Where to go in September: 11 destinations to discover in Quebec
Harvests, whales, the beginning of the colors... September is a magical month to explore Quebec. Prices are lower, there are fewer travelers, the days are still warm, and the offshore breeze is just so invigorating!
11 beautiful places in Quebec to go in September to extend summer 1. Gaspésie National Park
Photo provided by SÉPAQ, JEAN-SÉBASTIEN CHARTIER-PLANTE
A mecca for hikers, Gaspésie National Park is arguably never more beautiful and enjoyable than in September. This is your last chance to climb the iconic Mont Jacques-Cartier trail, as it is only accessible from July 1 to September 30 (for the protection of the caribou). If you want to stay right in the mountains, you can opt for the Gîte du Mont-Albert, a comfortable Sépaq inn.
2. The cider route in Montérégie
Photo provided by CIDRERIE MICHEL JODOIN
Did you know there's a cider route in Montérégie? It's 140 km long and has 12 stops, mostly at orchards and cider mills, some of which are also distilleries and vineyards. You can meet producers and artisans, enjoy tastings and pick-your-own ciders, and admire beautiful countryside scenery.
3. Tadoussac and surrounding areas, Côte-Nord
Courtesy photo
September and early October are the best times for whale watching in Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, and Les Escoumins. Evenings are cooler during this time, but there are still beautiful sunny days, and the arrival of fall adds a golden touch to the landscape. This is particularly the case in the Saguenay Fjord National Park and the Tadoussac Dunes, where you can enjoy magnificent short (or long) hikes.
- Info: tadoussac.com , tourismecote-nord.com
• Also read: We tested a magnificent via ferrata in the land of whales
4. La Malbaie, Charlevoix
Photo taken from FACEBOOK, TOURISME CHARLEVOIX
Charlevoix is a region of rivers and mountains, but also of arts and agritourism. In September, in the La Malbaie area, you can alternate between the great outdoors and gourmet discoveries, both in restaurants (Le Sainti, Le Saint-Laurent) and with local producers (La Ferme Éboulmontaise, Menaud). As for accommodation, you have the choice between a 5-star hotel (Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu), a chalet (TERACEA), or glamping (Sauvage, Territoire Charlevoix, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park).
- Info: tourisme-charlevoix.com
Photo taken from FACEBOOK, BIC NATIONAL PARK
With its sandy beaches, sunsets, and charming villages, the Bas-Saint-Laurent region has plenty to captivate you. In September, head to Rimouski and its surrounding areas, making sure to take Route 132 to stretch your legs along the way, in Kamouraska, Trois-Pistoles, or Saint-Fabien-sur-Mer. Once in the Rimouski area, don't miss Bic National Park, Rocher-Blanc Beach, and the Pointe-au-Père historic site. Then continue to the Reford Gardens, magnificent even at the end of summer.
- Info: bassaintlaurent.ca , sepaq.com/pq/bic
Photo QMI Agency, ANTOINE STAB
A giant suspended walkway, a light trail, a legendary dairy, a microbrewery, cheese shops, heritage trails... There are plenty of great places to visit in and around Coaticook. Not to mention the rural landscapes and various hikes that are particularly enjoyable in the fall, such as Mount Pinacle, which offers views at an altitude of 665 m above Lake Lyster.
• Also read: Our must-see stops for a road trip in a van in the Eastern Townships
7. Old Chelsea, Outaouais
Photo provided by SQUARE OLD CHELSEA
This charming village is located just 20 minutes from Ottawa and directly at the entrance to Gatineau Park. It boasts trails, beaches, viewpoints, and historic sites. At its heart is Old Chelsea Square, which combines a terrace, café, distillery, gourmet pub, and accommodations. And don't forget Morrison Quarry, with its turquoise waters and small beach, just 15 minutes away!
8. Île d'Orléans, Quebec region
Photo taken from FACEBOOK, TOURISME ÎLE D'ORLÉANS
Fancy a road trip or a bike ride? When the fields begin to turn golden at the end of summer or the fall colors are just beginning to appear, Île d'Orléans is hard to beat. With its orchards, vineyards, farm stands, ancestral homes, and river views, it guarantees a wonderful experience for foodies and sports enthusiasts alike. The tour is approximately 70 km long and passes through six picturesque villages.
Info: tourisme.iledorleans.com
9. Mont-Blanc and Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians
Photo provided by SENTIER DES CIMES, DANIEL DESMARAIS
Just 15 minutes from Mont-Tremblant, the town of Mont-Blanc is home to a unique attraction in the region: the Treetop Trail. This 2.7 km hiking trail, consisting of a treetop walkway and a 40 m (12-story) observation tower, offers unique views of the mountains and is even stroller-friendly. New: the site has just been equipped with a giant slide that's 53 m high! Once you've finished your visit to the treetops, you can continue on to the Tremblant resort, which offers a great program throughout the month of September.
- Info: treetop-walks.com , Tremblant.ca
Photo taken from FACEBOOK, MAGDALEN ISLANDS TOURISM
September (especially the first half of the month) is a great time to explore this remote archipelago and its unique landscapes. The days can still be mild, and the waters are at their warmest along the beaches and lagoons! Most restaurants, tourist attractions, and outdoor venues are still open (though you should check carefully), and most importantly, everything is less crowded.
11. Saguenay, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Photo provided by SÉPAQ, CHARLES-DAVID ROBITAILLE
Gourmet stops, hiking, village discoveries or cultural outings: the city of Saguenay and its surroundings are worth the detour. Don't miss strolling along the waterfront in Chicoutimi, discovering the Musée du Fjord in La Baie, taking a detour to the Saguenay Fjord National Park, strolling through the pretty village of L'Anse-Saint-Jean and, above all, booking a cruise on the Saguenay, in the hollow of the imposing walls of the fjord.
LE Journal de Montreal
