I’m a Quebec specialist, here are 5 experiences I recommend this autumn

What I love most about my job is sharing my favourite places in Quebec and inspiring travellers to discover them for themselves on their Canadian road trip. And if there's one season I particularly love, it's autumn.

It's beautiful, cosy, the air is crisp... For me, it's the perfect balance.

So, if I could hit the road tomorrow morning, here are the 5 experiences I'd choose this autumn.

Map of the 5 places I'd visit this autumn

1. Hike through spectacular autumn colours in Charlevoix

If I really had to choose, Charlevoix would probably be my number one. In autumn, with its colourful mountains, the St Lawrence River and charming little villages, it's pretty hard to beat. It's the kind of place where the drive itself is part of the adventure.

For me, Charlevoix is one of the best places to combine hiking with spectacular autumn colours. Whatever your fitness level or how much time you have, there's plenty to choose from:

• L'Acropole-des-Draveurs, in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, for a challenging climb rewarded with incredible panoramic views.
• Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes, in Grands-Jardins National Park, for sweeping views across the Charlevoix mountains.
• The Sentier des Sommets, for a walk along the edge of Charlevoix's meteorite crater.

After a hike, I love heading back down to Baie-Saint-Paul for a wander through the village, a browse around the little shops and a taste of some of the local favourites. After a few miles on the trails, you've definitely earned it!

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2. Relax at a spa in the Eastern Townships

I'll admit I'm a little biased with this one: I live in the Eastern Townships! It's an area I know particularly well, and I think it's even more beautiful when the autumn colours start to appear. If I had to pick, I'd stay around Bromont, Magog and Orford.

What I particularly love in autumn is combining the great outdoors with a spa. Spend the day getting some fresh air, walking around Bromont or Orford and admiring the colours... then, as the temperature starts to drop, head straight for the hot pools!

Spas are lovely all year round, but there's something extra special about them at this time of year. Crisp air, warm water, colourful trees all around... time to switch off and relax.

3. Fly over a sea of autumn colours by seaplane in Mauricie

When I want to switch off and escape into the heart of nature, Mauricie is one of my favourite options. Lakes and forests dominate the landscape here, and in autumn, the scenery becomes truly spectacular.

And for a completely different view of the colours, take to the skies! A seaplane flight is the experience I immediately associate with Mauricie at this time of year. Seeing all those lakes surrounded by forests glowing red, orange and gold from above gives you a completely different perspective.

And I'm clearly not the only one who loves the idea: when some of my travellers come to Quebec in autumn, a seaplane flight is already on their wish list before we've even started discussing the itinerary. For them, it's non-negotiable!

4. Take in 360° views of the Laurentian forests at Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant is an autumn classic in Quebec, I'll give you that. But there's a good reason people keep coming back! At this time of year, the best place to understand why Tremblant is so popular is probably right at the top of the mountain. The panoramic views over the Laurentians are worth the trip alone.

And you don't necessarily need to pull on your hiking boots to get up there! The gondola takes you all the way to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the colourful forests below.

That's also what I love about Tremblant: you can head out for a few hours of hiking if you're feeling active, or simply ride to the top, admire the view and take things at a slower pace. There's no wrong way to enjoy autumn here!

5. Watch some of the most beautiful sunsets in Bas-Saint-Laurent

I absolutely loved Bas-Saint-Laurent, particularly the area around Kamouraska and Rivière-du-Loup. In autumn, I'd go back simply for the pleasure of driving along the St Lawrence and soaking up that peaceful atmosphere I love so much. It's the kind of place that makes me want to slow down and take my time... and sometimes that's exactly what you need!

If there's one thing I definitely wouldn't miss, it's sunset in Kamouraska. Sitting by the St Lawrence and watching the sky change colour is a pretty good way to end the day!

I'd also make time to:

• browse the little local shops
• discover some of the area's best places to eat
• take a walk along the waterfront

Here, spontaneous little stops are just as much a part of the journey as the destination itself.

I hope my recommendations have inspired you to discover Quebec in all its autumn colours. Now I'm curious: where would you go this autumn?

Let us know in the comments below!