Fall in the Laurentians means stirring moments made all the better by spectacular scenery. The days may be shorter, but sunsets are their most magical at this warm time of year. Hiking and biking get easier without the sweltering heat. Trails are covered with a shimmering carpet of leaves, making it easy to spend long hours outdoors enjoying the orange and scarlet hues of the surrounding countryside.
Enchanting Views
On a hike, there’s nothing like stunning scenery to reward your efforts! To reach the end goal, Parc du Mont Loup-Garou in Sainte-Adèle has a number of trails leading to the mountain’s highest peak of 498 m above sea level. The 4.5 km Loup-Garou trail, for example, takes you there by criss-crossing between lakes and forest. The Mont Condor and Mont King loops in Parc régional Val-David, Val-Morin have seven scenic lookouts over a total 6.9 km— enough to delight lovers of idyllic landscapes! There are many other trails too, each with stunning views of the region. Make more amazing discoveries at Parc régional Montagne du Diable in Ferme-Neuve and explore a multitude of scenic lookouts along 80 km of hiking trails.A mere stone’s throw from Relais de la Montagne du Diable (Devil’s Mountain Shack) is a 21-metre-high lookout tower where you can gaze in wonder at the vast expanse of the Upper Laurentians. With these suggestions, you’ll have lots of stunning new views to discover on your next adventure.
Enjoy the Crisp Fall Air
Hikers young and old will be delighted to stop at open air centres to rest for a moment in the heart of nature. Come experience the mountains at Avalanche culture plein air, Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, with more than 35 km of trails to explore with the whole family— a place to make new and lasting memories, even with the family pet. Nestled in a superb fall setting, Camping et Centre de plein air Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts Camping and Outdoor Centre) has more than 40 km of trails for hikers of every skill level— a memorable outing that will delight even your little ones! Come discover one of the region’s highest peaks and explore Mont Kaaikop’s hiking trails at L’Interval, coopérative de solidarité de plein air (outdoor solidarity cooperative) in Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides. In the heart of an ancient forest, you can explore 30 km of trails that are sure to enchant you with their stunning views. Want some fresh, upper Laurentian air? Centre de plein air Mont-Laurier has three hiking trails totalling 19 km. Once you’re there, try Nordic pole walking to get your whole body moving. Whether alone or with others, get set for some great discoveries!
Take your Dog for a Hike
Bring your canine companion along on your next nature outing. Now that cooler weather is here, your dog will be glad to join you on the trail. Visit Parc national d’Oka and walk the Calvaire d’Oka trail, which ends at a scenic lookout over Lac des Deux-Montagnes where three chapels have stood watch since 1742. Parc de la Rivière Doncaster in Sainte-Adèle will enchant you with its river trails, waterfalls, and seasonally changing landscapes. You can also explore Réseau de sentiers des Orphelins in the Municipality of Wentworth-Nord, a network of trails shared by hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Bring your dog along so you can see and discover nature together in this magnificent setting. Immerse yourself in the heart of nature by exploring the hiking trails in Parc régional du Poisson Blanc at Notre-Dame-du-Laus. With its sandy beaches, clear waters, and commanding views of the lake’s many islands, this unique region is sure to charm you! Remember to always keep your dog on a leash while you take in the magical fall scenery.
The Outdoors for Everyone!
A number of trails have safe access for people with limited mobility so everyone can share the adventure. Come visit Domaine Saint-Bernard in Mont-Tremblant and explore the whole estate (bird and medicinal plant gardens, various lodges and pavilions, the beach at Lac Raynaud, etc.). All trails are accessible and easy to use. Want to immerse yourself in nature without straying too far from the city? Mirabel’s Parc régional éducatif Bois de Belle-Rivière (Bois de Belle-Rivière Regional Educational Park) has accessible, barrier-free trails! Listen for birdsong and enjoy the splendour of changing fall colors. Lastly, Mont-Blanc’s Sentier des cimes Laurentides has breathtaking views from the top of a 40-metre high, wheelchair-accessible tower! There are even wheelchairs on site that visitors can use free of charge. The Laurentians–a region of outdoor fun and activity, accessible to everyone!
Get a Taste of Trail Running
Trail (or cross-country) running has grown tremendously popular with hikers in recent years. Come discover Parc du Domaine Vert in Mirabel with its easy and well-maintained trails. With lots of services close by, the park makes it simple to fit the outdoors into your routine! Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord (Rivière-du-Nord Regional Park) in Saint-Jérôme has more than 15 km of trails to help get your legs moving. Stop off later at Chutes Wilson (Wilson Falls) for a well-earned break. On the Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson and Estérel trail network to the north, you can hike short trails made for walkers and runners of every level while exploring Lac Masson’s outlet and delighting in the great views. Parc écologique le Renouveau Rosaire-Sénécal in Nominingue is a good place to jog or run in quiet, peaceful surroundings. The park also has facilities (two gazebos with lookout points, a beautiful shelter, a picnic area, etc.). Remember to wear good shoes and have fun learning and discovering new things!
The park is also home to amazing plants and wildlife!
Here are some places where you might still spot wildlife before winter hibernation: Come to Parc régional Kiamika (Kiamika Regional Park) in Rivière-Rouge and immerse yourself in an unspoilt wilderness. With six trails of varying length and difficulty, you might glimpse some of the many specimens—great and small, land- or water-based—that make up the area’s diverse wildlife species. The huge expanse of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant has hiking trails where you can meet the four-legged rock stars of Laurentian wildlife. Its 82 km of trails are home to a multitude of flora and fauna, including white-tailed deer, foxes, and even black bears! Our park rangers have a number of activities to help you discover and learn about local plants and animals. Parc Éco Laurentides in Mont-Blanc has 10 maintained trails where you can hike in peace and quiet while discovering local flora and fauna. Be sure not to miss the beaver dam, which you can see from Tour-du-Lac trail, and enjoy the superb view of Lac du Cordon.
Unexpected Places
The region has plenty of places where hikes can turn into fun original activities for jocks and non-jocks alike. Immerse yourself in the legend of Mont Tremblant’s sleeping giant by walking the Tonga Lumina illuminated trail. This 1.5 km hike and multisensory experience starts at Tremblant Resort each evening at dusk and will run to October 14. Stroll through Saint-Joseph-du-Lac’s fruit orchards to the south. Domaine Lafrance has 30 hectares of land to explore on foot, while U-pick season adds a warm spirit to help you enjoy fall to the fullest. Cidrerie Lacroix maintains orchard trails throughout the year. Orchard access fees may apply during pick-your-own season. Lastly, for the Sommet Saint-Sauveur en couleurs festival from September 16 to October 29, make the most of our hiking trails and many offers and packages (chairlifts, Parc F.U.N. admission, etc.). Hit the trails, enjoy the fall colors, and get the whole family outdoors and active!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450 224-7007 | 1 800 561-6673.