18 September, 2025

Fall Colours in Charlevoix: Best Spots for Leaf-Peeping and Trail Time

people sitting on mountain overlooking fall foliage and lake below

The Charlevoix region of Quebec is known for its exceptional beauty, year-round – and the fall season is no exception! We spoke with Tourisme Charlevoix about some top spots to enjoy the fall colours – with several spots on the Trans Canada Trail.

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François: take in the beauty on the Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix

The Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix offers exceptional hiking options in two sections: the Massif Sector and the Sainte-Tite-des-Caps Sector. Each offers varying levels of difficulty and duration, and breathtaking views of the Saint-Lawrence. The trail links up with the Sentier Gabrielle-Roy-Ouest, which takes you right into the village. A shorter and lesser-known hike in the area is the Sentier Louise-Gasnier, which is an ideal option for hiking with the whole family.

Pop off the Trail to head to the Parc des Riverains for even more beautiful views and a playground, or schedule a ride on the Train de Charlevoix!

birds eye view of train passing through trail over fall foliage and body of water

Photo credit: Tourisme Charlevoix, Caroline Perron

Baie-Saint-Paul: stroll through town on Sentier de la Baie

Following the Sentier de la Baie in the city centre, Baie-Saint-Paul offers gorgeous architecture and a fascinating history. Start out at Maison Mère Baie-Saint-Paul, the departure point for the Chemin des Soeurs, so named for the order of the Petites Franciscaines de Marie, who founded a convent there in 1896. Today, the Maison Mère Baie-Saint-Paul is home to Mousse Café, a family-friendly spot where board games are available to play, plus exhibits about the history of the building and the convent, the Auberge and the Bistro des Balcons restaurant, event spaces and more.

Take a short detour off the Trans Canada Trail to the Boisé du Quai, a wharf and beach with exceptional views of the surrounding hills and the Saint Lawrence.

people walking through fall foliage with town buildings surrounding

Photo credit: Tourisme Charlevoix, André-Olivier Lyra

Mountain Sector: serious hiking and exceptional parks

Home to the renowned Traversée de Charlevoix and two incredible parks that are part of the SEPAQ network – the Parc National des Grands-Jardins and the Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, Charlevoix’s Mountain Sector is a fall-colour treasure chest.

On the Traversée de Charlevoix, hike for a couple of hours or several days – note that booking is mandatory for longer hikes – and take in the vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red en route.

Another Trail option is the Sentier Haute du Gouffre, a relatively new addition to the Trans Canada Trail network. The Trail follows the Gouffre River and offers close to 30 kilometres of trail, ideal for hiking or mountain biking.

When you’re in the Mountain Sector, don’t miss the Centre de l’Émeu de Charlevoix, the Ferme Basque de Charlevoix or Viandes Bio de Charlevoix – each offering an idea spot to grab Trail snacks before your outdoor adventures. After your hike, the Relais des Hautes-Gorges is a great option to take a break and enjoy a meal.

people walking on a trail with fall colours behind