The best road trip to experience Indian Summer

The Indian Summer is, for many, the best time to travel to Quebec. One thing is certain, it promises to be colourful!

If you are looking for an Eastern Canada road trip that will leave you with lasting memories, buckle up, it's a go!
 

Road trip map

Indian Summer Canada periode
Map of the ultimate Indian Summer road trip


Road trip summary

Day 1 : Montreal 

indian summer months
View from the Kondiaronk belvedere in Mount Royal park

Your Quebec travel begins with an arrival in Montreal.

In the French-speaking metropolis, no need for a car; everything is done on foot or by public transportation.

Make sure to stop at Mount Royal Park , considered to be the lungs of the city.

Fall activites in Montreal
Lac des Castors in Mount Royal park

Once at the top, the Kondiaronk Belvedere  will allow you to enjoy one of Montreal's most beautiful views, fall version of course! Then, take a break at lac des Castors .

At the end of the day, head to Saint-Laurent Boulevard or Mont-Royal Street , where you will find a wide choice of restaurants, terraces and small cafes.


Day 2-3 : Mont-Tremblant National Park  (132 km)

Mont-Tremblant fall colors
Typical landscape of the Laurentians region

Enjoy the morning before taking the road to the Laurentians region, recognized worldwide for its flamboyant panoramas during fall.

Your destination today is Mont-Tremblant National Park , a vast territory made up of 6 rivers and over 400 lakes.

If you want to learn canoeing, this is definitely the place to be.

Canoening fall time Canada
Mont-Tremblant National Park is the perfect place for canoeing

Don't forget to stop between paddling strokes to fully take in the scenery and photograph the reflection of the trees on the water. It’s absolutely beautiful!

Then, spend a couple hours visiting the Mont-Tremblant ski village . There you will find shops, restaurants, cafes and lots of entertainment.

indian summer dates Canada
View on the Mont-Tremblant village

The ultimate experience, if you dare, would be to discover the region from above, aboard a helicopter. You will not regret it !


Day 4 : Mauricie  (285 km)

Indian summer Quebec
Route promenade

Today, you are headed to Mauricie, another region well-known for the beauty of its colorful fall landscapes.

Make the best of today by setting out to explore la Mauricie National Park , which is home to more than 150 lakes surrounded by lush forest.

Take the Promenade route , a 63-kilometer scenic road that criss-crosses the park, and where several lookouts are easily accessible.

Mauricie autumn
View from the Passage belvedere

Among the most beautiful points of view, the Passage belvedere and the Île-aux-Pins belvedere will certainly leave you speechless.

Quebec hikes autumn
Île-aux-Pins

However, you will need to put in some effort if you want to discover the park's most beautiful gem: Waber Falls .

If you're up to the challenge, waking up early in the morning is a must, since the excursion to the falls demands several hours.

Waber Falls excursion
Waber Falls inside la Mauricie National Park

It starts off rather sportingly with a distance of 4 kilometers to cover in a canoe (hence the interest of practicing a little in Mont-Tremblant).

Once on the bank, you will then have to walk 3 more kilometers, before finally reaching the site. Rest assured, your efforts will quickly pay off, because the view from this place is absolutely idyllic.

Take the time to regain your strength, since the same challenge awaits you on your return.

 

Day 5 : Bas-Saint-Laurent  (330 km)

Indian summer Canada road trip
Sunset in Bas-Saint-Laurent

Get ready for your next destination, where the colours are not only impressive in the trees, but also in the sky.

Indeed, according to National Geographic, it is in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, located along the St. Lawrence River, that we find the second most beautiful sunsets in the world, after those of Hawaii.

Moreover, several picturesque small villages in the area are among the most beautiful villages in Quebec: Cacouna, Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Saint-Pacôme and Kamouraska.

Above all, do not hesitate to explore their rich architectural and historical heritage.

 

Day 6-7 : Bic National park  (146 km)

Bic National Park hikes
Bic National Park on a gray day

This morning, head to Bic National Park, located in the maritime estuary of the St. Lawrence river.

It is number two on our 5 National Parks to discover in Quebec list, and you will instantly understand why!

This charming and peaceful place is home to thousands of sea birds, including the Common Eider.

Phoque au parc du Bic
A seal posing at Bic National Park

During the summer, it is also possible to observe two species of seals, and this until the beginning of fall.

Ask about their presence when you arrive at the park, maybe luck will be on your side!

hiking bic national park fall
Hiking path inside Bic National Park

Take the opportunity to go for a hike. This is a great way to experience the landscapes drawn by the sea.

The Murailles trail will lead you to spectacular and colorful views, amidst rivers and mountains.

