Montreal in mid-October is something else. The maples are on fire, the air is crisp and every park suddenly looks like a postcard. But don’t wait too long: as Bonjour Québec warns, wind and rain can bring the leaves down fast and send us straight into “stick season” before the first snow. Here’s where to soak it all up.
In the City
1. Mount Royal
The obvious choice for a reason. According to Tourisme Montréal, any spot on the mountain, from the lookouts and paths to Mount Royal Cemetery, is a magical place to watch the colours change. Beaver Lake is especially photogenic in the morning, when the still water reflects the trees.
2. The Montréal Botanical Garden
Acres of trees from around the world in full autumn mode. Make an evening of it: Gardens of Light is also a beautiful way to see the garden after dark.
3. Parc Jean-Drapeau
Island views, skyline views and loads of colourful trees. It’s also home to Halloween-themed Lune Noire this month (see our Halloween guide).
4. Parc Maisonneuve and Parc Angrignon
Two big city parks that Tourisme Montréal singles out for their multicoloured trees and perfect picnic spots. Bring a thermos.
5. Atwater and Jean-Talon Markets
Fall colours of a different kind: pumpkins, squash, apples and mums piled high. Combine a market run with a walk along the Lachine Canal (check our bike route ideas).
6. The nature parks
For a wilder feel without leaving the island, Tourisme Montréal recommends the city’s parcs-nature, including the Grand parc de l’Ouest (Cap-Saint-Jacques), Anse-à-l’Orme, Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard, Île-de-la-Visitation and Pointe-aux-Prairies.
Worth the Drive
Bonjour Québec’s 2026 fall colours map tracks 62 parks and sites on a six-stage scale from “beginning soon” to “done,” and is updated every Thursday, according to CTV News. Here’s where the forecasts point now:
7. Oka National Park
Oka runs later than the rest of the Laurentians, with a peak forecast around the third week of October. In other words: right about now.
8. Sutton
In the Eastern Townships, Sutton is also forecast to peak around the third week of October.
9. Mont-Orford
Same timing as Sutton, and a classic for hiking or a scenic drive.
10. Sucrerie de la Montagne
Tourisme Montréal includes this sugar shack in its just-out-of-town picks, a cozy way to pair the colours with a taste of Quebec tradition.
Before You Go
Forecasts are estimates and vary year to year, so check the latest map update before a long drive. And if you can, go early: mornings mean softer light, fewer crowds and better photos. For more ideas, browse Things to Do on MTL365. Bonne balade! 🍁
More on MTL365
- Repair or Replace? Mercier Bridge Crack Sparks Calls for a Brand-New Crossing as Weekend Repairs Begin
- Game Day: Canadiens Host the Sabres Tonight in a Quick Rematch, While the Alouettes Visit Regina This Afternoon
- Ramen Ramen Fes 2026: Your Guide to Montreal’s Ramen Festival (Only One Week Left!)
- More things to do in Montreal on MTL365
Photo: Matias Garabedian from Montreal, Canada / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sources: Tourisme Montréal, CTV News, Bonjour Québec
