10 Best Things to Do in Montreal this Fall 

Fall in Montreal is a season that never disappoints, running from September 22 to December 21. The air turns crisp, wrapping the city in a cozy vibe as the leaves transform into a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Typically, fall foliage peaks from late September to mid-October, with the most vibrant colors making their grand entrance during the first two weeks of October. Before you know it, autumn will pass you by, so it’s time to start planning your activities! Whether you’re after breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, or tasty seasonal treats, here are some of the best ways to make the most of this beautiful season in the city.

Hike Through the Colors

Fall in Montreal presents a breathtaking display of colors, and hiking is the perfect way to experience it. Mont Royal, located right in the city, offers sweeping views of Montreal draped in autumn hues, with gentle trails like the 10km Olmsted Trail showcasing the incredible transformation of the leaves. For a gentle hike, Mont-Saint-Bruno features a smooth 213-meter ascent surrounded by five lakes, an apple orchard, and more. 

If you want a challenge, the Mont Megantic Loop in the stunning Parc national du Mont-Mégantic is a great option. This 12-kilometer loop has moderate difficulty, making it accessible for most hikers while offering diverse wildlife and panoramic summit views. Just outside of Montreal, Mont Saint-Hilaire Nature Reserve is perfect if you prefer scenic strolls over strenuous hikes, featuring easy, straightforward trails open year-round. With a total of 24 kilometers of mountain trails leading to four summits, this picturesque lakeside mountain offers stunning views at every turn, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Apple Picking 

Apple picking is a must-do fall activity, and just outside Montreal, there are plenty of orchards ready for your visit. Fill your basket with crisp, fresh apples, then treat yourself to delicious cider or a homemade apple tart at the orchard cafés. One great option is Quinn Farm, located just 20 minutes from the city, where you can explore a charming farm shop stocked with fresh produce and local products. Plus, don’t miss their seasonal U-Pick events and the snack barn open on weekends for some tasty treats! Vergers Charbonneau is another fantastic choice, offering apple and fruit picking, a crêperie with Breton-style crêpes, and a cidery featuring artisanal ciders. There are activities for all ages, including tractor rides, a petting farm, playgrounds, and walking trails
Quinn Farm
Admission: $8 on weekdays, $10 on weekends
Website: https://quinnfarm.qc.ca/en/plan-your-visit/

Verger Charboneau
Admission: $3
Website: https://vergersdc.qc.ca/en/

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin picking is a classic fall activity, and Citrouilleville in Saint-Zotique, just 30 minutes from Montreal, makes for the perfect day trip. Open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM starting September 7, you can explore an expansive 4.5-hectare corn maze, spend time with farm animals, and snap some fun photos at the quirky booths. There are local food trucks and, of course, plenty of options to find the perfect pumpkin for your fall recipes or Halloween carving. 
Admission: $10.44.
Website: https://www.citrouilleville.com/en

Day Trip to Mont-Tremblant

A day trip to Mont-Tremblant through the Laurentian Mountains is an incredible way to experience fall foliage. As you leave the city and wind through the mountains, the vibrant colors of red, orange, brown, and green create a stunning backdrop of ever-changing views. The drive itself is breathtaking, but once you arrive, you’ll spot the Cabriolet—an open-air gondola that transports pedestrians from the bottom of the village to the base of the mountain. This free and unique ride offers a great way to explore Mont-Tremblant while soaking in the beauty of the village and its surroundings. There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, from hiking and riding the panoramic gondola to the summit, to zooming down the Skyline Luge, or simply strolling through the charming European-style pedestrian village. For a full guide on planning the best day trip from Montreal to Mont-Tremblant, check out my blog here.

Explore the Botanical Gardens in Autumn

The Montreal Botanical Gardens is the perfect spot to enjoy the gorgeous colors of fall, spanning across a massive 75 hectares (185 acres). The gardens feature over 20,000 different plants, fifteen thematic gardens and ten greenhouses. You can take a stroll through the Japanese Garden for a Zen-like experience, or wander over to the Chinese Garden and feel like you are in an entirely new continent. The Botanical Gardens is located minutes away from downtown at 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B. 
Admission: $20.75
Website: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden

Visit Atwater or Jean-Talon Market for Fall Flavors

Atwater and Jean-Talon Markets come alive in the fall with seasonal produce—think pumpkins, squash, and every fall flavor you could wish for. Whether you’re picking up ingredients for Thanksgiving or just browsing the fall harvest, these markets are a perfect spot to soak in the autumn atmosphere. At Atwater Market, don’t miss the irresistible flavors of Satay Brother’s or indulge in a cheese-lover’s paradise at Fromagerie Atwater. Meanwhile, at Jean-Talon Market, treat yourself to freshly shucked oysters and sumptuous lobster rolls from La Boite Aux Huîtres, followed by a sweet or savory Breton crêpe from Crêperie du Marché. 

Relax at a Spa with Foliage Views 

For a serene escape this fall, head to Strom Spa or Bota Bota, where outdoor pools offer breathtaking views of vibrant autumn foliage. Embrace a Nordic spa experience, rooted in Scandinavian traditions that promote relaxation and well-being through alternating hot and cold therapies. The warmth of saunas and steam rooms soothes tired muscles, while invigorating cold plunges detoxify the body and stimulate circulation. Each spa offers thermal circuits and massage services, allowing you to transition between hot saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and soothing spas, followed by icy plunges and refreshing showers. To cap off your journey, unwind in a cozy robe in the spa’s tranquil relaxation areas and soak in the serene ambiance.
Bota Bota
Price: $60-$85 for the Thermal Circuit
Website: botabota.ca

Strøm Spa (Nuns Island)
Price: $59-$84 for the Thermal Circuit
Website: boutique.stromspa.com

Leaf Peeping Hotspots in Montreal

Montreal’s parks provide the perfect setting to experience fall’s vibrant colors without leaving the city. Mont Royal is a must-visit, with its vast network of trails, including the scenic Olmsted Trail, where you can walk or hike through brilliant displays of red, orange, and gold. The summit at Kondiaronk Belvedere offers breathtaking views of the city framed by autumn hues, while nearby Beaver Lake is an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic or some quiet time by the water. At Parc Jean-Drapeau, expansive green spaces and riverside paths create tranquil spots for unwinding during a fall walk, while Parc La Fontaine offers a more intimate escape with its tree-lined pathways and peaceful ambiance, perfect for strolling beneath golden leaves. Each park showcases Montreal’s autumn beauty in its own special way.

Indulge in MTL à Table

From October 31 to November 17, 2024, this 18-day culinary festival brings together over 150 Montreal restaurants, each offering special three- or four-course table d’hôte menus priced between $35 and $80. These menus, thoughtfully curated with local Quebec ingredients, span a wide variety of cuisines—from classic French fare to innovative Pan-Asian dishes. It’s a fantastic opportunity for food enthusiasts to explore new dining spots or revisit old favorites in a cozy autumn setting, whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends. Reserve your table here.

Gondola or Chairlift Ride through the Eastern Townships

One of the best ways to take in the fall foliage is from above, and the Eastern Townships offer some fantastic options for this. From September 15 to October 15, 2024, the Flambée des couleurs festival at Mont Orford lets you ride the gondola ($21) to the summit, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the vibrant fall landscape. Over at Mount Sutton’s Fall Festival, you can hop on the chairlift for $18, gliding above the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows as you ascend the mountain. At the top, you’ll find sweeping panoramic views of the Eastern Townships—perfect for capturing photos or simply taking it all in. Sutton’s festival also features live concerts, ziplining, and plenty of other activities to enjoy. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to sample local wine and cider along the wine trail!