10 free trail ideas for hiking this fall

Intermediate
🥾 : 3 hours (7 km loop)

Kicking off in the Collines Kekeko hills via the Petit chemin Kekeko trail, this hike takes you through an expansive region known for its pristine wilderness. When you reach Lac Despériers, the trail wraps around it to the left, beginning a steady climb that rewards you with exceptional views of the forest-lined shores and their colourful reflections. Expect to come across streams, pretty waterfalls and impressive rocky escarpments along the way.

Intermediate
🥾 : 3 hours (4.6 km loop)

At Parc côtier Kiskotuk, in the Marais de Gros-Cacouna area, the De la Montagne trail is ideal for soaking up fall’s beauty and the refreshing breeze coming from the St. Lawrence River. Pleasant, but with good inclines, this loop crosses through forest and marshland, revealing exceptional panoramic views as you go. One such view is accessible from a lookout where you can admire the changing colours, a gorgeous river and the great Isle-Verte.

Intermediate/Advanced
🥾 : 4.5 hours (16 km round-trip)

The Neil-Tillotson trail leads up to the summit of Mont Hereford. You’ll bathe in the sweet smell of balsam fir and hardwoods in full bloom as you explore its kilometres of forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter bubbling streams and even a 30-metre-high waterfall. Your reward for reaching the summit: an absolutely perfect view of the blazing fall colours of the American valleys and mountains below.

Easy
🥾 : 1.5 hours (5.6 km round-trip)

Here’s a free outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy in the Centre-du-Québec region. This route will take you into the multicoloured woodlands of Parc du Mont Arthabaska, while giving you little peeks at urban Victoriaville here and there. At the top, you’ll find a lookout that provides an aerial view of a landscape blanketed by fallen leaves.

Easy/Intermediate
🥾 : 3 hours (8.4 km round-trip)

Stopping off in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, just before Tadoussac, you’ll find the Des Colons trail calling your name. Throughout the hike, there are plenty of spots to rest and take in majestic landscapes running from the river to the mountaintops. For added fun and intensity, you can continue along the Lac Roger, Des Pins or De la Chute trails.

Advanced
🥾 : 6 hours (13 km loop)

To marvel at the Lanaudière region’s colourful fall foliage without paying admission, head to the top of Montagne Noire, at an altitude of 875 metres. Managed by the Centre de plein air de Saint-Donat, this loop is part of the remarkable Sentier national du Québec. On this hike, you’ll find a lovely lookout and the historic Liberator Harry memorial site. Even with a 645-metre climb, hikers can take comfort in knowing there are magnificent views and short breaks awaiting them near the two surrounding lakes.

Difficult
🥾 : 6 hours (18 km round-trip)

Toward Petit Lac Caribou, at kilometre 5, hikers can park their cars and head out to tackle Cap 360 and Mont Gorille trails. Although the hike is pretty technical and requires a good deal of stamina, the ascent quickly pays off with beautiful views early on. If you tough it out all the way to the rocky headlands, that’s where you’ll really be able to appreciate the endless views of colourful forests and pretty lakes.

Intermediate/Advanced
🥾 : 4.5 hours (13.5 km loop)

For free views of the Montérégie region’s fall colours, why not try the Sentiers de l’Escapade trails at Mont Rigaud! If you take the Le Haut-Lieu trail, don’t be surprised if you encounter a few steep inclines as you explore the beautiful and varied plant life. The route is dotted with picnic areas and, halfway along, you’re treated to an explosion of orange and red hues with a stunning panoramic view. For a lower-intensity hike, the La Clé des bois and La Foulée du cerf trails are also great options.

Advanced
🥾 : 7 hours (24 km one way, organize return transportation)

This trail offers a real challenge and is suitable for experienced hikers. Here, the reward isn’t so much the summit but the journey. Suspension bridges, waterfalls, riverside trails, fields or wooded terrain... You’ll be surrounded by beauty at its absolute peak with the rich red hues of fall on display. The total length is 24 km, but you’re free to try only the western portion (13.8 km, 3 to 5 hours) or eastern portion (11.6 km, 2 to 4 hours).

Easy to advanced
🥾 : 1.5 to 6 hours (3 to 16 km loops)

In addition to catering to all endurance levels and even smaller budgets, the Eucher trail guarantees spectacular views during fall’s peak display of colour. For a simple, yet satisfying stroll, follow the Croix du Centenaire loop. If you’re looking for a more invigorating challenge, opt for the Berges loop that runs along Baie des Ha ! Ha ! to Anse-à-Poulette, for six kilometres well spent. Adventure-seekers can get their fill by going along the edge of the fjord to the plunging Cap Rasmussen.