Canada, North America
Montreal in October
Mount Royal and the Laurentians blaze with color, usually peaking in the first half of the month. Pack layers.
The straight answer
October is a good month to visit Montreal. Mount Royal and the Laurentians blaze with color, usually peaking in the first half of the month. Pack layers.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 56F (13C), fall color
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What October is like in Montreal
October is cool and colorful. Highs sit near 56F (13C), and Mount Royal and the Laurentians to the north usually reach peak color in the first half of the month. Crowds and prices are moderate, terraces start to close as the nights get colder, and the Gardens of Light run until late October.
It suits leaf peepers, walkers and anyone who likes crisp weather and cozy restaurants. It is not the month for warm terrace evenings or outdoor festivals. Come early in October for the best color, since the second half turns gray and chilly.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Montreal this month.
Fall color on Mount Royal
The walk to the Kondiaronk lookout is at its prettiest, with red and gold leaves framing the skyline.
Day trip to the Laurentians
The hills north of the city blaze with color, usually peaking in the first half of the month.
Last weeks of Gardens of Light
The lantern event at the Botanical Garden runs until late October.
What to pack for October
- A warm jacket and sweater
- Waterproof walking shoes
- A hat and light gloves for evenings
- A light rain shell
Our timing tip
Walk up Mount Royal on a weekday morning in the first half of October for the best leaves and the quietest trails.
Book Montreal for October.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MontrealOpens a hotel search for Montreal in October, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MontrealWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MontrealTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Montreal for October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Gardens of Light
Early September to late October
Illuminated lanterns in the Botanical Garden's Chinese Garden and other gardens, with timed tickets.
Things to do in Montreal
Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica
Cobblestones, the Old Port, and the basilica's blue and gold interior. The evening AURA light show inside is worth a booking.
Mount Royal
Walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout for the city view. Sunday afternoon tam-tams by the George-Etienne Cartier monument in summer are a local ritual.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
One of Canada's leading art museums, spread over five pavilions on Sherbrooke Street.
Jean-Talon Market
One of North America's largest open-air markets, open year-round. Visit in late summer for the Quebec harvest.
Space for Life: Botanical Garden, Biodome, and Insectarium
Big, family-friendly, and great in any season. The Gardens of Light lanterns run in fall.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
The island park of Expo 67 and the Grand Prix circuit, with the Biosphere, a beach, and summer festivals.
Beat the crowds
- Visit Old Montreal early in the morning or on weekday evenings; weekend afternoons and cruise days fill Place Jacques-Cartier.
- Check the festival calendar before booking: the Grand Prix weekend and the Jazz Festival push hotel rates sharply higher, while the weeks around them are much cheaper.
- Go in September for summer weather at shoulder-season prices once the festival rush has ended.
- For winter trips, use the indoor city and the metro to move between neighborhoods and save the outdoor time for the festival nights.
Know before you go
- July 1 is Canada Day and also Quebec's traditional moving day, when leases turn over. Streets fill with moving trucks, and some businesses close.
- June 24, the Fete nationale, is a public holiday in Quebec with some closures and big free concerts.
- Terraces, the Old Port attractions, and many seasonal activities run roughly May to October. In winter, the Old Port turns to skating, and the indoor city keeps shopping running.
- Sugar shacks outside the city are seasonal, mostly March and April, and popular ones need reservations.
Montreal in October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Montreal?
October is a good month to visit Montreal. Mount Royal and the Laurentians blaze with color, usually peaking in the first half of the month. Pack layers.
What is the weather like in Montreal in October?
Cool, highs near 56F (13C), fall color.
Is Montreal crowded in October?
Crowds in Montreal are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Montreal in October?
Gardens of Light (early september to late october).
Keep planning Montreal.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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