Refresh and recharge with an autumn walk in Montréal 🍂
Outdoor Autumn
When Montréal changes wardrobes into her fall colours, the city turns unforgettably aflame in red, yellow and orange and there’s no better time to go tree-watching. Similar to the Japanese hanami cherry blossom season, Montréal has its awe-inspiring autumns. Here are four unique, locally beloved spots perfect to contemplate the changing of the seasons.
- Where: Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension
- Why: One of Montréal’s newest epic green spaces, Frédéric-Back Park is the city’s largest environmental rehabilitation project in its history, completely transformed from its earlier lifetimes as an industrial quarry and waste facility. Nestled in the Saint-Michel quartier, Frédéric-Back Park is rimmed by soaring trees and punctuated by sporting fields perfect for some gameplay. But just as intriguing as the park’s picturesque flora and fauna are the glow-in-the-dark spheres scattered throughout. What may look like landed UFOs are actually bio-gas wells, an integral part of a massive renewal energy system, sure to make any photograph stick out in your followers’ feeds.
- Where: Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Dorval
- Why: Every visit to the Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse is different. It’s a place that reveals its secrets slowly with a surprise vista around every corner, set against the soothing rush of the Rivière des Prairies. Don’t miss the Sentier des Attraits for an interactive look at woodlands life, and it’s worth seeking out the series of raised platforms giving a whole new view of the forest floor. Comfy resting spots scattered throughout the park are perfect for stretching out with a book beneath the falling leaves. A prime location for birdwatching and nature-spotting under its canopy of sky-high trees, the Bois-de-Liesse is sure to make you quickly forget the hustle bustle of the city.
Promenade Père-Marquette et Parc René-Lévesque
- Where: Lachine
- Why: A finger of land pointing out into the St. Lawrence River, Promenade Père-Marquette et Parc René-Lévesque make for an unforgettable fall walk surrounded by flowing water. An exclamation point at the end of the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, the Parc René-Lévesque features an arboretum filled with tree life from around the world and eye-popping sculptures dating from the 1960s to today. The benches at the furthest point of the park offer breathtaking views of the fleuve and of Lachine, a fine spot for a recharging rest taking in an autumn sunset.
- Where: Plateau-Mont-Royal
- Why: Featuring a classic layout, sports fields and ample seating, Parc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier is at the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, and one of its primary spots for rest and relaxation. During the fall months, its towering trees are one of the main attractions, with brightly coloured foliage swaying in the breeze. The area’s independent boutiques make for nearby temptation, while the small neighbourhood restaurants are the perfect way to end an autumn afternoon.
Mark Hamilton
Mark Hamilton is the community director for QueerMTL, a musician in the projects Woodpigeon, Frontperson and Brittle Dreams and a curator and historian specializing in LGBTQ+ activism and zinemaking. He’s lived in Montréal since 2015, during which time he’s most often spotted atop a BIXI bike usally running a few minutes late.