The Haut-Richelieu region in all its colors 🍂
In autumn, the trees change color, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the farmland takes on new hues.
Just thirty minutes from Montreal , you don't have to go far to enjoy the fall colours. Here, an autumn outing can be quite simple: a good pair of shoes, a light sweater, and the desire to go play outside. In the Haut-Richelieu region, the colours are best admired up close… and sometimes from a little higher up.
Our mountain in the middle of the plain
It is difficult to talk about the landscapes of the Haut-Richelieu without mentioning Mont Saint-Grégoire . Surrounded by agricultural land, it rises in the middle of the plain and is one of those landmarks that you recognize at first glance.
To gain some altitude, head to the trails of CIME Haut-Richelieu . As you ascend, the autumnal forest accompanies you to viewpoints overlooking the fields and surrounding plains. The new multi-purpose center also makes the experience even more welcoming for visitors.
Climbing Mount Saint-Grégoire is our walk in the park. In autumn, let's just say the reward at the summit is quite colourful.
Walking right through the colors
We love our mountain, but rest assured: you don't always have to climb to enjoy the view. Here, the colours can also be admired with both feet firmly on the ground, right in the heart of the forest.
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In Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu , the Parc naturel des Parulines offers a nature escape without even leaving the city. With its diverse habitats and variety of birds, it's the kind of place where you can stroll peacefully, observe your surroundings, and listen to the leaves crunching under your feet.
Still in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, the canal area offers a completely different setting to enjoy the fall colours. We trade the forest trails for a stroll or bike ride along the Chambly Canal. Here, there's no need to choose between the colours and the waterfront: we get both.
Since you're in the area, Old Saint-Jean is right next door. You can continue your stroll through its streets, take your time wandering, and stop at one of its many small shops. A good reason to walk a little further… or to stop along the way.
Near Mont-Saint-Grégoire , we're sharing one of our little secrets: the trails at Érablière Charbonneau . The place is best known for maple syrup season, but in the fall, its trails offer a completely different perspective of the sugar bush. No maple taffy on snow this time: the colours steal the show.
Since we're already up in the trees…
After admiring them from above and below, why not go play in them? In Mont-Saint-Grégoire , Arbraska offers a much more… aerial perspective of the autumn forest. Monkey bridges, walkways, climbing nets, and suspended obstacles: you move from tree to tree surrounded by vibrant colors. A perfect outing for those who like a little challenge on their walk in the woods.
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Right next door, uplĂĄ takes treetop adventures even further. It boasts nothing less than the largest suspended net park in North America ! In this vast playground, you can jump, slide, and explore different play areas, tunnels, and slides. Little explorers can also discover a treetop village made up of little houses connected by suspension bridges. In short, here, playing outdoors can also mean playing a few meters above the ground.
Looking at colors is good. Playing with them is pretty good too.
Let's enjoy it while it lasts!
Autumn colours never last very long. In a few weeks, the landscape will have already changed, so we might as well enjoy them while they're here.
A hike to the summit, a walk in the forest, a few kilometers along the canal, a stop in Old Saint-Jean, or an afternoon playing in the trees… Here, autumn offers plenty of good reasons to get outdoors. The only question is where to begin.
