No, Indian summer is not for September in Canada. Moreover, let’s remember that this meteorological phenomenon is quite different from the so-called “colorful” season to describe the chromatic explosion of forests. This is a period of warm weather that occurs only after the first autumn frost. To talk about an Indian summer, therefore, you need a period of frost followed by a period of exceptionally high temperatures, well above normal. Sometimes it happens in October, November. Or it just doesn’t happen.
So a trip to Canada in the late summer and fall is another equally big promise. Trees decorated in fiery colors are an intangible rendezvous of the seasons. The color season in Eastern Canada, where we take you, occurs from about mid-September to mid-October. It usually takes only three weeks depending on the region. Hardwoods put on their autumnal splendor, with many taking on elegant yellow hues, while maple leaves turn purple. Here are our five must-do’s.
Hiking in the national parks of the Charlevoix region of Quebec
They are beautiful all year round. But in autumn they take on the sublime air of impressionist paintings. Hiking is the focus Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park (Quebec) on the particularly impressive Acropole des Draveurs trail. Allow 4 to 6 hours to cover the 11.2 kilometers without stops. As popular as it is steep, it is considered one of the most difficult in the province. Others will prefer to canoe or kayak down the Malbay River.
With its landscapes that sometimes resemble the taiga Grands-Jardins National Park offering wonderful orange and red vistas through the milky white-grey of the lichens. The popular Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes trail offers an easy walk to the top (at 980m), which offers an exceptional view of the Goufry valley, the Charlevais crater, the peaks of the park. and the St. Lawrence River.
- Practice
Daily admission for each park is $9.25 per person. Estimate $18.25 to $20.75/hr for marine equipment rental. Check the timetables for Parc des Grands-Jardins and Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, which change slightly in autumn.
Road trip on the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
On this famous scenic roadCape Breton Island Nova Scotia is one of the best in North America. In the fall, the Cabot Trail is simply breathtaking. The 300 kilometer loop sometimes skirts the cliff coastline and winds through magnificent mountains and valleys. Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A memorable journey that we celebrate with stops at viewpoints to enjoy the magnificent views. For the more athletic, great hiking trails that criss-cross the area.
- Advice
In general, the most colorful period is concentrated between the beginning and middle of October. Information: www.cbisland.com
Hike through the red marshes of New Brunswick’s Misko Island
Of course, there are some Appalachian mountains in the northwest of the state, where the hiking trails offer plenty to admire the colors of the peaks and the sunsets. But New Brunswick and its peaceful terrain will satisfy those who are repulsed by heights. For the most original view, instead of forests, it is peat bogsmiscou island On the coast of Acadia, all of which are listed. From late September to early October, they take on a wonderful deep red coat. The contrasting landscape with the blue sea, beautiful beaches and golden marsh grass is simply unique. It Peat Bog Trail Footbridge offers a beautiful walk among the flowers of huckleberry, kalmia and other typical plants.
- Practice
More info: tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Gathering and fall harvest in Quebec
In addition to hiking in Quebec, it is a top activity in the fall in Quebec. People gather in orchards to pick apples or just have a picnic. Enthusiasm, too, for the beehives, coirs and vineyards in the Belle State that have been popular since the long Covid episode. Almost everywhere in Quebec, harvesting is concentrated in the regions of Quebec Lower Lorraineparticularly in Oka, c Monteregi or in Eastern cities.
- Practice
This website lists Quebec parks by region.
Huge sports playground, Laurentians
The Laurentians are full of places to do more or less sporting activities in colorful landscapes. Starting with the popular Mont Tremblant National Parka hiker’s paradise that also offers an exciting Via Ferrata on the cliff overlooking the devil’s river. Trails also abound to practice all forms of two-wheelers on gorgeous hardwood trails, especiallyOka Abbey which offers a variety of trails for all levels.
- Practice
Via Ferrata in Mont-Tremblant National Park: $62.50. Mountain biking in the heart of Abbaye d’Oka.
Our tips
- Be careful, the season is very short. There are two to three weeks, no more, to enjoy the colorful shows.
- Remember to bring enough warm clothes and suitable shoes.
Source: Le Figaro