Montreal is blessed with 4 distinct seasons that occur throughout the year. Every Fall, nature lets the inhabitants of the city know that winter is just around the corner through the changing of the color of the leaves on the trees. Unlike coniferous trees such as pines and cedars, deciduous trees do not keep their leaves during the snowy months. Instead, they drop them to the ground, giving meaning to the name of the Fall season. Since Quebec is home to many different species of deciduous tree, in particular the maple with its large and distinctive leaves, the autumn foliage season paints the forests of the province in vivid oranges, reds and yellows.
A favorite tourist activity
Given that only 30 minutes drive separates Montreal from some of the most spectacular forested scenery in Quebec, it is no surprise that during the end of the month of September and the beginning of October many Montrealers hop into their cars and take a Sunday afternoon drive into the wilderness. There are two popular destinations for those looking to enjoy the turning colors of the leaves. The first is to travel along Autoroute 15 or highway 117 north through the Laurentians, where the mountainous passes provide for some breathtaking views. Many people end their day in the town of St. Jovite or Tremblant.
The second option is to head east towards the Eastern Townships. Driving down Autoroute 10 will lead you to many different scenic possibilities. Some people choose to head towards Knowlton or Sutton, while others continue on to Magog or Orford. The village of North Hatley along lake Massawippi is also a popular destination. Whichever route you choose, you are guaranteed to be exposed to foliage such as you have never seen before.
Other possibilities
Since the leaves are such an attraction, the highways in these areas can often become clogged with slow-moving cars and restaurants and hotels will most likely be packed. If you are up for a bit of a longer journey, then an hour’s drive south to the Vermont border will give a very similar experience, as most of the northern part of the state is a large park. The Lake Champlain region has very beautiful scenic lookouts and rest areas.
Sticking close to home
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of driving too far outside the city, then you can always enjoy the changing of the leaves on a smaller scale. Walking through Mount Royal park on a peaceful day will satisfy most people, providing an attractive array of colors as a canopy. It also provides a viewpoint from which to observe the leaf changes taking place in the various parks that dot the island, as well as along the slope facing away from downtown.
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