Fall is one of the best times to explore Québec by car. The crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the forests around Montréal light up in red, orange, and gold. If you are planning an autumn getaway, here are the finest fall road trips within easy reach of the city, how to pick the right vehicle, and what you need to rent one from U-Lease with no credit card required.

The Laurentians and Mont-Tremblant

Just north of Montréal, the Laurentians turn into a sea of colour by late September. Mont-Tremblant is the marquee stop, with its pedestrian village, gondola rides for panoramic foliage views, and national park trails. The drive up Autoroute 15 takes about ninety minutes, which makes it an easy day trip or a relaxed weekend away.

The Eastern Townships

South and east of the city, the Eastern Townships (Cantons de l’Est) offer rolling vineyards, lakeside villages, and quiet back roads made for leaf peeping. Magog, Bromont, and the shores of Lake Memphrémagog are all within a couple of hours of Montréal, and the region is dotted with orchards and cider houses that hit their stride in the fall.

Charlevoix

For a longer haul, Charlevoix rewards the drive. Northeast of Québec City, this UNESCO region pairs mountains with the Saint Lawrence, and the autumn colours against the river are hard to beat. It is a full day of driving from Montréal, so plan an overnight and take your time along Route 138.

Parks close to home

You do not have to go far for great foliage. Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, Parc national d’Oka, and the trails on Mont-Royal itself all deliver colour within a short drive. These are perfect for a half day outing when you want the scenery without the long haul.

Picking the right vehicle

The right car makes a fall trip easier. For a couple or a light packer, a compact or sedan keeps costs down and sips fuel on the highway. Heading out with family, gear, or a group? An SUV gives you space and comfort for winding country roads, while a van handles bigger groups or a weekend of luggage. If you are weighing your options, our guide on when to choose an SUV rental in Montréal can help.

Planning tips for a fall drive

• Book a few days ahead, especially for the Thanksgiving weekend in October when demand climbs.
• Check the foliage forecast so you catch the colours near their peak.
• Leave early to enjoy the daylight, which grows shorter through the season.
• Pack layers, since mornings in the hills can be chilly even on sunny days.

What you need to rent

Renting for a fall trip is simple: be 18 or older, hold a valid driver’s licence, and leave a security deposit that you can pay by debit card, cash, credit card, or Interac e-Transfer. A credit card is never required. Visiting from abroad? You can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to six months. The full checklist is in what you need to rent a car in Québec, and you can plan your route with the official Bonjour Québec fall travel guide.

Thinking about warmer months too? See our guide to the best summer road trips from Montréal.

Availability, foliage timing, and policies can change and may vary by situation. Please confirm current details with U-Lease when you book.