When fall arrives at Le Massif, the mountain transforms into a living canvas. For Alain Blanchette — a close collaborator, passionate photographer, and longtime Charlevoix local — it's a season he never misses. In this post, we’ve gathered his best tips to help you capture the breathtaking beauty of autumn through your own lens.
Why visit Le Massif in the fall?
Alain knows this landscape like the back of his hand, and in his eyes, Le Massif offers some of the most vibrant fall colours in all of Charlevoix. Just imagine it: fiery red maples covering the slopes, the endless blue of the St. Lawrence River, Baie-Saint-Paul in the distance, misty forested hills, and Isle-aux-Coudres nestled below.
« Fall here is the perfect season for photography — especially if you’re just starting out. The colours are rich, natural, and so easy to work with. »
— Alain Blanchette
Best time to capture the colours
To truly capture the magic of the season, timing is everything. Here's when the light works in your favour:
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Sunrise – A magical moment for early risers. Just 10 to 15 minutes in, the treetops begin to glow with golden tones as the first rays hit.
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1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Early afternoon light creates strong contrasts, making the colours pop.
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Evenings are not ideal, unless you’re after a moodier, low-light effect. The sun dips fast, and the forest quickly shifts into deep shadow.
« The peak of colors is short and varies each year, but it usually hits between October 7 and 10. »
Where to take it all in
Just steps from the summit parking lot
Want a great view without too much walking?
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The entrance to La Desjardins – Just to the left of the summit chalet when facing the river. A hidden gem with panoramic views. Don’t hesitate to head further down the trail.
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Panoramic gondola ride – Let the scenery unfold as you glide gently down the mountain. An instant immersion in fall’s full glory.
From the base of the mountain
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La Promenade & La Butte Ronde trails – Lined with glowing maples, these trails take you into the heart of the forest. A perfect place to soak in the essence of autumn..
For the more adventurous
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Take the Buton trail, then head down to the La Fénomène (about a 10-minute walk) to discover a sweeping view of the valley in full colour.
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Keep going to L’Écore, accessible via a rocky little path on your left. Off the beaten path, this spot offers a truly unique perspective.
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The Buton lookout at sunrise – An early wake-up call rewarded with a one-of-a-kind start to your day.
For the biking enthusiasts
On the Histoire sans fin trail, don’t miss the iconic berm. It opens up to a picture-perfect view of the mountain and the river — absolutely worth the stop.
Top tips for fall photography
Want to turn your snapshots into lasting memories? Here are Alain’s go-to tips:
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Clean your lens – Simple, but easy to forget.
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Take your time – Let the light guide you.
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Stay steady – Plant your feet and hold still for sharper shots.
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Choose the right time – Early morning or early afternoon offers the best light.
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Compose carefully – Aim for a frame with about 1/3 sky and 2/3 land or river.
Sunrise snapshop meetup
This fall, Le Massif invites you to join the Sunrise Snapshot experience. On September 27 and October 4, meet up with Alain and fellow photo lovers at the Buton lookout for a magical sunrise session to experience and share.
An unforgeatable fall
At Le Massif, fall isn’t just a season—it’s a whole experience. Between the stunning colors, crisp mountain air, and peaceful trails, every outing becomes a moment to slow down and reconnect.
Plan your getaway and soak it all in. There’s more than just photos waiting for you here—you’ll go home with memories you’ll feel long after the leaves have fallen.
About Alain Blanchette
Alain Blanchette is a mountain enthusiast and passionate photographer who has been capturing the beauty of his adopted region for nearly 20 years. Now retired, he devotes his time to photographing the breathtaking landscapes of Le Massif de Charlevoix in every season. But it’s in winter, gliding on skis, that he finds his true canvas — and his deepest inspiration.