When to see the fall colors in Quebec?

Fall is one of the most anticipated times of the year. And for good reason, it arouses a lot of wonder when the Quebec landscape becomes multi-colored.

A flamboyant decor that makes nature and outdoor lovers want to take full advantage of it even more.

However, this phenomenon caused by the shortening of days – and not the cold – is difficult to predict exactly. Unlike other events such as the Perseids or eclipses, the period of colors does not have precise dates.

© Harmony Le Reste / Photo provided by Tourisme Québec

However, we can say that it stretches over a month, between mid-September and mid-October. Traditionally, the peak of colors is usually between the last week of September and the first of October.

But, it is not an exact science. For example, “the 2023 color season was late,” as assured Weathermedia in its annual fall forecast overview, with “slow start to season; prolonged peak; delayed end to season.”

How to predict the color season?

To allow outdoor enthusiasts to follow the situation of fall colours and their evolution in the regions of the province as closely as possible, Tourisme Québec publishes a map of fall colours each year, which it updates every week.

© Kabania/Daphne Carron / Photo provided by Tourisme Québec

A very relevant tool, especially since there can be a gap of several days between different places in Quebec, some can be at the peak of colors, while others are only at the beginning of the process.

While we wait to learn more about the 2024 vintage, if you are looking for hiking ideas to fully enjoy the colors, here is some inspiration:

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