Best Fall Foliage Spots Near Montreal: Where to See Peak Colours (2026 Guide)
Late September to mid-October turns the Quebec landscape into one of the most spectacular fall colour shows in North America. From the maples on Mount Royal to the sweeping orange-red slopes of the Eastern Townships and the Laurentians, this guide covers the 10 best places to see and photograph fall colours near Montreal in 2026, with peak timing and how to get there.
Quebec Fall Colour Calendar 2026
- Mid–late September: Higher elevations and Laurentians north of Mont-Tremblant start turning.
- Last week of September to first week of October: Peak Laurentians, Eastern Townships summits, Mauricie.
- Mid-October: Peak Montreal Island, South Shore, lower elevations.
- Late October: Final colours, leaf drop.
10 Best Spots
1. Mount Royal
The classic. The forest paths around the Belvédère and the chalet are peak in mid-October. Sunrise gives the best photos.
2. Mont-Saint-Hilaire
UNESCO biosphere reserve with old-growth maple forest. Peak around early October.
3. Mont-Tremblant National Park
The single most photographed fall spot in Quebec. Peak last week of September.
4. La Mauricie National Park
Wapizagonke valley and the Promenade scenic drive in early October.
5. Mont Sutton (Eastern Townships)
Best for hikers — combine the summit climb with peak colours.
6. Mont Orford National Park
Lake Stukely + summit hikes + Eastern Townships colours.
7. Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix
2 hours past Quebec City, but worth it for clifftop views over the Saint Lawrence.
8. Parc Jean-Drapeau
Easy in-city option — the trees along the river light up in mid-October.
9. Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
The Grand Canyon of Quebec. Late September peak.
10. Sentier de la Vallée du Diable (Mont-Tremblant)
Lesser-known section of Tremblant with quieter trails.
Best Fall Drives
- Route 117 north through the Laurentians
- Highway 132 along the Saint Lawrence to Charlevoix
- Route des Sommets in the Eastern Townships
- The Mauricie Promenade inside La Mauricie NP
Photography Tips
- Shoot the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset for warmest light.
- A polarizer cuts haze and saturates oranges and reds.
- Overcast days actually work well — softer colour, no shadow contrast.
- Use the Quebec Government’s “Carte des couleurs” fall colour map for live updates.
