Fall. Just hearing the word awakens the senses. Red and orange leaves, the fresh aroma of the damp earth, the beginning of sweater weather... The residents of the maritime regions of Québec take full advantage of this season. Why not join them? Here are three good reasons to visit our regions this fall.

1. Flamboyant landscapes

Fall colours in this part of the world are flamboyant! The mountains are covered in shades of orange, and the tidal flats go from green to golden, contrasting with the emerald of the sea. Red, orange and golden leaves dance in the air as they fall from the trees in towns and in the countryside. Needless to say, when you visit the maritime regions of Québec in the fall, the last thing you’ll want to forget is your camera! Prime observation points are found throughout our regions: whether at the top of a mountain, at a designated lookout point, at the end of a wharf or through the window of your hotel room, you are bound to be charmed by the warm colours of the landscape even as the temperature drops. The best way to find great views? Ask the locals! They will be happy to share their favourite spots with you, which may be relatively unknown but will undoubtedly be worth the detour.

Here’s an interesting fact: the Gaspé Peninsula is one of the top 10 places in the world to see autumn leaves, according to National Geographic magazine!

2. Perfect weather for outdoor activities

September and October boast milder weather that is perfect for outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. Cyclists will want to explore the Route Verte cycling trail in the Kamouraska area or the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago. Hiking enthusiasts, on the other hand, will enjoy discovering the International Appalachian Trail and the Carleton-Maria trails in Gaspésie. In addition, our regions’ 10 national parks are great places to observe wildlife and plants, including migratory birds. In fact, if you’re an avid bird watcher, you’ll want to visit Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes or attend the annual migratory bird festival that is held in Tadoussac. Wear layers of clothing and enjoy the fresh air—you won’t be disappointed!

3. Harvest season

In September, the month of harvest, vegetables are picked until the last possible day before the soil freezes. Public markets offer a bounty of fresh produce as well as the opportunity to chat with vegetable producers and discover new products. La Pocatière, Rivière-du-Loup, Dégelis, Trois-Pistoles, Rimouski, Matane, Sainte-Flavie, Amqui, New Richmond, Gaspé, Tadoussac, Sept-Îles and Cap-aux-Meules all have public markets. Fall is also apple season! Apple picking is a very popular activity throughout the province of Québec. Before you visit an orchard, be sure to inquire about when the season starts (it usually runs from mid-September to early October). Are you a hops fan? Take advantage of the last of the patio weather to visit our microbreweries and savour their beers. Of course, you can expect to find seasonal ingredients featured on the menus of our best restaurants, including in soups, stews, apple pies, etc. Enjoy the rich colours and delicious flavours of fall vegetables!

So, have I convinced you to visit the maritime regions of Québec this fall? Start planning your trip now!

Psst! To top it all off, there are several fun events taking place in the maritime regions of Québec this fall. For more information, visit our Events section.