Anyone taking a trip to “la belle province” is bound to come back with unforgettable memories. However, those visiting during the fall season will be treated to the unique sight of the Québec fall foliage: a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As if this wasn’t enough, there’s more! The shoulder season is the perfect time of year to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, many of which are only available in Québec. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of a stopover at any of the nine ports of call located along the Saint Lawrence River in September and October.
What to do in Québec in the fall; admire the fall foliage
As the weather gets cooler, anyone lucky enough to be in Québec will be treated to an explosion of colours. The changing leaves turn bright red, yellow and orange before falling, giving way to a burst of warm hues for a limited time only. While visitors don’t have to go far to enjoy this experience as forests are plentiful in Québec, some areas are particularly well known as a top foliage observation spot.
The Saguenay region is surrounded by wild, untouched nature and home to some beautiful national parks, making it the perfect place for a fall hike. The Parc de la Chute Montmorency, near Québec City, is also a great vantage point. The bridge over the impressive waterfalls overlooks both the Saint Lawerence River and the leafy Ile d’Orleans.
In Montréal, the view from Mount Royal Park is hard to beat. A quick, fairly easy hike to the top of the mountain (located at the heart of the metropolis) reveals amazing vistas as the city centre is framed by a curtain of brightly-coloured trees.
Be amazed by the Chinese lanterns
Montréal Botanical Garden is home to one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Gardens of Light annual festival. Held throughout September, the festival features hundreds of Chinese lanterns, which create a magical canopy of light. The festival also features light shows and more elaborate displays in the shape of people, animals, boats and mythical creatures throughout its Chinese garden, Japanese Garden and First Nations Garden. Anyone hoping to learn more about the stories and legends of Canada’s Indigenous nations should head to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday nights during the festival for a storytelling show to remember
Go on a gourmet adventure
isitors with children can head to a pumpkin patch for plenty of outdoor fun, including tractor rides, corn mazes and Halloween activities. Plenty of orchards offer a pick-your-own apple option. Most Quebecers will head to an orchard for an apple picking session during the fall in order to gather the necessary supplies to make a traditional apple crumble. To be enjoyed hot, with plenty of ice cream!
For the more grownup portion of the trip, it’s worth remembering that orchards often double as cider houses. The Ile d’Orleans, located barely a few minutes away from the Port of Québec City, is home to several cider houses, each offering a tasting menu which can be sampled while overlooking the majestic river and its shores.
Most wineries close late in the fall, so a September visit offers the best of both worlds: beautiful vineyards, unique locally made wines and none of the summer season traffic. Slow tourism at its best!
For the more grownup portion of the trip, it’s worth remembering that orchards often double as cider houses. The Ile d’Orleans, located barely a few minutes away from the Port of Québec City, is home to several cider houses, each offering a tasting menu which can be sampled while overlooking the majestic river and its shores.
Most wineries close late in the fall, so a September visit offers the best of both worlds: beautiful vineyards, unique locally made wines and none of the summer season traffic. Slow tourism at its best!
Find out more about the Cruise the Saint Lawrence sustainable development guidelines on our sustainability page.