Beautiful Quebec villages to discover in fall

Red, orange, yellow ... the colours of fall, not to be confused with those that indicate our level of pandemic alert. With the virus, it may be difficult to leave our four walls this autumn. Nonetheless, we offer you this list of beautiful villages to discover near Montreal and Quebec City.

The changing situation with COVID-19 may mean that some of these destinations aren’t able to offer their full roster of activities. Yet, we bet you won't regret taking a car or bicycle trip to take a look and plan for a future visit. You'll certainly be able to enjoy some fresh air once you're there!

Don't forget your mask at all times, and be sure to consult the government’s map of COVID-19 alert levels by region before you travel.

Photo Credit: pololia

Visit the superb village of Kamouraska located on the banks of the river of the same name and take advantage of the Heritage Trail to learn and appreciate the historical richness of the region. With its feudal tradition, former convent, old courthouse and the heritage site of the Moulin-Paradis built in 1860-1861, this is a must-see for history buffs.

Located right next door to the provincial capital, about 20 minutes by car, the tiny village of Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly is the ideal place to spend an afternoon if you are fond of Quebec history and architecture. And if you're hungry and thirsty, make sure to stop by the Cidrerie St-Antoine and the Bergeron cheese factory to sample the local specialties.

This magnificent village of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli on the banks of the Chaudière-Appalaches River has more than one thing in its bag to interest you. From the Museum of Living Memory, you can take the Former Canadians Trail, which will lead you to the remains of the manor house of Philippe Aubert-de-Gaspé, the last lord of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. Make a stop at the lookout where you can admire colourful peaks, as well as the Île-aux-Grues archipelago and the St. Lawrence Lowlands. Finally, head to the Parc des Trois Bérets to admire the interesting works of art created by sculptors.

Let's just say it: the Montérégie region in the fall is always worth the trip. And as long as you're in the area, you'd be ill-advised not to visit the beautiful municipality of Shefford, with its mountains and nature reserve. Take a walk through Jean-Paul Forand Ecological Park, and then go to nearby Bromont to enjoy a good brew at Les Brasseurs de West Shefford. A very pleasant day awaits you, exploring the Shefford area.

While it may be too late in the season to try this activity for yourself, but be sure to take note for next time. When the warmer weather returns, don't miss the chance to experience what it’s like to ride a flying bike. That’s right, we said ‘flying bike’. At VéloVolant visitors pedal a recumbent bicycle over a kilometre-long course... suspended in the air. In fact, you’re floating above the tree tops with views of the Vermont’s Green Mountains in the distance. Imagine what it must be like with the fall colours... Until then, nothing prevents you from going for a tour, because Sutton and fall ALWAYS go together, and there are no less than seven picturesque hiking trails to explore.

Heritage, art, natural beauty... these are words that resonate strongly in the village of Frelighsburg located not far from the U.S. border in the arms of the Pike River. When fall comes, ice cider lovers rush in to stock up on the latest seasonal crop. This village is part of the Chemin des Cantons and features a great hiking trail (ask around before you go as it’s sometimes closed for deer hunting). Don't miss a visit to the old mill and the cemetery, especially around Halloween.

Follow Autoroute 15 which becomes 117, and drive towards Mont-Tremblant, or push on to Rivière-Rouge (formerly L'Annonciation) if you’re enjoying the ride. Experience the sublime colors of autumn all along your journey, with the mountains and endless forest as your travelling companions. Saint-Sauveur, Val-Morin, Sainte-Agathe, Labelle, La Macaza; there is no shortage of quaint villages to see along this road, which becomes even more bucolic 80 kilometres from the city.

For additional ideas of small hamlets not to be missed, visit the website of the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec (French only) or Bonjour Quebec, the official site of Tourism Québec.