Quebec City in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Quebec City
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage transforms the city into a postcard - maple trees along Grande Allée peak between October 10-20, creating spectacular photography opportunities without summer crowds
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% from summer peaks while restaurants offer harvest menus featuring local ingredients like Île d'Orléans apples and Charlevoix cheeses at their seasonal best
- Comfortable walking weather for exploring Vieux-Québec - 8-12°C (46-54°F) afternoons are perfect for the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) Old City circuit without summer's oppressive humidity
- October harvest season brings unique experiences like sugar shack visits, apple picking at nearby orchards, and the city's famous Oktoberfest celebrations that locals actually attend
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability means you might experience summer-like warmth one day and near-freezing temperatures the next - pack layers and check forecasts daily
- Daylight shortens rapidly from 11.5 hours early October to 10 hours by month's end, limiting outdoor sightseeing time especially for Plains of Abraham activities
- October rain comes as cold drizzle rather than quick summer showers, often lasting 2-4 hours and making outdoor market visits at Marché du Vieux-Port uncomfortable
Best Activities in October
Plains of Abraham Fall Foliage Walking Tours
October is the absolute peak time to experience Quebec City's most historic park as a natural canvas. The 108-hectare battlefield transforms into a maple, oak, and birch showcase with colors peaking mid-month. Cool 8-10°C (46-50°F) afternoon temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 mile) main circuit comfortable while morning frost enhances the busy reds and golds. Locals know to visit between 10am-3pm for best lighting and avoid weekend crowds.
Montmorency Falls Autumn Photography Tours
October transforms the area around the 83 m (272 ft) waterfall into Quebec's most dramatic autumn scene. The surrounding forest canopy creates a fiery backdrop while cooler temperatures mean less mist, providing clearer photography opportunities. October's lower water levels make the suspension bridge crossing more comfortable, and the cable car operates with panoramic fall views. Morning visits (9-11am) offer golden light without afternoon rain risks.
Île d'Orléans Harvest and Wine Tours
October is harvest time on the 'Garden of Quebec' island, just 15 km (9.3 miles) from downtown. Apple orchards, vineyards, and artisan food producers offer tastings of seasonal specialties. The 67 km (42 mile) island circuit becomes a fall color drive through working farms and historic villages. Cooler weather makes cycling the Route Verte #5 comfortable, and local sugar shacks begin maple syrup production demonstrations.
Old Quebec Culinary Walking Tours with Seasonal Focus
October brings Quebec's harvest cuisine to restaurant menus throughout Vieux-Québec. Walking tours combine historic neighborhood exploration with seasonal tastings of tourtière, maple-glazed ham, and artisanal cheeses. Cool weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) circuit through narrow cobblestone streets comfortable while indoor market stops at Marché du Vieux-Port provide warm respite during October's frequent light rain.
Saguenay Fjord Day Trips for Fall Colors
October is the final month for comfortable Saguenay Fjord exploration before winter, with spectacular fall foliage reflecting in North America's southernmost fjord. The 2.5-hour drive from Quebec City leads to whale watching opportunities as belugas feed before winter migration. Cooler 5-8°C (41-46°F) temperatures make boat tours more comfortable while reducing summer's tourist crowds by 60%.
Jacques-Cartier National Park Hiking Tours
Located 40 km (25 miles) north of Quebec City, this park offers world-class fall foliage hiking in the Laurentian Mountains. October temperatures of 3-8°C (37-46°F) make the moderate 6 km (3.7 mile) Épervière trail comfortable while valley viewpoints showcase the most dramatic color displays in eastern Canada. Recent trail improvements and reduced summer crowds make October ideal for photography.
October Events & Festivals
Oktoberfest de Québec
Quebec City's authentic German-style beer festival featuring local microbreweries, traditional foods, and live music. Unlike touristy events, this attracts locals and offers genuine cultural exchange with German-style celebrations adapted to Quebec culture. Multiple venues throughout the city participate.
Festival de Cinéma de la Ville de Québec
International film festival screening French and international cinema throughout historic venues in Old Quebec. Perfect rainy day activity with indoor venues and cultural immersion opportunities. Many films include English subtitles.