Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
October is on the way, bringing with it brilliant fall colours, crisp days, harvest flavours, and just enough Halloween spirit to add a few thrills to the mix. It's one of the most spectacular times of year to explore the Eastern Townships—and there's plenty happening before the leaves finish falling.
Whether you're planning a scenic day trip or stretching your visit into a fall weekend getaway, here are some of the best things to do in the Eastern Townships this October.
This is it: fall colour season at its finest. October transforms the Eastern Townships' mountains into a spectacular canvas of red, orange, and gold. Hike to a summit, ride a chairlift or gondola, or simply come for the views and enjoy the festivities happening at four of the region's ski mountains.
October fall colour highlights
September 12–October 12 – Bromont Fall Activities – Hike the mountain, ride the gondola, and take in the colourful views from above.
September 18–October 18 – Flambée des couleurs at Mont-Orford – Celebrate fall with activities related to a different theme each week, along with food trucks and live entertainment.
September 19–October 18 – Sutton Fall Festival – Enjoy guided hikes, outdoor concerts, chairlift rides, mountain biking, and plenty of spectacular scenery.
September 19–October 12 – Owl's Head in Colours – Hike or ride the chairlift to the summit for sweeping views over Lake Memphremagog and the surrounding mountains, with special themed activities each weekend.
Discover even more ways to experience fall colours in the Eastern Townships.
Come hungry. October is harvest season in the Eastern Townships, which means local producers, chefs, and communities have plenty to celebrate. From gourmet circuits and harvest markets to pumpkins and special restaurant menus, there are plenty of delicious reasons to hit the road.
October foodie highlights
October 3 – Oktoberfest in Frontenac – Sample local beer and spirits, dig into grilled favourites and food truck fare, and enjoy live music, all while supporting a good cause.
October 3–4 – Dégustez Mégantic – Follow your own gourmet route to meet 18 local food producers and processors and taste the Granit region’s specialties right at the source.
October 10–11 – The Comptonales' Gourmet Tour – Follow a unique gourmet route to meet local producers, sample their specialties, and make delicious discoveries at every stop, with free shuttles to help you get around.
October 12 – Grand Marché des récoltes in Compton – Celebrate the end of the harvest season alongside local producers, food makers, and artisans at this festive final gathering of the Comptonales.
October 16–November 1 – Sherbrooke met la table – Discover creative menus from Sherbrooke chefs and restaurateurs showcasing exceptional local products at accessible prices.
October 17–18 – Foire aux citrouilles at Verger Le Gros Pierre in Compton – Pick and decorate a pumpkin, enjoy apple picking and tractor rides, and get into the Halloween spirit with plenty of family fun.
Discover even more delicious reasons to taste your way through the Eastern Townships this fall.
Cool temperatures, colourful trails, and crisp fall air make October an excellent time to get outside. Take on a running or mountain biking challenge—or slow the pace and explore some of the region's best hiking and cycling routes.
October sporting highlights
October 4 – Sun Life Granby Marathon – Run through downtown Granby and along Lake Boivin, with marathoners continuing through the spectacular scenery of Yamaska National Park.
October 16–18 – Bromont Ultra – Mountain Biking – Challenge yourself on Bromont’s scenic trails with four distances from 25 to 120 km while helping raise funds for great causes.
October 16–18 – Bromont Ultra – Trail Running – Hit the trails for distances ranging from a 2 km kids’ run to an epic 160 km ultramarathon, all while supporting great causes.
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Discover some of the best places for fall cycling in the Eastern Townships.
Or lace up your hiking boots and tackle eight must-do fall hikes.
Looking for a little culture between hikes and harvest stops? October's calendar ranges from books and visual arts to hands-on creativity, history, and a few experiences perfectly suited to the spookiest month of the year.
October arts & culture highlights
October 2–4 – Rendez-vous du roman historique de Magog – Celebrate historical fiction and French-language literature with author meet-and-greets, talks, writing workshops, readings, and more. Event presented in French.
October 2–4 – Le Court Circuit d'Art in Saint-Adrien – Step inside local artists’ studios, discover their work, hear their stories, and learn about their creative process.
October 3 – Family Creative Shaping in Barnston-Ouest – Get creative as a family and shape your own unique ceramic piece at the Rozynski Art Centre.
October 15–17 – Knowlton Literary Festival – Celebrate English-language literature with internationally respected writers, poets, and playwrights in the charming village of Knowlton.
October 23 – Cemeteries and Funeral Rites in Magog – Explore Magog’s historic cemeteries and landmarks while discovering Victorian mourning customs, funeral rites, and their connections to the Merry family.
Explore even more Eastern Townships cultural and heritage experiences.
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
32 Activities for Couples This Autumn in the Townships
Hiking
8 Must Hikes this Autumn
