The best activity to do this fall in Charlevoix is hiking at Le Massif de Charlevoix, an unmissable experience to admire the fiery fall colours and spectacular landscapes of the region.
Want to extend the adventure? Other discoveries await you. In this guide, we’ve gathered the 6 best fall activities, with their highlights and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. Hiking at Le Massif de Charlevoix
Le Massif de Charlevoix offers more than 20 km of trails with free access, both at the summit and at the base of the mountain. In autumn, the landscapes are ablaze with colour, and the views of the St. Lawrence River are simply spectacular. You can take the gondola up and hike back down, or explore shorter routes leading to lookouts such as Le Buton, known for its breathtaking 360-degree panoramas.
Ideal for
Capturing the brilliant fall colours in a grand setting. Hikers of all levels will enjoy the different trailheads and the option of reaching the summit or base by gondola. Families and groups especially appreciate Le Massif, where everyone can move at their own pace.
Lodging Options at Le Massif
Le Massif offers several options for staying in Charlevoix. Perfect for extending your fall experience! Summit chalets are ideal for groups or families wanting to fully embrace the mountain adventure. Refuges and apartments, meanwhile, provide modern comfort while keeping you close to the trails.
2. Mountain Biking at Le Massif de Charlevoix
With nearly 55 km of trails, Le Massif de Charlevoix is also an unmatched playground for mountain biking enthusiasts. With more than 770 m vertical drop, one of the highest east of the Canadian Rockies, every descent is a mix of thrills and spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the Appalachians.
The season runs until Mid-October, the perfect time to enjoy vibrant autumn colours. Plus, lift access makes it easy to maximize downhill fun, making the experience even more accessible.
Ideal for
Le Massif de Charlevoix draws outdoor lovers who want to combine sport and breathtaking landscapes. Active families will enjoy the accessible trails and softer adventure loops, while intermediate cyclists will love the technical but manageable descents. Adventurers seeking the colours of fall also come here to admire Charlevoix by bike.
3. Trail Running on the Harricana Lone Wolf Trails
Located at the summit of Le Massif, the Harricana Lone Wolf trails offer two permanently marked running loops thanks to Club Harricana. You can choose between a 10.79 km route (difficult, ~4h30) or a more demanding 17.18 km route (very difficult, ~8h30).
Fall is an ideal time to explore: fiery forests, spectacular views of the St. Lawrence, and fresh mountain air combine for an immersive, energizing experience.
Ideal for
The Harricana Lone Wolf trails are perfect for trail runners seeking a technical challenge in a grand setting. They also attract nature lovers drawn to the views and dazzling fall colours. Seasoned athletes will find the perfect opportunity to push their limits, while independent explorers will enjoy the freedom of this unguided activity.
4. Gondola Ride at Le Massif de Charlevoix
A gondola ride in Le Massif de Charlevoix suspends you between sky, sea and mountains, a magical autumn experience. From the base or the summit, the cabins offer breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence and the fiery forests of the region.
Tickets include a same-day round trip, allowing you to explore the hiking trails before heading back up.
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Price: $32 (ages 7+), free for children 6 and under
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Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., late June to mid-October (last ride up between 3:30–4:00 p.m. depending on departure point)
Good to know: Electronic payment only, dogs allowed in designated cabins
Ideal for
The gondola ride at Le Massif de Charlevoix is ideal for families, as it’s a simple, safe, and accessible activity for all ages. It also appeals to nature lovers who want to soak in Charlevoix’s autumn colours, as well as photographers always on the lookout for unique viewpoints of the river and mountains.
5. Excursion on the Train de Charlevoix
Boarding the Train de Charlevoix in the fall is like stepping into another world. From Montmorency Falls station, the train hugs the St. Lawrence River, winding through spectacular scenery where mountains and charming villages follow one another.
In just over two hours, you’ll arrive in Baie-Saint-Paul, a delightful stop known for its arts and culinary scene. Comfortable cars, the option of choosing a river-side seat, and the peaceful ride make this an immersive and relaxing experience.
Ideal for
This excursion is perfect for nature lovers who want to admire fall landscapes without driving, as well as couples looking for a romantic, original outing. In just over two hours, we reach Baie-Saint-Paul, a charming stop renowned for its artistic and gourmet cachet. The train also goes to La Malbaie, a wonderful village in the Charlevoix region.
Foodies and art lovers will especially appreciate the free time to explore the galleries, shops, and fine dining of these iconic Charlevoix village.
6. Kayaking on the Gouffre River in Baie-Saint-Paul
Kayaking on the Gouffre River means immersing yourself in a spectacular fall setting. Offered by Katabatik – Aventure in Charlevoix, the descent includes two self-guided options: “The Family” (8 km, ~2h) and “The Adventure” (20 km).
Everything is included for a hassle-free outing: kayak (single, double, or triple), life jacket, dry bag, and shuttle service. The route winds through a valley of sandy and clay banks, with breathtaking views of Charlevoix’s fiery forests. Along the way, you can stop for a riverside picnic, a swim, or wildlife spotting, such as Atlantic salmon and trout.
The descent ends right in Baie-Saint-Paul, allowing you to extend the experience in this lively cultural village.
Ideal for
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Families and beginners, who will enjoy the accessible 8 km route.
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Adventurers, who can tackle the 20 km stretch, more demanding and supervised by a patrol kayaker.
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Nature lovers, seeking calm, colourful landscapes, and relaxing stops along the river.
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Travellers in search of authenticity, as this activity combines immersion in nature with proximity to one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages.
Pro tip: The activity is offered from late May to late September (and until late August for the longer route). In fall, choose a mild day, as weather and river conditions can affect the experience.
How to Plan Your Fall Trip to Charlevoix
To plan your fall trip to Charlevoix, it’s important to choose the right time to visit.
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Early fall (September): Colours begin to change gradually, the air is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. It’s also harvest festival season and art exhibition time.
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Late fall (November): Colours peak, offering dazzling views, then fade into more dramatic scenery. Cooler weather is ideal for hiking, while cultural events focus on heritage celebrations and intimate concerts.
Next, plan your activities. You can build a small itinerary based on the activities listed above.
Extra travel tips:
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Bring comfortable walking clothes if you plan to hike
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Prepare for subalpine conditions with sturdy footwear
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Explore the fall panoramas at Le Massif and Les Éboulements
Fall beauty is revealed everywhere in the Charlevoix region. From Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, and along the St. Lawrence Route, you’ll be amazed by the colours and the local culture.
Experience Fall in Charlevoix at Le Massif!
Looking for the perfect spot to admire the fall colours? Le Massif de Charlevoix offers breathtaking panoramas. Our hiking trails and gondola rides will let you make the most of this magical season.
Immerse yourself fully with our lodging options and savour the region’s local culinary delights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall in Charlevoix
What is the best time to see fall colours in Charlevoix?
We recommend visiting Charlevoix between mid-September and mid-October to enjoy the peak fall colours. This season offers stunning views. The St. Lawrence Route and Le Massif de Charlevoix will dazzle you with their fiery landscapes. To enrich your stay, join in on local cultural events that celebrate this magical time.
Can you enjoy outdoor activities safely in the fall?
Absolutely! You can enjoy outdoor activities safely in autumn. Just be sure to check the weather before heading out and wear clothes suitable for the season. Don’t forget your essential hiking gear.
How do you get to Charlevoix quickly from Quebec City?
To get to Charlevoix, take Route 138 from Quebec City. The drive takes about 1h30. A scenic alternative is the Train de Charlevoix, which runs along the St. Lawrence River. You can also detour to Isle-aux-Coudres, a charming stop along the way.