Best of fall: Where to Go

Add an autumnal touch to your fall travels

The change of season calls for an autumnal holiday abroad! Whether your pick a nature escape to the Quebecois region of Mauricie or a Barcelonian escape in Spain, experience the best of the fall season with a slight change of scenery.

Camping in Canada : Mauricie & Mont Tremblant

About two hours between both Montreal and Quebec City lies La Mauricie National Park, home to large clumps of forest and more than 150 lakes. To any nature lover, this park draws attraction for several reasons, beginning with its rich diversity of flora and fauna—think beavers, black bears and red foxes—its camping and canoeing sites, and its selection of guided tours for first-timers eager to learn about Mother Nature’s ropes. The same can be said about Mont-Tremblant National Park, one of Canada’s most famous natural reserves that hosts over 400 lakes and streams, and over 40 species of wildlife. At a distance of about 120 km away from Montreal, this park is notorious for offering all sorts of activities year-round. In the fall, we recommend bringing your camera and going for a hike to try and spot some of the park’s residents from a safe distance, like a pack of wolves or a herd of moose.

Fall in the U.S.: Las Vegas & Phoenix

As the summer heat shifts into a cool breeze in October, autumn becomes a great time to visit the dazzling city of Las Vegas. Beyond the Strip, there is more to see and do, especially with Halloween right around the corner. Pumpkin picking at nearby orchards is a local tradition, and there are a ton of spooky activities for everyone to enjoy, including events organized by Cirque du Soleil, escape rooms, haunted houses, and even an annual parade! In Phoenix, autumn days are known to be pleasant and warm. What better time to take to the skies? A hot air balloon ride above the Sonoran Desert will give you a bird’s eye view of this wonderful city, or you can kick past dirt on an exhilarating ATV tour. There are ample activities to take part in as well, like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and, of course, the annual festival.

More to Mexico: Huatulco & Cozumel

The start of November is considered a festive time among those who live in Huatulco, Mexico. By October and November, the rainy season has passed, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth of the sun. Plan accordingly so you don’t miss out on any Day of the Dead celebrations; a famous Mexican tradition that offers all sorts of activities to both adults and children of all ages. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to know that the weather conditions are ideal for surfing and snorkeling. Similarly, to the east in Cozumel, the warm weather remains generally inviting in October and November, and there are fewer tourists. For this reason, the beaches become exceedingly attractive around this time of year. Discover our newly added route from Montreal to make the most of Cozumel’s pleasantries and hidden gems, including the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Rustic Europe: Lisbon & Barcelona

Red, orange and yellow leaves fill the streets of Lisbon by the time autumn rolls around, and with it comes a lot of rain. Luckily, this does not stop the Portuguese from having a good time, as seen with their annual Sao Martinho festivities in November, which celebrate the production of wine! This is a great opportunity for some wine tasting. While you’re at it, grab some freshly roasted castanhas (chestnuts) from local street vendors! Autumn also makes Barcelona a fantastic place to travel in the fall. By September, football season is well underway, so catching an FC Barcelona match at the Camp Nou stadium is a go-to among many visitors. September also marks the start of La Mercè festivities, which honour the start of fall. By October, the Barcelona International Jazz Festival tends to garner a large following. Lastly, who could forget about the 12-day long celebration of beer production at the Barcelona Oktoberfest?

What’s Next?

Thinking of travelling this fall? Explore our Flight & Hotel packages to get the most out of your vacation, or enjoy a pre-planned itinerary with our tour packages.