Father and son next to deer at Parc Oméga.

Three ways to make the most of fall in Petite Nation

Published on September 7, 2026 • Destinations to explore

The countdown begins as soon as the first leaves turn red. There are still a few weeks left before the temperature drops for good, and that sense of the season drawing to a close urges us to get out while the weather is still nice. In Petite Nation, in the Outaouais region, you’ll find the ideal destination for this kind of outing, with a landscape you can explore at your own pace, alternating between outdoor activities and more leisurely stops.

Three ways to make the most of fall in Petite Nation

This article is presented by

Tourisme En Petite Nation

Go hiking to see the most incredible fall scenery

The Route des Zingues, in the municipality of Duhamel, is 24.3km of trails between the lakes of Gagnon and Preston, through an ancient forest. A junction with the Caroline Trail leads to the summit of Mount Weskarini, the highest point in the area.

Important to note: during hunting season in the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve, access is prohibited without a permit in sectors P3 through P7.

Further south, the Parc des Montagnes Noires in Ripon offers eight shorter trails—ranging from easy to intermediate—across 800 acres of forested land. A 12.5m observation tower stands atop the Montagnes Noires, and a lookout point on Mont Grand-Pic, at an elevation of 428m, overlooks the Petite Nation Valley.

🍂 Find all of the hikes to do this fall in Petite Nation.

Group of friends hiking at Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon.

Plan a stay where you can slow down and enjoy special accommodations

For a break from the daily grind, Le Centre de vie in Ripon combines healthy meals with access to a sauna in the heart of the forest—an ideal way to reconnect with nature and enjoy fall colours.

Parc Oméga, which already offered pod-style accommodations and various ready-to-camp units, now features three new cabins near the arctic wolves. An overnight stay at Parc Oméga in the fall is also the perfect opportunity to admire the animals in changing settings and explore the Oniro nighttime trail.

Campers at Parc Oméga next to deer in the fall.

For those who’d love to sleep outdoors a little longer, Domaine Lockbow keeps its campsites open until the end of November and also offers Scandinavian-inspired cabins available year-round. Combine your stay with beautiful walks to admire the waterfalls and fall colours.

💤 Discover all the ways you can sleep differently in Petite Nation this fall.

Fall is also a season for culture

In the fall, the galleries and artists’ studios in Petite Nation offer a wonderful way to slow down and treat yourself to a cultural break.

Craft objects at the La Shed qui tourne shop.

In Montebello, several art galleries line the main Notre-Dame Street, where you can discover unique crafts ranging from ceramics to woodworking and even the culinary arts.

A wide variety of cultural events and gatherings also take place in Petite Nation throughout September and October to liven up the season. Music, street art, harvest celebrations and local creations will all be in the spotlight along with beautiful countryside scenery.

🎨 Continue your cultural exploration by checking out shows and exhibitions featured this fall in Petite Nation.

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