 

Day 8-9 : Tadoussac  (207 km)

Tadoussac whale watching October
Typical Côte-Nord landscape in Autumn

Set off towards Tadoussac, the oldest village in Canada.

The reputation of the Tadoussac Bay is well established as one of the best places in the world to observe whales and other cetaceans, until mid-October.

whale watching safari during fall
Whale watching in Tadoussac

Do not leave the village without going on a whale-watching cruise or tour in the company of a naturalist guide.

 

Day 10 : Charlevoix   (124 km)

Charlevoix fall activities
 

Today, you are headed towards Charlevoix, a region full of natural riches and unique attractions.

Between the villages of Malbaie and Baie-St-Paul, prioritize route 362, as it runs along the banks of the river and offers absolutely spectacular views.

road trip autumn canada
L'Acropole-des-Draveurs during autumn

By leaving very early in the morning, you will probably have the opportunity, if your physical condition allows it, to tackle one of the most beautiful hikes in Quebec: l'Acropole-des-Draveurs .

Because of its steep drop, this legendary trail is also considered one of the most difficult.

That being said, the view at the top of the Malbaie River valley will quickly make you forget the efforts made to get there.

 

Day 11-12 : Quebec City   (93 km)

what to do in quebec city during fall
Château Frontenac

Today, you will reach Quebec city, nicknamed "the Old Capital".

Your first stop should be Parc de la Chute-Montmorency , located a few minutes from downtown.

Montmorency falls autumn
Montmorency falls 

Then, take the opportunity to discover the neighborough of Old Quebec , registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stroll through the picturesque and lively streets of the Petit-Champlain district, before stopping at Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain set up the first permanent establishment of the Royal New France upon his arrival in 1608.

Petit-Champlain quebec
Petit-Champlain district

Reserve a full day of your stay to explore Jacques-Cartier National Park , a true paradise for canoeing and hiking enthusiasts.

Jacques-cartier national park fall
Autumnal landscape of the Jacques-Cartier valley

In autumn, the sentier des Loups trail  is a must. The difficulty level is quite high, but still accessible to the vast majority of people.

Once at the top, the view of the Jacques-Cartier valley is sure to amaze you.

Don't forget your camera to capture these vivid landscapes.

 

Day 13-14 : Eastern Townships   (253 km)

Eastern Townships typical fall landscapes 

On your way to your last destination, but not the least: the Eastern Townships.

For the next two days, you are invited to discover the hinterland of la Belle Province, where the many vineyards and the undulating terrain create absolutely unique country landscapes.

At the heart of this region is the Mont-Orford National Park . Dominated by sugar maples, this is the best place to contemplate the peak of the leaves changing colours.

mont orford national park hikes
Hiking in Mont-Orford National Park

To explore the park, go for a hike on the Ruisseau-des-Chênes trail . You will follow along the eponymous stream, before starting to climb Mont Orford.

Plan about 4 hours for the ascent.

Also take advantage of your stay in the area to go for a drive on the Eastern Townships Wine Route , an absolutely magnificent tourist route renowned for its many gourmet stops.

wine tasting in quebec
The terrace of l'Orpailleur vineyard, a popular spot for great wine tasting

Do not forget to reserve your dinner at the Tire-Bouchon restaurant, located at l'Orpailleur vineyard .

You will find gourmet regional cuisine here, which you can enjoy on the terrace with a good glass of wine.

 

Day 15 : Montreal (126 km)

montreal skyline fall colours
Sunset over Montreal

It is now time for you to head back to Montreal.

Reach the airport and board your flight home.

Your vacation in Quebec is over, but you are headed home with your head full of beautiful memories.

 


And that's a wrap for your Indian summer road trip!

If you have any questions and / or suggestions, please feel free to use the comments box below.

Karolane Lessard

An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!

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3 comments

Katharina January 4, 2022, 09h38
We shall stay in Montreal next October (9days) is there a possibility doing half of the trip inbetween Montreal and Quebec?
Thanks for your answer Katharina
Answer
Karolane Lessard January 4, 2022, 17h00
Hi Katharina,
Yes! We are happy to customize any of our existing road trips or to have one tailor-made for you.
There are two ways to do so:
The first one is directly online on the road trip's page ( https://www.authentikcanada.com/gb-en/roadtrips/indian-summer-... )
Simply enter your desired dates and number of travellers, then click the red button "calculate my price". From there, click the summary tab and you will be able to remove any day you do not wish to have on the road trip, using the delete button next to each day.
The second method is to request a custom quote here: https://www.authentikcanada.com/gb-en/contact . Make sure to include your dates and travellers detail (number of people and their age). You can aslo schedule a call from the same page, shall you need more guidance for your trip.
I hope this helps!
Answer
Katharina January 5, 2022, 04h13
Great - thank you!
Answer

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