One of the great free shows of your first year in Quebec is coming soon: in the fall, the maples, birches and poplars turn red, orange and yellow. Here's how to experience it without missing out.
When. The colour season generally runs from mid-September to late October, according to Bonjour Québec, the province's official tourism site. The peak doesn't hit everywhere at once: it depends on altitude and region.
Where to look, north to south. Higher and more northern areas turn first. In the Chic-Chocs mountains of the Gaspé and in Haute-Mauricie, colours appear as early as mid-September. Charlevoix and the northern Laurentians and Lanaudière often peak around late September. The Eastern Townships, the Outaouais and the southern Laurentians follow in early October. Finally, Montreal, the Quebec City area and the St. Lawrence lowlands hold their colours until roughly mid-October.
The national parks, a safe bet. Sépaq, which runs Quebec's national parks, suggests a few classics: Mont-Mégantic National Park and Jacques-Cartier National Park for families, Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park for its lookouts, and Mont-Tremblant National Park for its varied trails. Daily entry to a Sépaq park has a fee — check the current rate on their site before you go.
Doable without a car. Mount Royal in Montreal, the Plains of Abraham and Montmorency Falls Park in Quebec City offer fine colours reachable by public transit. No need to rent a car for your first fall.
A tip for good timing. Bonjour Québec publishes an interactive colour map, updated every Thursday, that uses a colour code to show how far along the foliage is, region by region. Check it the day before your outing rather than relying on a fixed date.
Good to know for newcomers. Peak-colour weekends are very popular: leave early, book any lodging ahead, and dress in layers — October mornings are cold even under a bright sun.
