Off the Beaten Path in Montreal: Best Places to See Seasonal Colors

Head south of the St. Lawrence River into the hills, farmlands and villages of the Eastern Townships. Parks and reserves offer easy hiking trails that are a fun way to experience the region with family. The Eastern Townships are foodie heaven, with wonderful restaurants, wineries, microbreweries and local producers of cheese, chocolate, coffee and other gourmet goodies. The region also offers a variety of museums and other attractions. Whether it’s exploring trails, tasting regional treats or visiting local shops and museums, choose a route and bask in the warm colors of fall or the bright hues of summer as you drive through the countryside between your planned stops.

PR 138 runs parallel to the north bank of the St. Lawrence River between Montréal and Québec City. The King’s Road Scenic Highway, a AAA Road Trip, begins about midway at Cap-de-la-Madelaine. The route passes through farmland and semi-wooded areas that are especially picturesque when seasonal colors are on display, providing a stunning backdrop to the charming villages along the way.

You can take a stroll through the autumn woods without leaving the city at the Montréal Botanical Garden. Trails through the vast arboretum will lead past a forest of red, yellow and orange. But colors abound here no matter when you visit—the Botanical Garden’s landscapes and greenhouses are updated throughout the year with lush displays of seasonal blooms and foliage.

Mont-Royal Park is another wooded oasis within the city. Walk, jog or bike the trails that wind through the woods of Mount Royal, or hike up to the top for a birds-eye view of the city framed in the colors of autumn leaves or summer wildflowers. Along with trails, the park includes scenic overlooks, historic sites and a lake, perfect for a family picnic or a romantic stroll.

On the western tip of the Island of Montréal is Morgan Arboretum, a 610-acre forest preserve on the McGill University Macdonald Campus. Walking trails here will take you into forests with a variety of trees including beech, hemlock, red maple and sugar maple. The preserve also includes old fields and pastures, some of which became plantations for now-mature trees and shrubs grouped in themed collections including birches, oaks, maples, and flowering trees and shrubs. A self-guiding tour and smartphone app are available to make the most of your visit.

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