Fall Road Trip in the Laurentians: Scenic Routes Just North of Montréal
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road when autumn arrives. Just north of Montréal, the Laurentians transform into a palette of blazing maples, birches, and aspens, their leaves humming in every shade of amber. This is a drive worthy of your unhurried attention: slowing down, pulling over at forested lookouts, and letting the season itself guide your pace.
Why the Laurentians Shine in Fall
The Laurentians combine altitude, diverse hardwood forests, and proximity to the city in a way few other regions do. One moment you’re in Montréal’s urban hum, the next you’re immersed in forested valleys and winding country roads. It’s an ideal canvas for a slow-travel journey that balances nature, culture, and comfort.
Crafting Your Fall Road Trip: Themes & Stops
There’s no single way to explore the Laurentians in autumn, and that’s the beauty of it. Travellers who want a combination of urban-and-nature experiences can begin with a Montréal market morning — think cider tastings and maple treats — before heading north along the Chemin du Terroir or Route 117. Couples looking for a romantic escape might linger in Mont-Tremblant’s forested lodges, combining gondola views and twilight walks with cozy fireside evenings. Culinary enthusiasts will find plenty to savour: roadside orchards for apple-picking, microbreweries pouring seasonal ales, and chefs turning foraged mushrooms and late-harvest produce into memorable meals.
For Canadian travellers planning a longer loop, small towns like Val-David and Saint-Sauveur add layers of charm with art studios, bakeries, and forest trails. Whether you’re piecing together a three-day getaway or extending your trip deeper into Quebec, the key is to travel slowly — pausing for spontaneous detours, sampling local flavours, and choosing inns and chalets that reflect the character of the region. The Laurentians reward those who linger, letting each stop unfold at the easy pace of the season.
For a curated experience that blends the best of Montréal with the Laurentides and beyond, consider Landsby’s Rivers, Forests & Flavours of Quebec: A Journey into Culture, Wellness & Wilderness.
This 12-day itinerary begins in the city and travels through the Laurentians, Mauricie, Québec City, and Charlevoix, weaving together forest retreats, riverside wellness escapes, and terroir-driven cuisine. In the Laurentians, guests stay in a forest refuge near Tremblant, hike quiet trails, paddle winding rivers, and unwind in Nordic-style hot tubs while the maples blaze crimson outside.
Travel Thoughtfully
The Laurentians’ beauty is timeless, but the impact of our visits is not. Choose locally owned inns or eco-friendly chalets, bring a reusable mug for those café stops, and take the trails with care. Your slow approach helps sustain the landscapes and communities that make this region so captivating.
