9 great ways to have fun this fall

Rent a cabin for the weekend

Nothing says fall like a weekend at the cottage! Located on a beautiful golf course, Chalets Royal Laurentien offers fully equipped properties that can accommodate 2 to 18 people, ideal for a couple’s getaway or a group retreat. 

In addition, there are plenty of activities both on site (golf, kayaking, volleyball, etc.) and nearby (hiking on the Sentier des cimes Laurentides, going for a spa day at Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, trying out the giant zipline at Tyroparc, etc.), allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the colourful landscapes of the Laurentians.

Go on a nature hike

For a hike that anything but ordinary, head to Parc le Trou de la Fée in Lac-Saint-Jean. This park has several trails where you can admire the kaleidoscope of fall colours. Walk along footbridges anchored to cliffs, cross suspension bridges, brave the glass floor hanging 60 metres above the Métabetchouane River and discover a slice of history on the water supply pipeline walkway.

Want to go exploring underground too? Why not take the opportunity to try your first caving experience!

Discover a world of poetry

As fall transforms the landscape into a canvas of colour, it’s not unlikely to be inspired to slow down and open ourselves to the power of words! From October 2 to 11, 2026, Trois-Rivières becomes a literary stage during the Festival International de la poésie (international poetry festival) Every day during the festival, a variety of venues—including restaurants, cafés and bars—open their doors to public readings, where words and literary talent are there to be discovered over a meal or a drink!

See Quebec’s wildlife up close

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Montreal, the Ecomuseum Zoo slips into its most beautiful colours in the fall, and it’s a great time to discover the unique history of its friendly residents. A wide range of activities are organized to give you the chance to get up close and personal with the animals.

And while you’re there, why not combine your visit with lunch or dinner in the charming heritage village of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue?

Set a date to pick your own apples and pumpkins

Fall is the perfect time for a day at the farm! At the Quinn Farm, located in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île Perrot in the Montérégie region, you can immerse yourself in the flavours of the season and go pick your own apples, pumpkins and squash—so you can fully enjoy the harvest and plan some comforting recipes. Between a visit to the animal barn, some time at the playground, and a stop at the farm stand to pick up a few gourmet treats, the whole family is sure to have a great time.

Good to know: Be sure to make a reservation online a few days in advance for the u-pick activity!

Plan a fall family bike trip

The P’tit Train du Nord multipurpose trail, which winds through the Laurentians from Bois-des-Filion to Mont-Laurier, is especially beautiful in the fall. Take this opportunity to go for a family bike ride before putting your bikes away for the winter. The trail’s gentle elevation changes make it the perfect bike path for young cyclists as well as adults of all skill levels.

If you’re looking for the ideal starting point, consider staying at the Comfort Inn & Suites St-Jérôme, which offers a bike package available until October 31, 2026. After a day spent on two wheels, the hotel’s heated indoor pool, sauna, and spa await you for a well-deserved recovery. For even greater peace of mind, bikes can even be kept right in the room.

Get into Halloween mode at Exporail

This fall, ghosts, skeletons, bats, and spiders are taking over Exporail, the Canadian Railway Museum. From October 24 to November 1, 2026, the Railway Ghosts event will give families a chance to rediscover the train collection from a new perspective. A craft workshop will also invite kids to make their own Halloween mask. And for guaranteed thrills, on October 24, 25, and 31, and November 1, you can board a ghost train to delve into the tragic fate of an early 20th-century railroad worker.

Good to know: Some activities are suitable for children ages 10 and up, while others are for those under 10, to make it easier for families to choose what suits them best.

Discover how women have contributed to science

Was science in the 19th century really reserved for men? The exhibition Nuns, Teachers and Scientists! at the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science highlights the pioneering role of the Ursulines and the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre-Dame, who were already teaching botany, chemistry, physics and mineralogy to their students as early as the 1830s. Through artifacts, archival images, interactive exhibits and multimedia content, the exhibition highlights these pioneers and draws a connection to contemporary women in science. The exhibition opens on September 18, 2026.

Soak in the infinite nature of Gaspésie

With its breathtaking natural beauty, the Gaspésie region is the perfect place to recharge in the great outdoors. Located near the Seigneurie du Lac Matapédia Regional Park and the International Appalachian Trail, the Sélectôtel Amqui is the ideal starting point for exploring nature. On site at the hotel, the wellness centre is a true oasis where you can truly unwind: the glass-enclosed area with an indoor pool and spa, offers breathtaking views of the water and provides a real dose of natural light.

Looking for another spot in Gaspésie? In Pointe-à-la-Croix, next to Chaleur Bay, settle in at the Hôtel Interprovincial, where you’ll receive a warm welcome. In addition to a peaceful atmosphere, the hotel and the village offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as the Pastali restaurant and Le Billard bar. And between the 210-meter-high lookout point where you can admire the Appalachians, 9 km of hiking trails and marshes teeming with floral and wildlife treasures, nature is never far away.