The outdoors has many benefits, but it can sometimes be expensive. Here are several completely free destinations to enjoy the joys of nature magnified by the fall colors.
These places are generally maintained by volunteers. It is always appreciated to make a donation in support.
1. Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park – Laval
In this wildlife refuge, 14 km of short trails cross ecosystems of great ecological value (river, marsh, swamp and forest), with independent launching areas ($) and on-site boat rentals ($) for explore the river. Dogs on a leash accepted.
2. Saint-Donat – Lanaudière
Thanks to its rich mountainous environment, Saint-Donat is one of the bastions of the outdoors in Quebec. This sector of Lanaudière has a vast network of 200 km of hiking trails.
We recommend in particular the Black Mountain : perched at 887 meters above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Saint-Donat. Part of the Inter-Centre and the national trail, the Black Mountain trail (6.4 km) climbs to the ridge and allows you to see the debris of the Liberator Harrya military plane which crashed there in 1943. At the top, the view from the viewpoint is also worth the effort!
Also read : 7 essential hikes in Lanaudière
3. Gatineau Park, Outaouais
© National Capital Commission
Gatineau Park offers a beautiful spectacle of colorful deciduous trees to hikers. The Chute-de-Luskville trail will take you to a height of 300 meters to contemplate the red and gold panorama.
Also read : 12 free trails to enjoy the fall colors
4. Saint-Mathieu recreational forest park – Mauricie
These 60 km of hiking trails provide access to 48 lakes, falls and cascades, in addition to opening the doors to the National Trail. As a bonus, there are 20 km of mountain bike trails on site at Mont Infernal and… dogs on a leash are accepted.
5. Kiskotuk Coastal Park – Bas-Saint-Laurent
A few meters from the St. Lawrence River, this park unfolds in surprising settings across salt marshes and the boreal forest. Easy to access for any hiker, the Mountain and Passereaux trails allow an ascent into the mountains without too much difficulty, with panoramic and exceptional views of the river. You can occasionally observe belugas and seals there on a clear day.
Also read : A trail and platforms for observing belugas in Bas-Saint-Laurent
6. Mont Arthabaska Park – Centre-du-Québec
This park has more than 10 km of hiking trails in the forest with a belvedere at the top and a viewpoint over the St. Lawrence plain. Dogs on leashes are accepted.
Also read : 10 hikes to do with your dog in Quebec during the fall colors
7. Tadoussac – North Shore
This North Shore village is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. In autumn, we enjoy a double program: an abundance of marine mammals and multicolored forests. The latter is accessible on foot from the village.
Also read :
8. Collines Kékéko – Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Whether linear or loops, the 43 km of hiking trails on this site stretch in linear routes or loops of 1 to 10 km and they connect four communities, along bodies of water. They are decorated with viewpoints, promontories and footbridges, and dogs on leashes are accepted.
