Fall fun events in Montreal abound. The weather has cooled. The leaves have changed colour and begun to fall.
Autumn is the season where you will split your time between indoor activities and outdoor ones. Autumn also covers off Thanksgiving holidays in both Canada and the US albeit different months, October, and November respectively.
Updated for 2024
When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage Around Montreal?
In other posts that I’ve made regarding fall foliage, I have always had to add a disclaimer on the fact that I cannot promise when the peak foliage colours will happen. Nor can we predict how abundant the colours will be.
Weather has a significant impact. As the average daily temperature starts to decline, the colours will start to change. It can start as early as mid to late September or as late as mid-October. If viewing the colours is your goal, you will have to be very flexible in your planning and be ready to travel at the last minute.
Here are some links you can use to track the timing of peak leaf colour changes.
Where Can I See Autumn Colour IN Montreal?
One of the best ways that I can think of to see the change impact on the city of Montreal itself is to grab the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour. You will travel around the downtown core and then up to the stop atop Mount Royal. Here is the stop at which you will need to disembark the bus.
There are two spots to view panoramic views: The Chalet of Mount Royal whose terrace overlooks the downtown core and the St Lawrence River; and the Mount Royal Look-out which looks east towards the Olympic Stadium and more.
Senior note: One can walk up Mount Royal from several directions! In most cases, there are no stairs to deal with on your walk. But however, you will find the ascent and descent quite steep. I would recommend if you needed extra support to bring a cane or walking sticks. There are also spots where you can sit and rest.
Also, there are public transit routes that bring you close to the top. I recommend visiting Montreal transit website for route information. Follow link provided here.
What to see in Montreal: The Biodome
If the weather co-operates, I would recommend a visit to the Biosphere of Montreal. It is located on Ile Sainte-Helene in the Saint Lawrence River.
Nearby attractions are the Casino of Montreal, the formula race track, La Ronde amusement park and more.
The Biosphere is one of the many remnants of Expo ’67 that has been repurposed by the city. Hop on the Metro’s yellow line and get off at station Jean Drapeau.
I visited for the first time this summer and was amazed at what I learned. Then the walk through the park was also worth the visit. I am positive this will be a great spot for pictures of Montreal and the fall foliage.
Here is a link for find out more. (note the two different sites for Biosphere and Biodome!).
Are There Places Near to See Fall Colours?
One of the best recommendations is to drive up into the Laurentians. The Laurentians are the “mountains” that surround the Montreal area to the north. Plan a day trip to Mt Tremblant and do some early Christmas shopping. Here you can check out car rentals.
But why drive when you can have someone else do that while you take pictures or just relax and enjoy the scenery. If you follow this link, you will find one of those tours.
Autumn Tours in Montreal
Montreal is a great city to walk around in. If you are not familiar with the city and would like more information, I would recommend one of these walking tours:
History Walking Tour of Old Montreal: This is one of the best tours to get to the history of Montreal. From the Notre Dame Basilica to the Marche Bonsecours. Learn the history of Montreal from its early days when it was part of New France through the days of the fur trade to the quiet revolution. Personal hint: if the history and architecture of Montreal intrigue you, then check out the Museum of Archaeology and History – Point-a-Calliere after the tour.
Guided Scooter Sightseeing Tour in Montreal: Don’t feel like walking? Maybe a scooter tour would be better for you. This is a great way to see more of the city up close and personal. They offer morning, afternoon and evening tours. It is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city. Expect the tour to last about 3 hours.
Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour: Since it is fall and Hallowe’en is in the air, why not be entertained with a tour of Old Montreal after dark. Learn about the more macabre side of Montreal’s history. From escaped criminals to witchcraft and the dark events that haunt the streets in the old city. This tour is about an hour and a half.
Senior Note: As I have pointed out in previous posts about Montreal, the streets especially in old Montreal can be very uneven. They are mainly cobblestone, especially in the smaller back streets. Also, there can be very small but extremely steep hills to negotiate. If, like me, you have a bum knee or other afflictions that cause you balance issues I highly recommend that you bring a cane or walking sticks to assist you. I have a collapsible cane that I keep in my backpack for such occasions. Check my post here for recommendations.
Fall Events in Montreal
When in university, I saw my first concert ever in Montreal. Since then, Montreal has always been synonymous with music of all kinds.
Beginning in 2006, M for Montreal has been both a music festival and a conference. Large and small venues will host as many as 100 different artists and bands. Across Montreal, outdoors and in, there will be concerts, events, exhibitions, panels, workshops, and parties celebrating music. Follow the link to find out more.
For tickets to other concerts, sporting events, or events in general in Montreal.
Where to Eat This Fall in Montreal?
If you are planning a trip to Montreal this autumn, November is a great month for eats. “MTL a Table” runs in the first half of the month. Note the dates for 2024 are October 31 to November 17. As of publishing this post there was not much information about 2024.
To get a better idea you can go here to the 2023 webpage to see what was offered then.
Besides having over 125 participating restaurants, you will find cuisines from around the world. Each restaurant will be offering a three- or four-course set price menu ranging from approximately $40.00 to $90.00. Get your inner foodie on with classic to nuevo cuisines. French, Italian, and trendy Pan-Asian restos will have something to please every taste.
Therefore we suggest you check here for participating establishments.
Best Shopping in Montreal
Lets get that Christmas shopping in Montreal done!
La Grand Braderie de Mode, Montreal. Is a weekend event that celebrates all things fashion made by Quebecers. You will find all items at close to clearance prices.
The event runs in late October in Montreal but then travels around to other sites in Quebec through out the fall. Montreal’s event is located in the Marche Bonsecours. So why not stop in after your walking tour of Old Montreal?
Best Streets for Shopping in Montreal
If you ask anyone, most folks will direct you to St Catharine Street to go shopping. From high end fashion boutiques to discount chains. You can find it all along this street.
If it gets too cool for you, you can duck into places like the Eaton Centre along St Catharine. Here you will enter Montreal’s famed underground city. This pedestrian city connects with multiple metro stations with 33 kilometres of walkways filled with stores and eateries of every kind. You could spend your whole vacation here and never have to go outside!
I have provided a link here for more information on the Underground City.
Bonus Suggestion
I have recently heard that Amtrak has restarted its daily trip to Montreal from New York. I have taken this trip and while the first third of the trip out of New York is pretty mundane – fields and farms.
Once you get past the Albany stop, you will be treated to some spectacular vistas. Additionally, if you manage to take during a peak leaf colour change period, I think it would be breath taking. After Albany, the train passes along side Lake Champlain into Canada and on to Montreal.
So, book a flight to New York, spend a night at a hotel there. Then hop on the train!
Conclusion
Can’t afford a trip to Europe? Then Montreal is an awesome substitute. Whether shopping, eating or entertainment are your liking, Montreal holds something for everyone.
Furthermore, for my American friends reading this your dollar goes a lot further (especially now at the time of me writing this post – but that can change).
Kids are in school. The weather is cool. Come on up!
Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes. Most of all have happy travels and see you out there on the road!
Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography: From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.