Autumn is upon us. It’s the prettiest season! At least above the tropics where we can really see the leaves changing into all those amazing colours.
Since I shared some Quebec summer activities here some time back, I thought it would be nice to do the same for the autumn - which is my favourite season. So, if you ever find yourself in La Belle Province from now until mid-December, be sure to try one of those:
1- Apple Picking. It’s an autumn staple in many regions, and Quebec is no different. There’s basically no getting it wrong in any apple picking place around here. I particularly like the ones in the Laurentides region - north-west of Montreal - and the Montérégie region - south-east of Montreal. Anything around Quebec City is also a nice option. The view is amazing, the smell is amazing, it’s a lot of dun. You can get out of there with a lot of fresh apples for a low price - these places usually sell different sized bags and you can fit as many apples in the bags as you can. You can also eat the apples in place! But save some place for the apple goods in the store every apple picking spot have. Apple pies, breads, cider, most freshly baked and delicious. Kids love the whole activity. If you need one spot near Montreal, I would recommend the Quinn Farm
2- Road Trip. It doesn’t even matter where you go, the trip itself is the fun. My tip here is: avoid highways, always turn on any sign that says Scenic route, Tourist route or something like it. Stop on that little town you never heard of. Stop on whatever country fair you might encounter - and if you do, and the fair has a corn maze, absolutely go do that. In Quebec, the Estrie region is particularly nice for that but, really, every place has its charm.
3- Hiking. Autumn hiking can be very different from summer hiking, with its own set of challenges. That amazing view on the summer will be incredible on autumn. Just check, if you can, the state of the foliage before leaving for a hike. You’ll want peak colours if ever possible. Almost all Quebec hiking trails are amazing during autumn.
4- Visit a winery. If you are into wine-tasting, it’s an nice activity. But even if - like me - you aren’t, the visit still pays off, specially because it will most likely include a road trip of some sort. Most wineries have nice food, and it’s always fun to watch all those people trying to smell the fruity aroma… There are some fine wineries around Quebec City.
5- Hot Air Balloon. If you never took a ride on a hot air balloon, you don’t know what you are missing. We have a great festival near Montreal that happens during summer, but most hot air balloon companies have flights throughout the year. Check the website of the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu festival to find a balloon company. Sometimes it’s tricky to pick an hour - there are specific conditions to fly a hot air balloon - but try for the late afternoon if you can, so you can see the sunset from above. Mornings should be your next best time.
6- Rent a chalet. Take a group of your friends, rent a chalet in the mountains, and go for a weekend - you can even start your hiking trail from there! Just one weekend of peace and quiet can make a lot of difference. Gather some supplies so you have to leave the chalet as little as possible. I particularly like barbecuing accompanied by board games. Try ans avoid gadgets in the chalet. Bring a book.
7- Photography. This one is non-exclusive with all above. Autumn is a great time for photos, so I recommend you always have your best camera on you if you like taking photos. Even in your own town. The fall of the leaves makes some amazing photo opportunities, and in all the activities above you’ll have plenty of photographable moments. My photo folder volume increases about 40% faster during autumn.
So, there you have it. A lot of fun to have in the beautiful season!
What’s your favourite autumn activities?
but for many young people from all over the world.