15 things to do in Montreal this fall

Sep 23 2020, 8:11 pm

Note: While local parks, shops, and events are reopening throughout the province, SantĂ© Quebec is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the two-metre physical distancing guidelines and wear a face covering or mask when in public.


Montreal certainly has a different feel this fall than in year’s past, but the city is still oozing with plenty of things worth checking out, all while maintaining physical distancing measures and public health’s precautionary protocols.

Here are a few ideas that might spark a few plans this coming season.

Mountain Ziplining

 

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Why not take in the fall foliage from over 350 feet in the air?

Tyroparc in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is offering their “Discovery Plus” journey atop the cliffs of The Cap BeausĂ©jour, fusing scenic hiking with ziplining.

Before reaching the mountain’s peak, adventurers will cross a variety of bridges and steps before taking a 2,000-foot zipline from one mountainside to another. After another mini hike, a second zipline awaits at a length of over 2,100 feet.

Tickets cost $80 for adults and $65 for kids. Zipliner hopefuls are asked to book and reserve on the Tyroparc website.

Check out animals at the newly-renovated BiodÎme

 

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After more than two years of work, the BiodÎme de Montréal has finally reopened.

The iconic spot’s renovation is highlighted by a new “multisensory and immersive experience” as guests can make their way through five ecosystems of the Americas.

The Biodîme says guests can now get “much closer” to the animals and can learn more through the venue’s new “enthusiastic science guides.”

Using some elements from the Biodîme’s original 1976 design, guests can now observe the birds in the Tropical Rainforest from treetop level, enter a beaver lodge, and really experience what subpolar cold feels like – just like the penguins.

Get biking

 

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Montreal has over 350 km worth of bike paths ranging from downtown vibes to a mountain trek or cycling by the rapids.

Whether you’re cycling with a speed bike, checking out the city on a BIXI, or going for a big-time hike, there’s a path for every type of biker in Montreal.

If you’re looking for which paths to tackle, here are some good places to start.

Shuttle bus to a provincial park

 

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Considering everything we’ve gone through in 2020, it might be high time to step out of the bustling city and enjoy some Quebec nature.

La Navette Nature (The Nana) is a shuttle bus that offers round-trip transportation out of Montreal to a bevy of national parks every Saturday and Sunday until October 11.

Destinations include Mont-Tremblant, Oka, Mont-Orford, Yamaska National Park, and more.

Visit the Navette Nature website for a full list of destinations, pricing, and more information.

Take a Scandinavian spa getaway

 

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Look, 2020 has already been quite a year.

And diving into a relaxing stay at Saint-Bruno’s gorgeous thermal spa might be just what you need heading into fall.

The thermal spa centre, Förena Cité thermale, set at the base of Mont Saint-Bruno, opened to the public this past January, and this might be the right time to take a peaceful dip.

Inspired by Scandinavian culture, the Förena Cité Thermale is spread over 60,000 square meters at the base of a mountain, offering its guests thermotherapy, massages, beauty care, and restoration.

Apple picking

 

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It’s tough to find a better event to signify the beginning of fall than apple picking.

Plus, it’s the ideal spot to catch some fresh air and stay physically distant from other pickers.

From Granny Smiths to Dudleys, Cortlands, Galas, Ginger golds, McIntoshs, Spartans, and Red Delicious, orchards close to Montreal have no shortage of the good stuff.

If you’re looking to make a day trip out of stuffing bagfulls of Honeycrisps, here are some magical spots around Montreal to swipe some fresh apples.

Throw on some overalls, a straw hat, and get started right here.

Drummondville’s haunted village

 

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As if this year hasn’t been scary enough already, a Quebec town has transformed into a haunted village to jolt people into the Halloween spirit.

Le Village Hanté, in the city of Drummondville, offers guests a 90-minute haunted tour, full of riddles, scares, surprises, and immersive outdoor paths.

The village has actors on-site portraying a variety of Halloween-esque beasts, ghouls, zombies, and witches.

Illumi’s dazzling world of lights

 

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Laval is about to get a whole lot brighter this fall.

The second edition of Illumi, Laval’s “dazzling world of lights,” is returning with a revamped edition of its LED light show from October 9 to January 10.

Illumi is produced by Cavalia, the Montreal-based company that specializes in the creation and production of live shows.

This year’s exhibition offers visitors a “magical and safe experience” by car, on foot, or by mini train.

According to Illumi’s press release, this year’s edition is three times bigger than the original, featuring 17 different scenes, 15 million LED lights, and over 3,000 structures.

In October, guests will get a chance to enjoy “a special Halloween touch” featuring LED monsters, ghosts, witches, and thousands of pumpkins. After Halloween, Illumi will be made over to light up the night with “several thousand light sculptures celebrating winter and the holidays.”

Pumpkin patchin’ 

 

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We’re getting close to that time of year where your shorts and T-shirts get shoved into the closet, leaves start to shift from green to orange, and we all start to consider some cool Halloween costumes.

As we enter the fall, it might be time to decorate your place with some festive vegetables.

The Greater Montreal area has a great selection of spots where you can nab some pumpkins. So, make a day of it: take a drive, throw on some boots, and get picking. Plus, all of these places are oozing with Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

Here are a few places to start you off on the right pumpkin path.

Visit Quebec national parks and historic sites

 

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From battlefields that shaped history, paddling a canoe on the canal, to the gorgeous Quebec wilderness, there’s definitely plenty to be explored in Montreal’s own backyard.

All within two hours from downtown Montreal, these sites are as timeless as they are gorgeous.

Sneak off to a cottage in the north

 

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If you had a busy summer and you need to spend some time in the middle of nowhere winding down, or if a cottage getaway might be your perfect introduction to the cold weather, it’s never a bad idea to spend some time in a cabin.

All within two hours of Montreal, here are some cottages that you should consider this fall.

Take a hike

 

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Even though Quebec has a different look and feel this fall, its everlasting beauty will always shine despite whether we’re going through a pandemic or not.

If you’re looking for a challenging trek, a trail that leads to majestic waterfalls, or hikes that are surrounded by water, there’s a circuit around Quebec waiting for you.

We’d recommend packing up the car, bringing some snacks, comfortable hiking clothes, some gear, and your phone and making a day trip out of this one.

Here are a few hikes that you might want to consider before lacing up your boots.

Check out some of Montreal’s iconic landmarks

 

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Montreal is oozing with photo opportunities, regardless of the season — there’s no doubt. But the city is also rich in terms of iconic buildings, structures, and sights.

Considering this fall has a different feel than in years past, it might be time to grab that camera and get in touch with some landmarks from around the city.

Here are 11 of our favourite landmarks that are easily accessible throughout the city.

Cozy up to a book

 

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With so much negative news these days, why not sneak off to the glorious world of literature?

Montreal has a great selection of used bookstores, and nothing against Indigo, but there’s so much charm and character in used shops that just add to the magical journey of choosing a book.

So, toss on a pair of your comfiest sweats and get ready to check out any of these of the best used bookstores in Montreal.

Sneak away to a treehouse

 

Considering everything that’s been going on, packing up a few things and sneaking off for a stay at a treehouse really doesn’t seem like a bad idea these days.

No longer exclusively a fit for a young child in their backyard, treehouses are now being marketed as the perfect couple’s retreat.

As luxury treehouses have been popping up all over the province, they’re rustic, isolated, and the perfect outdoorsy getaway for all you Montreal city-slickers.

We’ve done a bit of climbing through Airbnb and found some comfy treehouses that are less than three hours outside of the city and a perfect oasis to swap out the bustling city life for a peaceful rural stay in the woods. Literally.

Check out some of our choices right here.

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