The colorful season in Quebec: dates, tips and best destinations
Autumn in Quebec is a magical time when nature is transformed into a flamboyant canvas. From mid-September onwards, the verdant forests gradually become ablaze with shades of red, orange and gold. It's a spectacular, ephemeral period that attracts nature lovers and photographers in search of unforgettable shots.
But to make the most enjoy the color seasonit's essential to know the right time and the right place. Colors don't change at the same time everywhere in the province: depending on altitude and region, peak color can vary by two to three weeks. This is where Bonjour Québec's fall color mapan essential tool for planning your getaway.
Boravilla "La terra" Photo credit: Kia Grod
Bonjour Québec's color chart: your guide to a perfect autumn
Every year, Bonjour Québec offers an interactive map of autumn colorsupdated several times a week. The map allows you to follow the evolution of tree color in each region in real time. The stages are clearly indicated:
Beginning of coloration (foliage still mostly green, with a few yellow hints).
Gradual change (the landscape gradually takes on warm tones).
Peak of color (ideal time to admire spectacular contrasts and take photos).
End of season (falling leaves, browner landscapes).
Based on this information, you can organize your stays in the different regions of Quebec to maximize your chances of experiencing autumn at its best.
Photo credit: Guillaume St-Amand
Bora Boréal: two autumn destinations
At Bora Boréal, we are fortunate to have two unique destinations offering unforgettable autumn experiences:
Ten floating cottages in the Eastern Townships, 30 minutes from Mont-Mégantic, where the colors come earlier thanks to the climate and altitude.
Two cottages on the water in Quebec City, nestled in the Jacques-Cartier valley, where the magic of autumn continues a few weeks later.
This difference in timing is ideal for travelers who want to extend the colorful season and enjoy the flamboyant spectacle over a longer period.
Early colors in the Eastern Townships
When to admire the colors?
In the Eastern Townships, the landscape begins to change as early as mid-September. The ideal time to see the colors at their peak is between around September 25 and October 10. The red maples and yellow birches lining the lake create an idyllic picture, particularly magical when reflected on the calm water.
What to do during the color season?
Staying in a floating chalet allows you to experience the colorful season as close to nature as possible, from the glass garage door, without getting out of bed, or on the panoramic terrace. But the surrounding area is also full of activities not to be missed:
Hiking in the Eastern Townships: Mont Mégantic and Mont Ham offer spectacular views of the autumn canopy.
Gathering and gourmet discoveries: Autumn is the season for apples, squash and local ciders. Take the opportunity to visit an artisanal cider mill.
Wildlife watching: With the arrival of autumn, deer and moose are more visible. Bring your binoculars!
Fireside moments: On cool evenings, enjoy a campfire just a stone's throw from your cottage on the water, or relax under a starry sky.
Practical advice
Book your stay early: the colorful season is one of the most popular of the year after summer.
Dress in layers: days can be mild (15-20°C) but evenings often dip below 10°C.
Plan your outings for early morning or late afternoon: the golden light makes the colors even more sublime.
Photo credits: Martin Sacha
Late colors in the Jacques-Cartier Valley
When to admire the colors?
Stretch out the fall magic with a stay at Bora Boréal Québec. Located in the Jacques-Cartier Valley, in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, this site benefits from a slightly cooler climate, which shifts the peak of color. The ideal period is around October 10 to 20.
Autumn's must-haves
Hiking in Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: L'éperon, Les Loups and Scotora trails offer breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, all decked out in warm colors.
Water sports in autumn: Paddling a river lined with red maples is an unforgettable experience, especially in the morning light.
Local flavors: The Quebec City region is renowned for its ciders, craft beers and maple products. Autumn is the perfect season to discover them.
Practical advice
Combine the two Bora Boréal sites: leave at the end of September for the Eastern Townships, then continue your escapade in mid-October in the Quebec City region.
Keep an eye on the Bonjour Québec map to adjust your dates as colors change.
Bring your camera: the Jacques-Cartier Valley is a photographer's paradise.
Top 5 fall activities at Bora Boréal
1. Watch the sunrise from your floating cottage
Wake up gently in your waterside cocoon, as the lake lights up under the golden hues of morning. With a hot coffee in hand, snuggled up under a blanket, it's the perfect moment to savor the calm of nature as it awakens.
2. Explore trails in nearby national parks
Whether you're staying in the Eastern Townships or the Quebec City region, autumn is the perfect season for hiking.
Mont Mégantic, just a 30-minute drive from Bora Boréal Eastern Townships, offers forest trails with breathtaking views.
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, close to our site near Quebec City, impresses with its deep cliffs and valleys ablaze with October colors.
3. Paddling on a lake of flamboyant colors
Kayaks and paddleboards are available free of charge at each of our sites. In autumn, gliding along the water surrounded by bright foliage becomes a soothing and unforgettable experience.
Photo credits: Martin Sacha
4. Enjoy a cozy moment by the fire
After a day in the great outdoors, make yourself comfortable on your terrace or around the outdoor fireplace. A blanket, a hot drink or a glass of local cider, some S'mores for those with a sweet tooth, and the simple pleasure of listening to the crackling of the fire under a starry sky.
5. Taste the flavours of autumn
Apples, squash, farmhouse cheeses, artisanal ciders... Depending on where you're staying, a number of local producers welcome you to fill up on seasonal delights. Why not organize a small autumn picnic or cook a comforting meal in your chalet's fully-equipped kitchen?
Photo credits: Kia Grod
Autumn in Quebec is a unique, short and intense time. For a complete experience, check out the Bonjour Québec color map and book a stay in one of our Bora Boréal accommodations. Take advantage of this magical time of year to explore, hike, taste the flavors of autumn and experience memorable moments in the heart of blazing landscapes.
