To the point
Whether you're a fan of exhibitions, shows, fairs or gourmet getaways, you'll find the fall activities you're looking for in our guide. Here's our selection of things to do in Montreal.
Autumn is not synonymous with depression. On the contrary. It’s the perfect season to stroll through the colorful parks – such as Mount Royal, La Fontaine and Maisonneuve – and the various neighborhoods, including the Old Port and Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. The metropolis is also full of events of all kinds, whether solo, with friends or family.
Autumn in Montreal - Festivals and Lounges
The Festival du nouveau cinéma celebrates its 52nd anniversary this autumn. Over the course of 11 days, some 100 feature films from 57 countries will be screened in several cinemas across the city. An opportunity to discover previews of films such as Anatomie d’une chute by Justine Triet, Palme d’Or winner at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
- Several cinemas, including the Cinéma Impérial
- October 4 to 15, 2023
The OFF Festival de jazz de Montréal brings you original shows featuring artists from near and far. This 24th edition will feature over 30 concerts and events, including the Apéroffs series of festive happy hours.
- Several locations, including Le Ministère
- October 5 to 15, 2023
The Festival interculturel du conte de Montréal (FICM) celebrates its 30th anniversary with 10 themed events. This year’s event will bring together some 50 international artists to celebrate the art of storytelling and its power to bring people together.
- More than 30 theaters and cultural venues
- October 20 to 29, 2023
Visit Salon International Tourisme Voyages is the ideal opportunity to explore new horizons. It’s a must for fans of heavenly beaches, exotic excursions and adventures at the ends of the earth. Depending on your budget, the exhibitors will give you valuable advice on how to organize your stay.
- November 3 to 5, 2023
- Palais des Congrès
The Montreal Arab World Festival (FMA) is an event dedicated to the meeting of Arab and Western cultures. This 24th edition will feature artists from all cultural horizons in three sections: performing arts, culture lounge and cinema.
- October 28 to November 11, 2023
- Several venues, including the Quartier des spectacles
Nearly 100 French-language films of the year, with English subtitles, await you at the CINEMANIA Festival. Switzerland will be the guest of honour at this 29th edition. From master classes to conferences and special events, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
- Several venues, including the Cinémathèque québécoise
- November 1 to 12, 2023
Under the theme Être humain, the Salon du livre de Montréal is the major literary event not to be missed this fall. An opportunity to meet your favorite authors at signing sessions. Côte-des-Neiges will be the guest district for this 46th edition.
- November 22 to 26, 2023
- At the Palais des Congrès
The Montreal Bach Festival will present some thirty events, including concerts, public rehearsals and discussions. Renowned artists and talents from near and far will take you into the world of Johann Sebastian Bach. As for the Off-Festival Bach, it offers free programming.
- A dozen different venues, including Saint Joseph’s Oratory
- November 17 to December 3, 2023
Looking for local gifts for the festive season? Check out the 67th edition of the Salon des métiers d’art du Québec (SMAQ). You’ll find jewelry, toys, accessories and fashion clothing. Handmade, all these items are distinguished by their quality.
- December 7 to 17, 2023
- Palais des Congrès
Automne à Montréal - Exhibitions and shows
Pink Floyd fans? Don’t miss The Dark Side of the Moon,celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band’s album. The SAT Satosphere, with its eight video projectors and 157 loudspeakers, will plunge you into a unique immersive audiovisual experience.
- At the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT)
- Until October 27, 2023
French literature is in the spotlight at Place des Arts this fall. The neoclassical ballet La Dame aux Camélias will be presented by Les Grands Ballets and revisited by choreographer Peter Quanz. Through four tableaux, this two-act show takes up the essence of the novel by Alexandre Dumas fils.
- October 19 to 28, 2023
- Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
La Tohu will present Acrobates du ciel, a bird-of-prey flight show staged by Environnementaux Faucon falconers. An opportunity to discover these fast, powerful birds in full flight, and to admire them at the end of the show.
- Sundays, October 15, 22 and 29, 2023
- Frédéric-Back Park, des Plaines sector
Want to put yourself in the shoes of an astronaut? That’s what Space Explorers: Infinity. Inspired by NASA missions, this immersive experience, filmed in 3D and 360-degree virtual reality, will take you on an amazing journey to the International Space Station.
- Until October 29, 2023
- 2, rue de la Commune Ouest, Old Port. Close to the Science Centre
At dusk, Gardens of Light will take you into a magical open-air world. You can stroll along the illuminated paths of the Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens. Activities include calligraphy and lighting your own lanterns.
- Until October 31, 2023
- Montréal Botanical Garden
In the show Hedwig et le Pouce en furieGerman singer Hedwig plunges you into her hallucinatory adventures and reflections on her identity. Benoit McGinnis plays this rock ‘n roll character.
- October 20 to 28, 2023
- Théâtre du Nouveau Monde
British star choreographer Akram Khan revisits The Jungle Book with Jungle Book reimagined. Combining dance, theater, animation and video projections, you’ll discover Mowgli’s journey through the story of a young climate refugee.
- November1 to 4, 2023
- Théâtre Maisonneuve
Fall in Montréal - Family outings
La Ronde offers a variety of attractions for children. ” Le Pays de Ribambelle ” is a magical place where the little ones can have fun in complete safety. Characters from the candy kingdom will be present at the Pumpkin Festival.
- Until October 29, 2023
- Île Sainte-Hélène
The Groupe uni des éducateurs-naturalistes et professionnels en environnement(GUEPE) offers a variety of biodiversity-related activities. As part of the Nature on Touractivities will be offered in several urban parks, including Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard.
- Until October 29, 2023
- Several districts
La grande kermesse des p’tits loups will offer children (aged 3 and over) a day full of fun activities, including short film screenings. Organized by the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, this event will introduce them to the magic of the 7th art.
