The 8 Best Fall Hikes in Quebec

Difficulty: Easy

The Le Buton trail is a 2 km loop (about 45 minutes), located at the summit of Le Massif de Charlevoix. Accessible to all, it leads to the Buton lookout, a 30-metre-high elevation that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains.

In the fall, the vibrant colours transform the walk into a true postcard scene. The trail is well-maintained and pleasant, perfect for a short outing or as a complement to a day of fall activities in Charlevoix at Le Massif.

Best for

• Families with children, thanks to its short length and accessibility.

• Beginner or occasional hikers looking to enjoy a spectacular view without much effort.

• Visitors who want to combine the hike with other activities at Le Massif, such as the gondola ride or biking.

Difficulty: Moderate

Located in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, at the base of Le Massif de Charlevoix, the Évasion trail is a short but delightful nature escape. With only 2 km to cover, it offers a quick immersion in Charlevoix’s forest ambiance, where maples and birches blaze with vibrant fall colours.

Well-marked and easy to access, the trail requires little effort yet still gives a nice overview of the surrounding area. It’s the perfect stop for anyone wanting to stretch their legs and soak in Charlevoix’s landscapes without committing to a long hike.

Best for

• Hikers seeking a short, accessible fall walk.

• Families or groups of friends looking for a relaxed outdoor moment.

• Dog owners, as leashed pets are welcome.

• Visitors wishing to complement their stay at Le Massif or combine it with longer regional trails.

Difficulty: Difficult to very difficult

The Lone Wolf Harricana trail, located at the summit of Le Massif de Charlevoix in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, is a demanding route that impresses with its authenticity and breathtaking scenery.

The main loop is 10.8 km long with about 250 metres of elevation gain, taking 4.5 to 5 hours to complete. For seasoned hikers or trail runners, a 17 km variant offers an extra challenge, with nearly 900 m of elevation and much more technical sections.

The route winds through the Domaine à Liguori forest, alternating steep climbs, technical descents, and gentler stretches, eventually reaching the Liguori refuge, where hikers enjoy spectacular views of the valley and river. The final descent brings you back to Le Massif’s summit, combining wild nature with remarkable viewpoints.

Best for

• Challenge seekers: a hike that tests endurance and skill, perfect for experienced hikers or trail runners.

• Panorama lovers: the Liguori lookout and views from Le Massif’s summit provide unforgettable moments, especially in fall.

Those who value autonomy: the route is well-marked and open from late June to early October, offering an immersive, crowd-free experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Located in the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park, Mont Condor West is a Laurentians classic for admiring fall colours. The trail, about 4.2 km round trip, takes around two hours and includes several ascents and descents, requiring good fitness without being too demanding.

Along the way, hikers pass through a dense forest dotted with impressive glacial boulders and access beautiful lookouts. These viewpoints reveal the village of Val-David and surrounding mountains, especially stunning when the forest dons its red, orange, and golden tones.

The area is well-marked, but consulting the official park map or the Ondago app can help avoid detours at intersections.

Best for

• Intermediate hikers wanting a short trail with rewarding views.

• Fall landscape enthusiasts seeking breathtaking panoramas.

• Nature and geology fans curious to discover glacial rock formations along the path.

• Day-trippers, as it’s easily accessible from Montreal.

Difficulty: Variable (easy to challenging depending on the chosen trail)

Located in the Eastern Townships, Mont-Mégantic National Park offers more than 50 km of trails leading to several summits, including Mont Mégantic (1,105 meters), Mont Saint-Joseph, and Pic de l’Aurore.

In the fall, the ridges and lookouts reveal a spectacular panorama: an endless sea of red, orange, and golden forests. The Sentier des Cimes, in the Franceville sector, is especially popular for its accessible and photogenic viewpoints.

A unique feature of the park is its astronomy focus: it’s located in the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. After a day of hiking, you can visit the ASTROLab or take part in stargazing evenings at the Popular Observatory.

Best for

• Fall colour lovers wanting exceptional panoramas without long ascents.

• Families and casual hikers, thanks to short, well-marked trails.

• Experienced hikers seeking physical challenges with longer, steeper routes.

• Astronomy enthusiasts looking to combine nature and science discovery.

Difficulty: Easy to difficult, depending on the chosen trail

Located in Ham-Sud, Estrie, Mont-Ham rises to 713 metres and offers about 18 km of marked trails. Routes vary from a family-friendly panoramic loop to more demanding ascents like L’Intrépide or Le Button, with steep and sometimes technical sections.

At the summit, hikers are rewarded with a 360° panorama over the Eastern Townships, especially stunning in fall when forests burst with red, yellow, and orange tones.

The regional park, managed with a sustainable tourism vision, also highlights Abenaki culture through an interpretation centre and themed activities.

Best for

• Autumn landscape lovers wanting one of Estrie’s best panoramas.

• Experienced hikers looking for a challenge, with steeper ascents and technical terrain.

• Culture and nature enthusiasts, thanks to the unique mix of Indigenous heritage, environmental interpretation, and forest immersion.

Difficulty: Easy

Located in Saint-Pascal, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Montagne à Coton is a short, ideal hike for enjoying fall colours. The 1 km round trip gently climbs via more than a hundred wooden steps leading to several lookouts.

Interpretive panels along the way recount the story and legend of Father Coton, a hermit who left a mark on local folklore.

