This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
A brief overview of the activities offered in different regions of the province.
To Montreal
The Botanical Garden is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Gardens of Light until October 31. In addition to the traditional lanterns, the Chinese Garden presents An ode to the moon. The star of the night accompanies visitors throughout the course. While fall is in the spotlight in the Japanese Garden, in the First Nations Garden, the illuminated path transports us to the heart of the circle of life, where the words of the Innu poet Joséphine Bacon bewitch. Timed tickets help avoid the crowds at this busy time.
Film buffs have no doubt already noted it: the 51e edition of the Festival du nouveau cinema will be held from October 5 to 16. From 6 to 10, the Black & Blue Festival will offer shows, brunches, dance and sport. Flagship event of the LGBTQ+ party launched in 1991, Black & Blue 360 will take place at Tohu on October 9 and 10. Piknic Électronik is also offering an extension until October 9. Perfect for countering the fall blues!
In Quebec
The ideal time to admire the colors of the Québec region, Thanksgiving attracts many visitors to Jacques-Cartier National Park. Back after a two-year hiatus, the Grande Virée des couleurs du mont Sainte-Anne is an opportunity to go down the slopes on a mountain bike and hit the hiking trails while the leaves color the landscape of red and orange. The river shuttle that connects Quebec and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré will also be in operation until October 10 (three daily departures). Rather want an urban stay? In the middle of harvest season, the Grand Marché de Québec and the Sainte-Foy public market are among the stops to add to your itinerary. It’s also the last weekend to admire the Mosaïcultures at Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge. Among the exhibitions to discover, let’s highlight the new exhibition 100 years of photography in Quebec, 1839-1939 at Space 400e of the Maison de la photo de Québec, presented until October 30. And if you haven’t had the chance to find out yet Onhwa’ Luminaan immersive show by Moment Factory in Wendake, this is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a getaway in the area and immerse yourself in Huron-Wendat culture.
In Lanaudiere
25 minutes from Montreal and two hours from Quebec, the Lanaudière region lends itself well to short getaways. Between its 10,000 lakes and rivers, its mountains and its beaches, there is something to keep busy. The Festival des couleurs de Val-Saint-Côme offers hikes on the trails of the ski resort. On Thanksgiving weekend, a 100% traditional musical program awaits visitors. Of course, you can take advantage of the ski lift to admire the most beautiful viewpoints. Rather want to pick your own squash and pumpkins? It’s possible at Citrouilles et cie, in Saint-Sulpice.
In the Eastern Townships
For lovers of culture and the outdoors, the Flambée des couleurs Magog-Orford promises great outings. Here too, the ski resorts are among the most popular places for their unique viewpoints. The groomed trails of the Rivière aux Cerises marsh in Magog are also perfect for human and canine hikers. Gourmands will take a detour to Compton, where the Comptonales tourist circuit will amaze the senses. Free shuttles allow you to move from one producer to another.
In Montérégie
Îles-de-Boucherville National Park, Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park, Saint-Bernard Regional Park, CIME Haut-Richelieu in Mont-Saint-Grégoire… There is no shortage of nature spots to go for a walk in through the colors! Rather want to pedal? The Route des Champs connects Chambly to Granby through the vineyards. Along the way, you can admire the Rougemont and Yamaska mountains. With its 235 km, the Véloroute gourmande has 119 gourmet stops, 26 cultural attractions, 18 tourist activities and 82 accommodations in Montérégie and the Eastern Townships.
In the Lower Laurentians
If the Thanksgiving period is ideal for picking squash and pumpkins at the Squash Interpretation Center in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, at the Magie de la pomme, in Saint-Eustache, and at Labonté de la pomme, in Oka, other activities are offered at the various sites. We take advantage of a trip to the region to also stop at Domaine Lafrance, in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, as well as at the Rivière du Chêne vineyard and at Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache.
Where can I find last-minute packages?