6 options to create a fall getaway, your way!
Published on September 25, 2023 • Attractions to discover
A memorable getaway is, above all, an experience made up of everything we truly love. Whether your heart is set on a stay in a charming hotel, a day of cultural discoveries, or a day filled with family activities, Quebec offers a thousand and one ways to explore at your own pace. Here are a few options to help you plan a fall getaway with all of your favourite things!
The relaxation option – make it all about downtime
Nestled in the wilderness of the Outaouais region, Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers the perfect retreat to recharge your batteries. Its heated indoor pool, hot tubs and cozy lounge create a soothing setting to unwind from everyday life. Add an invigorating spa treatment and views of the Ottawa River that change with the seasons, and what you have is a truly beneficial getaway, ideal for couples or groups of friends.
In Québec City, Hôtel Le Bonne Entente combines elegance and serenity in a natural setting of lush gardens, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The Amerispa health centre, located within the hotel, offers massage therapy, beauty, and body treatments that perfectly pair with the mild weather of the season, while the rooms offer cozy comfort to go along with long autumn evenings. And to accompany this time of rest, the hotel's restaurant offers simple and comforting local cuisine.
The nature option – get your fill of fall foliage
Experience the magic of fall in the mountains and see the colourful tree at their peak at the Colours Festival, happening at the Ski Saint-Bruno resort on weekends from September 27 to November 9, 2025. Discover this mountain located about a half hour’s drive from Montreal on a hike or a ski lift ride to the summit. There are also animals to visit in an Enchanted Forest and special activities every weekend!
If you're curious about Quebec's wildlife, fall is a wonderful season to visit the animals in the charming natural setting of the Ecomuseum Zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, on the western tip of the island of Montreal. The Fall at the zoo program offers a wide range of seasonal activities such as educational presentations, wildlife immersions, a Junior zookeeper game and a special Halloween activity. It’s a must for animal lovers!
The family option – activities kids will love
For a day trip that will appeal to all generations, head to Montreal's Old Port to discover the world's largest indoor maze: SOS Labyrinthe! During your quest, you'll have to find the four treasures of the longshoremen hidden throughout two kilometres of obstacles, dead ends and surprises. And starting October 4, 2025, the site will switch to Halloween mode: mysterious decorations, thrills and spooky challenges will be on the agenda!
If you're looking for a weekend getaway with the family, the Super 8 Saint-Jérôme is sure to be a hit with kids, thanks to the indoor pool and mega water slide. Laughs and thrills are guaranteed! For parents, the hot tub and lounge chairs are perfect for some well-deserved rest. The whole family can also marvel at the beauty of the Laurentian countryside during the fall foliage season, before returning to the comfort of the hotel for a good night's sleep!
The culture option – a dive into history or literature
Do you want to learn about Quebec's industrial history? Immerse yourself in the pulp and paper era at the Boréalis museum. Its new exhibition, Transformations, will take you on a journey into the paper-making industry in Trois-Rivières, from the factories of the past to the forests of tomorrow. During your visit, you can also take part in a paper-making workshop and even an immersive escape game (back on offer starting October 4, 2025).
Do you prefer the world of books and literature? Treat yourself to a getaway to Québec City during the Québec en toutes lettres festival (website in French only), from October 16 to 26, 2025. This year, the program focuses on notable literary figures and a line from a poem by Denise Desautels “l’autre qui bat en nous” (the other who beats within us) serves as the theme. Throughout the event, literary art will be featured around public spaces, and festival-goers will have the chance to connect with authors and artists during shows and meet-and-greets. It's a great opportunity to see the city from a different perspective!
The flavour option – ideal for foodies and fall fans
If you're visiting the Montérégie region and enjoy good food, good company and rustic decor, plan a gourmet stop at La Taverne de la Ferme in the charming municipality of Ormstown. This country-style restaurant will delight your palate with its seasonal menu inspired by local ingredients, creative cocktails, selection of microbrewery beers, and private import wines.
In the Eastern Townships, Domaine Jolivent is the perfect destination for foodies who dream of a vacation where gastronomy is a key part of the experience. In addition to its bar-lounge area set around a fireplace (the perfect spot for cooler evenings), this 12-room hotel has its own gourmet restaurant, Alizé le resto. Chef Baptiste Gournay offers refined cuisine that showcases quality ingredients grown, fished or raised by artisans committed to an eco-responsible approach.
The waterside option – a vacation by the lake or the sea
In Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson in the Laurentians, the Viking Resort offers a unique lakeside fall getaway. In between walks on the colourful nearby trails, enjoy some quiet time on the balcony, admire the view of the lake and surrounding nature or relax in the hot tub on the panoramic terrace. And when the sun sets, there's nothing like the cozy comfort of your studio or 1- to 3-bedroom condo to keep the relaxation going into the evening.
Looking for a bigger change of scenery? At Chalets Nautika, you can book a cottage right on the Gaspésie coastline and enjoy the waterfront view. These modern cottages with a Scandinavian design and large windows offer breathtaking views of the bay. Whether your stay is filled with adventure or relaxation, this is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day. Located just 15 minutes from the city of Gaspé and about 30 minutes from Percé Rock and Forillon National Park, this is the ideal starting point for a fall getaway.
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