Maple trees abound in southern Quebec and are one of the reasons why the area looks so beautiful during the fall season — when the roads and forests offer an abundance of leaf-peeping drives and family portrait opportunities.
One of the prettiest spots near Montreal is Magog-Orford in the Eastern Townships, where the trees are just about to burst into their autumn splendour. Visitors of all ages are invited to visit the region during its annual Flambée des couleurs event that takes place over five weekends from September 17 to October 16, 2022. The seasonal celebration of nature is now in its 16th consecutive year and offers activities across five picturesque sites.
Head to Mont-Orford ski resort for programming that includes sporting, cultural, and gastronomic treats. Grab everyone for a ride on the mountain’s gondola that offers the best seats to experience the reds and oranges of the landscape. At the summit, you can enjoy the picnic site or just stare at the view. You can also hike the beginner to intermediate trails, enjoy energizing yoga (Sundays at 10 a.m. – reserve your spot), visit the ski bazaar, or join in a mountain workout — all with a breathtaking panorama. On September 24 and 25 more than 70 local artisans will be selling their wares in the ski chalet.
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Mont-Orford National Park (Sépaq) offers hiking, easy bike riding trails, and adventurous downhill biking through forests ablaze with colours. Get your questions ready because a park warden-naturalist will be on hand to help you learn about the wildlife that you may encounter at the biodiverse-rich Fer-de-Lance marsh.
The 190-hectare Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises invites visitors to discover or rediscover its trails, boardwalk, and the interpretation centre. This stroller-friendly and wheelchair–accessible site has four kms of family-friendly trails that even the littlest legs can handle. Look out for all sorts of birds, waterfowl, mammals, and amphibians who call the marsh home.
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In the town of Magog, there are restaurants and boutiques to visit, a fully revamped main street, the Magog Visual Arts Centre, pop-up parks, the Sunday morning public market (ends October 9, 2022), and beautiful lake views to admire. On September 24 at the des Braves Park, enjoy music by the Rodeo Drive Country Band with various activities and animation offered throughout the day.
And if you’re looking for a night or two away, the Municipality of Orford offers accommodations and restos where you can relax and rejuvenate. There are also antique shops and artisans to visit, and cycling and walking trails to explore. Try out the Sentiers de l’Estrie or the parc de la Rivière-aux-Cerises.
For details on more of the the Magog-Orford Flambée des couleurs activities, visit the laflambeedescouleurs.com website.
Related read: Play and hike this fall in St. Lazare nature park
