Autumn in Montreal
Quebec would not be what it is without its autumn, this extraordinary season.
A favorite season for a majority of expats, although marking the end of summer, outdoor activities are still very much present.
It's impossible to live here without having enjoyed the flamboyant colors that fall offers us. If you live here and have never enjoyed it, you have clearly missed your expatriation!
ENJOY THE COLORS OF FIRE
So the first activity and not the least is to take advantage of going to take in the view in the forest.
Whether it's a day hike or a chalet for a weekend, everything is possible.
The colors are visible from mid-September to early November at the latest.
As they do not evolve in the same way from one place to another, I advise you to refer to this interactive map
https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/decouvrir/saisons/automne
It allows you to see the evolution of the colors, because in a few days it can already be too late. So if you want to plan a walk in a certain area, a word of advice, take a look.
Otherwise, you don't have to go far to already be able to appreciate these colors.
Nothing could be simpler: Climb Mount Royal, where you will enjoy the view of the colors blending with the buildings at the Belvedere, surrounding Beaver Lake, or on the various trails.
Last year, I went to Mont Sutton to see them, the colors were crazy!
PICKING YOUR OWN APPLES IN THE ORCHARDS
Another major fall activity around here.
How to organize the perfect family outing to fill your weekends.
Many orchards organize these self-picking events every year, which will delight young and old alike.
The opportunity to stock up on all kinds of homemade recipes: compotes, pies, soups and more!
STROLLING IN PUBLIC MARKETS
Although they are present in all seasons, the stalls of public markets are brightened up with various orange hues from September onwards.
Indeed, make way for squashes, pumpkins and other colorful seasonal vegetables.
Not to mention the return of seasonal products like pumpkin spicy latte or pumpkin cookies.
The must-sees: Jean Talon Market and Atwater Market
STOCK UP ON CURCURBITS
By the way, pumpkins, squash, and gourds galore!
As soon as fall returns, they find themselves in front of all the shops in anticipation of Halloween, a true institution in North America.
(By the way, two years ago, Halloween had to be cancelled because of big wind storms. The uproar that this caused in Montreal, just goes to show that we don't touch traditions)
This year, if you feel like it, Marineau Farm in Laval opens its field where you will have the pleasure of being able to pick your own produce.
No fewer than 50,000 pumpkins and squashes await you there.
For more information: https://www.fermemarineau.com/
PREPARING FOR HALLOWEEN
So autumn is synonymous with Halloween.
From decorations that are put up on the fronts of houses from October onwards, to pumpkins to carve (it's a sport, believe me ;-))
If you want to scare yourself on this occasion, a terror festival is organized.
From 09/24 to 10/31 at Cannamore Orchard In Crystler, Ontario, 2 hours from Montreal, you will find a maze and a haunted house.
More info:
https://www.cannamoreorchard.com/acres-of-terror
RELAX AT THE SPA
Another flagship activity, although accessible all year round.
But what a pleasure to be able to relax watching the rain fall on the windows while you splash around in the jacuzzi. Or on days when the weather is nice Fret (in good Quebecois)
Several Spas are accessible whether in Montreal itself or outside.
For more information, see my article Bota Bota Spa, the most unusual and renowned spa in Montreal.
BRIGHTEN UP YOUR TASTE BUDS
Back to school and back from vacation means making lunches again. It's not always easy to get motivated or simply find inspiration.
Take the opportunity to try out new restaurants in your neighborhood, as part of the culinary event, MTL at the table.
With over 150 participating restaurants, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. A takeaway menu is also available.
And what could be better than supporting the local restaurant industry, which has been badly impacted by the pandemic.
This edition was divided into 3 periods, with this fall's taking place from 1er September to October 11, 2021.
More info:
SOAK UP THE LIGHTS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Fall in Montreal would not be complete without this annual cultural event, the Garden of Lights.
Composed of 3 gardens with different atmospheres (Chinese garden, Japanese garden and First Nations garden)
Best time to enjoy it: start your visit at sunset to feast your eyes once night falls.
From September 3 to October 31, 2021
Information and tickets:
https://espacepourlavie.ca/billetterie
HAVE FUN
Finally, cultural activities are still very present this season, with among others, to name but a few:
Osheaga – from 1er as of October 3, 2021 (Due to Covid, this event usually takes place the first weekend of August)
New Cinema Festival – from October 6 to 17, 2021
MOMENTA Image Biennale – From September 8 to October 24, 2021
World Beer Festival – from October 7 to 10, 2021
https://festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/
So, as you will have understood, fall is an ideal time to come and visit Montreal and its surroundings.
As long as you arrive during the Indian summer, which is often in October, when the landscape is tinged with orange colors, it's the height of it.
For locals, enjoy what this season has to offer before heading into the longest and harshest season of the year, winter. (Newcomers, if you want to know what's in store for you, I'll refer you to my article The joys of winter)
Temperatures above seasonal norms, colors at their peak, what more could you ask for?