- October 10, 2023
- Maison Théâtre
The Place des Arts junior series will delight families this autumn. Here are the shows: on October 15, toddlers (aged 3 to 5) will discover Opéra-bonbon: l’aventure gourmande d’Hansel et Gretel. On October 22, children (aged 3 to 7) will be lulled to sleep by L’histoire de Babar le petit éléphant. Finally, on November 5, the performing arts take center stage with L’après-midi tombe quand tes cookies se ruinent (ages 5 and up).
- October 15, 22 and November 5, 2023
- Quartier des spectacles
This puppet theater offers performances that combine the visual and performing arts. This fall, the little ones will be treated to five shows: Archipel (ages 3 to 8), À la belle étoile (ages 5 to 10), Arbre (ages 0 to 3), Arbre tout un monde (ages 4 and up – for children with ASD) and Pain d’épice (ages 3 to 6).
- October 3 to December 21, 2023
- Théâtre L’Illusion
Two children’s shows are featured at Théâtre Outremont. La balle à Laïka (ages 7 to 12) and Alice au pays des merveilles (ages 6 to 10). The traditional Coussins-Croissants Sundays will be held before the performances.
- November 19 and December 10, 2023
- Outremont Theatre
Characters from the children’s show Passe-Partout will be on stage in Symphonic Passe-Partout. Alongside Les Petits chanteurs du Mont-Royal, Passe-Partout, Passe-Carreau and Passe-Montagne will perform well-known songs, under the artistic direction of Simon Boulerice.
- December 2 and 3, 2023
- La Maison symphonique de Montréal
Autumn in Montréal - The pleasures of the table
It’s the great gastronomic rendez-vous! MTLàTABLEis a great opportunity to discover excellent restaurants and new flavours. Around a hundred establishments will be taking part in this culinary extravaganza to delight your taste buds. For this 11th edition, restaurateurs will be offering tables d’hôte for all budgets, from $38 to $83.
This year, American Express is one of the event’s partners. Cardholders also had the privilege of reserving a table in advance.
- November 3 to 19, 2023
- Participating restaurants
This autumn’s wine event par excellence. The Grande Dégustation de Montréal will bring together 250 producers from 25 countries. Italy, Spain, the United States and France will be in the spotlight at this 13th edition. The program includes 45-minute tasting workshops featuring Pays d’Oc IGP wines (France) and Tejo wines (Portugal). You’ll be able to walk away with exclusive offers, enough to impress everyone this holiday season.
- October 20 to 21, 2023
- Grand Quai of the Port of Montreal
Want to combine culinary and cultural stops? Discover (or re-discover) Mile End and Little Italy with this tour. You’ll explore these two districts with a local guide.
- Activities offered on certain dates
- Several timetables
New restaurants
Looking for the best restaurants? New addresses open regularly in Montreal. Here’s our selection of establishments offering comforting autumn dishes.
Located in the Honeyrose Hotel, the Commodore offers downtown dishes inspired by French bistros. Let yourself be tempted by Parisian-style gnocchi prepared with butternut squash béchamel, nutmeg and pickled onions.
The Stanleylocated in the downtown Sheraton Hotel, offers locally inspired cuisine. The butcher’s cut, with its potato mousseline, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized shallots, is one of the specialties.
Around natural wines, you’ll discover seasonal dishes at the Jajalocated in the heart of Little Italy. We say yes to cannelloni, spinach and ricotta, accompanied by a bottle of De mena.
On the 45th and 46th floors of Place Ville-Marie, the Hiatus is the city’s highest restaurant. Aged duck with beet, wild strawberries and purple shiso is one of the dishes that showcases Franco-Japanese flavors.
Le Hang is a Vietnamese haute cuisine restaurant that has set up shop in Old Montreal. The bone marrow Pho Wagyu with truffle oil infusion and gold flakes is one of the dishes to discover.
If you like the atmosphere of a French brasserie, the Casavant should appeal to you. Located in Villeray, this restaurant offers bistro-inspired dishes, including the appetizing traditional sausage-purée.
The Spanish tapas tavern Ibéricos has made its debut in downtown Montreal’s Time Out Market. It’s a must for anyone craving a typical Valencian paella.
Treat yourself this autumn! It’s possible to save money when dining out. Some credit cards earn you 5 points per dollar, including the American Express Cobalt® Card and the MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® EliteMD.
Here’s a roundup of the best cards for your restaurant expenses.
Are you visiting Montreal for a few days? Here is our selection of hotel establishments in downtown and Old Montreal: W hotel, the Marriott Château Champlain, the Westin Hotel, the Monville Hotel, the William Gray Hotel and the AC Marriott. As for theHoneyrose Hotel, it opened its doors on May 30, 2023, and Caroline had the opportunity to reveal it to us here.
Faced with a plethora of hotels to choose from, it’s sometimes difficult to make a choice. Here are our reviews to help you:
Keep in mind that credit card points allow you to save a lot of money on hotel nights during your getaways, especially with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card. Here are our strategies for collecting points.
Finally, if you’re an AMEX customer, you could get up to $25 in account credit with Shop Small at participating stores. This offer is available until November 30, 2023.
Where to go in autumn near Montreal?
There are plenty of places close to Montreal where you can take full advantage of the joys of autumn. One of the outings on your agenda is a visit to an orchard. Apple picking with family and friends is a must-do activity, especially in the Laurentians.
Where to see fall colors in Montreal?
There are many places in Montreal where you can admire the colors of autumn and enjoy this time of year. With its many trails, Parc du Mont-Royal is the ideal location. A stop at the Chalet is a must to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Kondiaronk lookout.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
