Sliding into fall: 6 quick vacation ideas

Admire the colours of fall around Mont-Tremblant

A trip to fan-favourite fall destination Mont-Tremblant, and more broadly, the Laurentian region, is a must for nature and foliage enthusiasts!

With its accessible walkway and 40-metre-high observation tower, the Sentier des cimes Laurentides offers a splendid viewpoint from which to admire the flamboyant colours of the Laurentians. A self-service restaurant, welcoming terrace, and beautiful gardens, not to mention the popular Color Odyssey promising the perfect seasonal vibe with warm décor and a festive atmosphere, add to the experience.

After your hike, settle into the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mont-Tremblant hotel, located about a 15-minute drive away, where you can relax in the heated indoor pool or outdoor hot tub. The next day, after enjoying a delicious complimentary continental breakfast, you’ll be just minutes away from the pedestrian village of Tremblant, hiking trails, golf courses, and even the casino.

Dive into the arts in Québec City

Fall is synonymous with cultural events, and in Québec City, there is no shortage of opportunities to fully indulge your passion for the arts.

A staple of Québec City’s cultural scene and boasting some 42,000 works of art, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is shining the spotlight on the works of French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle throughout the season. As you visit the nine sections of the exhibition, you will be immersed in the colourful and joyful world of this thought-provoking artist, in particular through her iconic Nanas and Skinnies series of works. 

🍂 Read on: Discover the exhibit dedicated to Niki de Saint Phalle

Located a 10-minute walk from the museum, the equally iconic Hotel Le Concorde—easily recognizable in the cityscape with its famous revolving restaurant—is the perfect place to relax after soaking up some culture. Treat yourself to a culinary experience at Ciel! Bistro-Bar while admiring the view of the city and the St. Lawrence River from the 28th floor, then end the evening with a stroll along Grande-Allée.

Explore the Chaleur Bay decked out in fall attire!

A popular summertime destination, the Gaspésie region still has a lot to offer when fall rolls around. In particular, the Chaleur Bay area, located between New Brunswick and the rest of the Gaspé Peninsula, is a beautiful region to visit at this time of year.

Whether you go hiking or biking, Mont Saint Joseph offers outdoor enthusiasts breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. If you love culture and living heritage, don’t miss La Virée Trad, from October 10 to 12, 2025, a festival offering folk music performances, dance evenings and a large market with more than 50 producers and artisans.

Open until mid-October, Hotel Aquamer in Carleton-sur-Mer is the ideal base camp for discovering all the treasures of the region. After a lovely walk along the waterfront, settle into your comfortable room with a view of the bay, enjoy the indoor seawater pool, and gather around the outdoor fireplace for an evening in good company.

Relax in the Centre-du-Québec region

Sometimes, you just want to settle down in one place with all you could ever want at your fingertips. After all, fall is the perfect season for taking it easy and relaxing to the fullest.

And that’s exactly what Hotel Montfort offers its guests—everything you need to get away from it all. Start your stay at the on-site spa, which offers a complete thermal experience with hot and cold baths, a dry sauna, and relaxation areas. When it comes to meals, the restaurant serves delicious bistronomic cuisine that combines freshness and expertise. 

And if you feel like visiting the surrounding area, you can go for a walk in the Anse-du-Port Ecomaritime Park, follow the Navigators’ Route by bike or explore world cultures at the Musée des cultures du monde.

Check out events happening in September in Québec City

Québec City and its surrounding region offer a packed calendar of events to kick off the fall season—and there’s something to entertain families, couples, friends and solo travellers alike!

Between the Celtic Festival (September 5–7), the Grand Prix Cycliste biking festival (September 12), the Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec film festival (September 10–14), and the La Grande Virée des couleurs fall foliage festival at Mont-Sainte-Anne (starting September 20), you’re sure to find an event that suits your tastes and lets you enjoy the season to the fullest.

After a day of festivities, head to the Hilton Québec to relax. Stop by CABU - Boire et manger first to sip a creative cocktail or savour a locally inspired dish designed by chef Marie-Chantale Lepage. You can also enjoy the heated rooftop pool on the third floor before treating yourself to a good night’s sleep in your modern room.

Have some Halloween fun with the family in Montégérie

Are you already thinking about Halloween? The Montérégie region, just south of Montreal, is a great place to start the spooky celebrations early, with many attractions going into Halloween mode well before October 31st.

Case in point: Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum, organizes various activities that will appeal to kids, such as an immersive tour with characters, a ghost train, a craft workshop, and a pumpkin trail. Take the opportunity to explore the museum various train-themed exhibitions, try out the locomotive driving simulator or take a ride on the miniature railway.

To round out your stay, plan other seasonal activities, such as visiting a corn maze or picking your own pumpkins. And to add to the fun, why not stay in unusual accommodations, such as a floating cottage?