What to Do This fall Petite Nation?

Hiking, vibrant colors, local flavors, lodging, and events to discover

Halfway between Montreal and Gatineau,fall Petite Nation is at its most colorful. It’s the perfect time to slow down, breathe… and experience the season in a whole new way. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a unique overnight stay, get active against a backdrop of spectacular scenery, or enjoy a packed schedule of events, this nearby destination combines breathtaking nature with authentic experiences.

Hiking, rock climbing, and biking: a sports hike

In fall, the trails in Petite Nation offer particularly striking scenery. Explore the Parc desMontagnes Noires de Ripon, the Parc régional de la Forêt Bowman  or the Réserve écologique de la Forêt-la-Blanche. In Duhamel, the Iroquois National Trail takes you past waterfalls, wooden bridges, forests, and scenic overlooks.

Thrill-seekers can also check out the climbing walls in Bowman or hop on their mountain bikes in Montebello, in Ripon or Lac-des-Plages. For a more leisurely outing, take advantage of the last few beautiful days to go paddling with Échappée Bleue on Lake Viceroy or the Petite Nation River.

A gourmet hike the harvests

fall a delight at every turn. Stock up on squash, apples, and freshly harvested vegetables at one of our Farmers markets or farm stands , then head out to the vineyards and cideries.

Among the bubbles of the Domaine Mont-Vézeau, the wines from the Vignoble Ste-Angélique and the ciders from Pommes Perdues or the Verger Croque-Pomme—there’s no shortage of opportunities to savor the local flavors. Round out your stroll with a hearty meal at one of the area’s restaurants or a sweet treat at La Belle Patissière, one of the Maîtres de Montebello.

Extend Your Getaway

After a day in the great outdoors, settle into accommodations that let you fully enjoy the season. Sleep near the arctic wolves at Omega Park (Reg. No. 627542), or treat yourself to a break at the Centre de vie (Reg. No. 273195), or stay right by the falls at the Domaine Lockbow(Reg. No. 628318).

The Air-Eau-Bois Outdoor Recreation Center (Reg. No. 608160) offers an immersive forest experience, while the Fairmont Le Château Montebello (Reg. No. 528485) and theAuberge Couleurs de France (Reg. No. 193200) offer a comfortable getaway. Cabins, inns, ready-to-camp sites, and unique accommodations also let you find the stay that suits your travel style.

A season filled with events

Music, cultural heritage, and performances set the tone forfall. From September 17 to 20, 2026, Ripon Trad brings the village to life with the sounds of traditional music. From September 25 to 27, the Festival médiéval de Montpellier transports visitors to a world filled with caravans and street performers.

In Papineauville, the Salle Desjardins in Petite-Nation is also hosting several comedy, song, and music events over the coming months. Check the calendar before you leave to discover other activities you might want to add to your outing.