Autumn is coming: 10 best Montreal spots to soak up beautiful fall foliage

Sep 20 2022, 3:30 pm

Fall in Montreal sweeps in with bursts of colour, aroma, and flavour. As we creep towards peak season, keep these gorgeous spots on your must-see radar this autumn.

As geese fill the skies and dry, crisp air takes over the weather, fall is the ideal time for hikes through the hills, bike rides down country roads, and treks along the water.

The forests will don fiery hues as the leaves turn to a range of reds, yellows, and oranges. Is there a better time to enjoy a hot cup of coffee in Montreal? We think not.

There’s something magical about seeing the leaves switch from summertime green to flame red. Be sure to keep an eye out on this fall foliage map to make sure you’re getting the most out of peak season.

While watching the leaves change colour in your own backyard is always fun, here are some gorgeous spots to soak up the gorgeous beauty of Montreal’s fall foliage around the island.

Mont-Royal

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @creatively.colin

The city’s beloved mountain from which it gets its name is an undisputed spot to soak up the island’s array of colours. Whether it’s the Belvédère Kondiaronk lookout, Beaver Lake, the cemetery, or the cross, it’s your one-stop spot for endless autumn views.

Parc La Fontaine

From its hills, valleys, water, and bike paths, to its baseball and soccer fields, dog parks, and benches, Parc La Fontaine has plenty to offer, especially when all the green switches to gorgeous hues of orange, red, and yellow.

Lachine Canal

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by R. Anthony Morris (@ranthonymorris)

For autumn bike riders and fall walkers, the Lachine Canal offers gorgeous (albeit sometimes chilly) views of the St. Lawrence River, and you’re close enough to snag some pumpkins and tasty eats at the equally gorgeous Atwater Market.

If you’re looking for fall sunsets against the water, it’s tough to top the Lachine Canal.

Jacques Cartier Bridge

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @creatively.colin

Besides being lit up at night, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is walkable and spans the St-Lawrence River from Montreal to the South Shore. If you want 3.4 km worth of high vantage Montreal foliage, you can’t do better than the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

Montreal Clock Tower

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marc Powell (@omeganon22)

Constructed in 1922, the Old Port’s Clock Tower sits at the end of a pier, offering spectacular views of both the St. Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and La Ronde.

You’re literally on top of the St. Lawrence. Bundle up and enjoy extremely photogenic views.

Square Saint-Louis

Square Saint-Louis is an urban square in The Plateau. The square is architecturally rich and will make you feel like you were teleported to 19th-century European homes, primetime for the photo-worthy fall weather.

It just might be the best Instagram spot in the whole city.

Atwater Market

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Marché Atwater (@marcheatwater)

If you’re in the fall spirit, swing by the timeless Atwater Market and nab a pumpkin, some coffee, or a wide selection of meats, cheese, produce, and bread.

After groceries or a quick snack, relax riverside and enjoy the lush greenery all around. It’s magical.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @skybird514

Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine on Mont Royal’s Westmount Summit.

It is the largest church in Canada and claims to have one of the world’s largest domes.

Along with spectacular views of the city at the oratory’s top standing, the spot is covered in gorgeous autumn colours, trees, and flowers.

La Grande Roue

If you’re looking for a great vantage point over the city, and you want to have some fun getting there, get to the top of Old Montreal’s La Grande Roue, Canada’s largest observational wheel.

Soak up some water and a breathtaking view of Montreal in all of its fall glory.

Montréal Botanical Garden

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Espace pour la vie (@espacepourlavie)

Montreal’s Botanical Garden will shine bright with hundreds of illuminated lanterns at the Gardens of Light until the end of October.

LANTERNS IN THE FALL! What else could you possibly need?

Ty JadahTy Jadah

+ Curated