point in the Gulf, you literally feel like you’re at the end of the world when you reach the summit of Mont Saint-Alban in Forillon National Park! Fall is one the best season to go there and get some fresh air in front of its stunning cliffs, through its colorful mountains (there are fewer tourists too)!
You can also observe a variety of wildlife, from whales to seals to black bears, beavers and moose. Then, relax on its pebble beach and admire the incredible view of the Cap-Gaspé lighthouse, perched on a 95-meter cliff.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Mont-Tremblant National Park, Laurentians
Created in 1895, this 1,510 km2 playground is Quebec’s first national park, the 3rd oldest in Canada after Banff and Yoho, and the 6th in North America. Open year-round, the fall fog gives it an aura of mystery that we love! With more than 20 trails spanning nearly 82 km, Mont-Tremblant National Park is the ideal place in the Laurentides for hiking fans, no matter your level.
Every year, it’s always one of our favorite places to go admire the fall colors. We particularly appreciated the Lac-des-Femmes trail as well as the Chute-du-Diable trail, a short and easy hike that offers superb viewpoints all along the way. For the more experienced, the Diable via ferrata will allow you to combine hiking and climbing, to discover its mountains differently.
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Doncaster River Park, Laurentians
A few kilometers from Sainte-Adèle, you’ll find the magnificent Doncaster River Park. Bordered by the river, the park will allow you to admire fabulous landscapes through the 10 hiking trails. Waterfalls, bridges, natural pools, you’ll find everything during your adventure on their trails. During our visit, we loved walking on trail #7 (The Panorama) letting ourselves be guided by the sound of the river to the highest point of the wooden footbridge crossing the waterfalls, a very relaxing and calm spot.
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
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- Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Mont Orford, Eastern Townships
In the heart of the Eastern Townships, Mont-Orford Park offers hikes for all types of athletes in a most idyllic setting. If you’re looking for a gentle stroll, without compromising on breathtaking scenery, opt for the Étang-Fer-de-Lance trail or the Boucle-des-Trois-Étangs trail, both with an elevation gain of 50 metres. If you prefer hikes that require a more intense effort, you won’t be disappointed by venturing onto the Mont Chauve trail, which stretches over 10.6 kilometres and has an elevation gain of 310 metres.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Gault Nature Reserve, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Montérégie
Open year-round, the Gault Nature Reserve at Mont Saint-Hilaire is particularly stunning during the fall. Its landscape turns a deep orange, and its trails offer plenty of options for all types of hikers. Being a very popular place, we advise you to arrive early to have a place to park and to enjoy moments of plenitude once at the summit.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Mont Saint-Grégoire, Montérégie
With a summit rising to 251 metres, Mont Saint-Grégoire surpasses Mont-Royal and Mont Saint-Bruno even though it’s the smallest mountain in Montérégie! The view of the autumn colors is just as magical and the place is less crowded than its counterparts.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
We fell under the charm of this magical place a few years ago, you may have recognize our photo on the cover of the official Montérégie 2020-2021 tourist guide!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Whether you’re a fan of big climbs or more leisurely strolls in nature, fall is the ideal season to try the most beautiful hikes in Quebec. These 11 gorgeous places are perfect for admiring the flamboyant landscapes, breathing in the fresh air, and escaping from everyday life. So, get out your hiking boots and set off on an adventure!
Happy hiking!
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