At the summit, hikers enjoy a striking view of Saint-Pascal, the surrounding plains, the St. Lawrence River, and even Charlevoix’s mountains on clear days. Picnic tables and rest areas make it easy to linger in nature.

Access is free, parking is available on-site, and leashed dogs are welcome.

Best for

• Families wanting a simple and enjoyable outing accessible to all.

• Road-trippers in Bas-Saint-Laurent looking for a quick scenic stop.

• Nature and culture lovers combining light effort, a stunning panorama, and a touch of local legend.

• Dog owners wishing to share a small fall adventure with their furry friends.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Located in Franquelin, Côte-Nord, the Croix trail is a 2.5 km round trip, ideal for a one-hour outing. Well-marked and dotted with interpretive panels, it shares both the history of the village and the story of the community that passionately built the trail.

Large rock slabs punctuate the ascent, leading to a lookout topped by a large cross. From the summit, hikers enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the village, shoreline, and vastness of the St. Lawrence River.

Picnic tables at the top invite visitors to stay a little longer to enjoy the view.

Best for

• Hikers looking for short but rewarding trails, ideal as a road trip stop.

• Those seeking a scenic lookout without dedicating a full day.

• Families or groups who enjoy convivial stops, thanks to picnic tables and stunning landscapes.

• Culture lovers, as the trail reflects Franquelin’s history and community pride.

Enjoy Colours in the National Parks

Fall offers an unmatched visual spectacle in Quebec’s national parks. Key highlights include:

• Exceptional forest density, creating an ocean of colourful leaves.

• Intense shades ranging from golden yellow to vibrant red.

• Unique light play, with sunlight filtering through the branches.

Together, these elements create breathtaking landscapes in regional parks and nature reserves. You’ll experience nature in all its autumn splendour, whether outdoors or simply observing the changing season.

Take Advantage of Ideal Hiking Weather

Fall brings perfect conditions for hiking in Quebec. Cool mornings awaken the senses, while mild afternoons make trails enjoyable. This temperate weather makes paths more accessible, even for beginner hikers.

Whether you choose an easy loop or a more demanding route, you’ll find the right level for you. It’s the perfect time to explore Quebec’s countless trails.

Admire Panoramic Mountain Views

Climbing Quebec’s peaks in fall rewards hikers with exceptional visuals. The crisp, clear air of the season greatly improves visibility, allowing for spectacular panoramic views.

From the summits, you’ll enjoy endless palettes of colour. No matter which hike you choose, each offers a unique perspective on Quebec’s enchanting autumn landscapes.

Discover Wildlife and Flora in Transition

Fall is a season of great change in Quebec’s natural world. You’ll observe:

• Wildlife preparing for winter, with migratory birds and squirrels storing food.

• Trees transforming gradually into vibrant displays of colour.

• Autumn flora, with mushrooms and seasonal berries appearing.

Be sure to respect nature while exploring. This season of discovery lets you fully appreciate Quebec’s beauty and biodiversity.

Choose a Trail Suited to Your Level

Important criteria when choosing a hike:

• Distance: Choose a length you can comfortably cover.

• Elevation: Consider climbs and descents.

• Trail condition: Check for mud, rocks, or other obstacles.

• Fitness level: Be honest about your abilities.

• Time estimate: Plan based on your pace.

• Points of interest: Look for scenic views or landmarks.

• Difficulty: Pick a family-friendly route if hiking with children.

• Location: Select somewhere nearby for short outings.

Whether in the national trail system, forest paths, or mountain trails, there’s something for everyone!

Gear Up for Cool, Damp Weather

Essential fall hiking gear includes:

• Layered clothing: T-shirt, sweater, and waterproof windbreaker.

• Waterproof shoes: Keep feet dry on damp trails.

• Hiking pants: Preferably water-repellent.

• Hat and gloves: For cooler September days.

• Rain jacket or poncho: For sudden showers.

• Waterproof backpack: Protects gear from moisture.

• Hiking poles: Useful on slippery terrain.

Respect Nature in Parks and Reserves

We all share responsibility for protecting the environment in parks and reserves. Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile plants. Carry out all waste, including food scraps.

Avoid disturbing wildlife by keeping your distance and remaining quiet. Follow park-specific rules about campfires or foraging.

By acting responsibly, you help preserve lakes, rivers, and forests for future generations. Some parks even offer interpretation activities to learn more about local ecosystems.

Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks

To fully enjoy your hike and viewpoints, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and fuelled. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and cramps. Bring at least 1 litre of water per person for every 2–3 hours of hiking.

Pack easy, nutritious snacks such as dried fruit, energy bars, or sandwiches. For longer hikes, plan a more filling meal. Choose foods that keep well and provide sustained energy.

With proper preparation, you’ll be able to fully savour Quebec’s natural beauty!

When Is the Best Time to See the Colours?

We recommend visiting Quebec between mid-September and mid-October to enjoy peak fall colours. Temperature plays a key role: cool, sunny days intensify the hues. For the best photos, plan outings early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when golden light enhances the foliage.

Do You Need a Permit to Access National Parks?

Yes, most Quebec national parks require an access permit. Prices vary depending on your length of stay. You can buy permits online or at park entrances. Some exceptions apply for local residents or annual pass holders.

Can You Hike with Young Children?

Absolutely! Families can enjoy trails suited to little hikers. Be sure to bring plenty of water and energizing snacks. Engage your kids by giving them small responsibilities, like carrying their backpack or spotting wildlife. These simple touches make the hike more fun and rewarding.