Experience Autumn in Montreal
The first scenes of autumn in Montreal are set against a multi-colored backdrop of burnt amber and willowing orange. Québécois characters link arms, enjoying the fleeting warmth while savoring warm apple cider in the Eastern Townships. This city is a romantic stage for picturesque drives and cozy gatherings.
As fall progresses, the atmosphere in the province shifts dramatically. While colorful leaves cling to trees for a little longer, dark clouds signal the arrival of cooler, rain-filled days. Locals brace for the winter months, knowing that a Montreal winter means short days and long periods of cold.
On sunny autumn Sundays, however, throngs of Montréalers flood the city streets with a sense of urgency; they seize this fleeting opportunity to enjoy their enchanting city.
Explore the Lachine Canal
Bright sunshine fills the Sud-Ouest, home to trendy neighborhoods like Little Burgundy and St-Henri. Recently, the Lachine Canal has attracted visitors with yoga classes and local cocktails along its shores.
However, as the season changes, the canal begins to quiet down. The vibrant picnic tables now stand empty, and while the waters recede, few places match the Lachine Canal for a pleasant Sunday stroll.
Shop with the Locals at Marché Atwater
At the Marché Atwater, the epicenter of culinary delights, the farmers market is also winding down. Once overflowing with the vibrant colors from fresh flowers and berries, the hustle and bustle is fading as vendors prepare for the off-season.
Merchants that remain showcase the province’s final harvests, presenting rusty red apples as parting gifts of summer. It’s a bittersweet experience, but savor your Lili & Oli coffee while enjoying a slice at Pizza Mia, as these moments remind us of the joys of fall.
Poutine to Guard Against the Chill
At St-Henri’s Greenspot Restaurant, indulgent plates of fries come generously smothered in brown gravy, topped with decadent Quebec cheese. For those with heartier appetites, options like chopped bacon or Bolognese sauce bring added indulgence.
Despite the coming cold, Montréal leaves visitors with warmth and charm, a unique quality that radiates throughout the city. The blend of smoked meat sandwiches, Greek souvlaki, and traditional poutine is what sets up these diners as Montreal icons. On crisp autumn days, locals gather in cozy booths, enjoying classic diner nostalgia.
What Makes Montréal Unique
Under vintage signs promising inexpensive eats, locals enjoy ‘steamie’ hot dogs, all while sharing playful banter that reflects Montreal’s multicultural essence. It is in these bustling environments where the city’s unique culture becomes apparent, showcasing a delicious crossroads of culinary traditions.
A short walk north brings you to the eastern slopes of Mont-Royal. Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Plateau Mont-Royal, a historically vibrant neighborhood that draws visitors all year round.
As autumn rains set in, the once bright foliage slowly dampens, leading locals to seek shelter under snug café awnings.
A Surprise Around Every Corner
In close proximity, locals find warmth at Romados, where Portuguese chicken is grilled to perfection, with flavorful piri piri sauce enhancing every bite. The vibrancy of Rue Rachel leads you toward Mont-Royal, where the Plateau surprises with its picturesque streets adorned with colorful rooftops.
As the day draws to a close and the drizzle continues, bundled up visitors can still enjoy their stroll, exploring the quaint, tree-lined streets. If luck is on your side, you might find a mural of Leonard Cohen, a tribute to the beloved poet, elegantly watching over his childhood neighborhood.
