Fall Colours in the Laurentides: When and Where to See the Leaves

Every autumn, the Laurentides turn into one of the most spectacular fall foliage destinations in Canada. Sugar maples blaze red and orange, birches and poplars glow yellow, and the dark green of the conifers makes every colour pop. Just an hour or so north of Montreal, the region draws thousands of leaf-peepers each year, and for good reason.

This guide explains when the fall colours usually peak in the Laurentides, where to see them, and how to plan a weekend that feels relaxing rather than rushed.

When do the leaves change colour in the Laurentides?

The colour change depends on the weather, the altitude and the latitude, so no date is ever guaranteed. As a general rule, the show starts in the northern and higher parts of the region and moves south as the weeks go by.

• Mid to late September: the first touches of red appear, especially on the higher slopes and in the northern Laurentides.
• Late September to early October: this is usually the peak period for much of the region, including the Mont-Tremblant and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts areas.
• Early to mid-October: the lower Laurentides, closer to Saint-Jérôme and Saint-Sauveur, often keep good colour a little longer.

Cool nights and sunny days produce the brightest reds. A heavy windstorm or a period of rain can strip the trees quickly, so keep your plans flexible and check local conditions a few days before you leave.

The best places to see fall colours

Mont-Tremblant and its national park

Mont-Tremblant is the best-known destination for fall colours in the Laurentides. The gondola at the resort lifts visitors above the forest for wide views over the lakes and hills. Nearby, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant offers lakes, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails of every level. Access to Quebec national parks requires a daily access fee, and popular trailheads fill up early on peak weekends.

Val-David and the Dufresne regional park

Val-David is a village with an artistic soul, and the surrounding hills are a paradise for hikers and climbers. The trails of the regional park around Val-David and Val-Morin offer lookouts over the valley that are especially beautiful when the maples are at their peak.

Saint-Sauveur and Morin-Heights

Closer to Montreal, Saint-Sauveur and Morin-Heights are ideal for a day trip. The ski hills look stunning in autumn, and the village main streets are perfect for a coffee break between two walks. Because they are so accessible, these areas can be busy, so arrive early in the day.

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Lac des Sables

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts sits on the shores of Lac des Sables. A lakeside walk at sunset, with the colours reflected on the water, is one of the simplest pleasures of a Laurentides autumn.

The northern Laurentides

If you want quieter roads, keep driving north toward Mont-Laurier and the Hautes-Laurentides. The landscapes are wilder, the lakes more numerous and the crowds much smaller.

Scenic ways to enjoy the foliage

By car

Route 117 runs through the heart of the region and connects most of the major villages. For a slower pace, leave the main road and follow the smaller routes that wind between lakes. Plan regular stops: the best views are often found on the side roads.

By bike

The P’tit Train du Nord linear park follows a former railway line for more than 200 kilometres, from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier. Its gentle grades make it accessible for most cyclists, and in autumn the trail becomes a tunnel of colour.

On foot

Hiking is the best way to really immerse yourself in the forest. Choose a trail that matches your fitness level, bring layers, and keep in mind that the days are shorter in October. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in the Laurentides.

Tips for a successful fall foliage trip

• Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends at peak colour are by far the busiest, especially on Thanksgiving weekend.
• Start early. Morning light is soft, parking is easier and trails are quieter.
• Book your accommodation in advance. Hotels and chalets fill up quickly in late September and early October. Browse our selection of the best hotels in the Laurentides or our guide to the best cabins in the Laurentides.
• Dress in layers. Temperatures can swing a lot between a frosty morning and a sunny afternoon.
• Respect the trails. Stay on marked paths, take your garbage with you and keep pets on a leash where required.
• Plan a warm finish. After a day outdoors, a Nordic spa is the perfect way to end the day. See our list of the best spas in the Laurentides.

Photographing the fall colours

The colours look richest on slightly overcast days, when there are no harsh shadows. On sunny days, aim for the first and last hours of light. Lakes are your best friend: a calm morning on the water gives you a perfect mirror of the hills. A polarizing filter, or simply adjusting the exposure on your phone, can help deepen the colours without making them look artificial.

Making a weekend of it

A fall weekend in the Laurentides can be as active or as lazy as you like. A typical plan might combine a morning hike, a village lunch, an afternoon drive along a lake and an evening at the spa. Apple orchards, farm stands and local microbreweries also add a gourmet touch to the season.

If you travel with family, choose short trails with a lookout as a reward. If you travel as a couple, a cozy chalet with a fireplace is hard to beat once the evenings turn cool.

FAQ: fall colours in the Laurentides

What is the best weekend to see fall colours in the Laurentides?

There is no fixed date, but late September and the first days of October are usually the peak for much of the region. The northern and higher areas change first, and the southern Laurentides a little later.

Is Mont-Tremblant worth visiting in the fall?

Yes. The views from the summit and the trails of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant are among the most beautiful in the region in autumn. Plan to arrive early on weekends, since it is a very popular destination.

Can you see the fall colours on a day trip from Montreal?

Absolutely. Saint-Sauveur, Morin-Heights and Val-David are within easy reach of Montreal for a day trip. For Mont-Tremblant and the northern Laurentides, an overnight stay makes the trip more relaxing.

What should I bring for a fall hike in the Laurentides?

Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, good walking shoes, water, snacks and a headlamp, as the days get short in October. Check the trail conditions and opening hours before you go.

Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance in the fall?

Yes, especially for peak foliage weekends and Thanksgiving. Hotels, chalets and spas in the Laurentides are in high demand during this period, so booking several weeks ahead is a good idea.