FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO DO IN MONTREAL IN OCTOBER

Now that the back to school routine has settled in Montreal, it’s time to plan out some family activities before hitting the hibernation mode.

October is THE month to observe the change of season in and around Montreal. Whether it’s the fall foliage or Montrealers fashion, you can tell that Montreal is doing a closet switch. With a little luck, you’ll get to experience the beauty of an Indian Summer. Don’t put away your shorts and birkenstocks quite yet.

As always, we try to vary our family activities in Montreal and pick ones we can do outdoors as much as possible before snow hits the ground. From picking apples to hiking in an enchanted forest, October is an exciting month to be in Montreal. Some family activities can be done for FREE or at what we think is an affordable price.

Here is a list of family activities to do in and around Montreal and enjoy during the first official month of Fall (October).

SPECIAL EVENTS – FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL

Due to the Pandemic, things have changed a tad bit in Montreal. Unless you have your ‘passport’, you won’t be able to attend most events. It’s quite unfortunate, but I don’t make the rules. Hopefully this segregation won’t last too long.

Garden of Lights

The Botanical Gardens of Montreal lights is up and running until October 31st. Come and visit the Chinese gardens at nightfall and enjoy the Garden of Lights. They have now included in the festival the Japanese Garden and the Autochtone part as well.

There is also the Pumpkin Ball worth checking out with kids.

As visiting the Botanical Gardens doesn’t come cheap ($20.50 for adults non-residents and $16 for adult residents), arrive mid-afternoon if you can. You will get more for your money that way. You can find out HERE for more pricing information.

Obviously, it gets more crowded on weekends. If you can swing a visit during the week, you’ll find it a lot more enjoyable. Of course, there is the matter of being a school night. Pack a late-night picnic and have it there. It doesn’t need to be completely dark for you to enjoy the lights. This is really a lovely annual family activity you can do in Montreal in October.

First Friday

The last food truck festival of the season will be on October 2nd. I love checking out food trucks. They do have a tendency to get pricy and sometimes the portions aren’t enough for a full meal. Still, it makes for a fun family activity. Since it’s located by the Olympic Stadium, near the botanical gardens, you could pair the two activities together.

When you can pair up two family activities into one, it’s always a win-win.

Dogs are allowed at this festival but when we took our Nouki there, he was worse than having a young kid in tow. Too many people and way too much food to pick up on the ground! Next time, Nouki will have to stay home.

FREE FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL

What’s not to like about FREE activities? Free doesn’t always mean boring. Quite the contrary. It’s nice to know that you can still have fun and learn without having to pay $$ for it. Here are some ideas of FREE family activities you can do in Montreal in October. Some of them can be done all year long and what’s great is that most of them don’t require a “passport” to take part in them!

Promenade Fleuve Montagne

Created and inaugurated in time to celebrate Montreal 375th anniversary, this promenade is 3.8km long.

Stretching from the top of the Mount Royal all the way down to the Saint-Laurent river, New York‘s High line might have found a North American rival. Although it still remains a secret, it’s gaining in popularity.

HERE you’ll find more information about what to do and see along with a map of the path. This is a great way to have a leisurely walk and trigger your senses through art and architecture.

Marché Jean-Talon

This is a place I recommend to everyone who isn’t from around here. A few of my Airbnb guests have gone to it and absolutely loved it. Also, it’s a great place to go with kids all year round.

Obviously, it’s better to go during Spring and Summer as there are more stands. The market is colourful and you can taste as much as you want from the stands. It’s a beautiful place where you can buy local and teach your kids all about fruits, vegetables, herbs and colours.

I highly recommend hitting the apple sauce stand in the heart of the Market (where all the alleys meet close to the main entrance). Buy the 7$ can, eat what you can and freeze the rest.

Tip: Use the tin can for Halloween. Drill some holes into it and put a candle in it. They look great on your doorsteps.

Pizza time

I find that activities where food is involved always work better with kids. A trip to the Jean-Talon market will bring on another family activity: cooking. Buy your vegetables and or fruits at the market and then prepare your family meal the same day together.

Cooking together creates a bonding experience full of laughter and tears (those dam onions!). Get a children’s cookbook,  they make a great addition to your kitchen.

Another activity you can pair up with a trip to the Jean-Talon market as it’s located in Little Italy is grabbing a pizza at either Gema Pizzeria or the popular Pizzeria Napoletana. Neither don’t seem to take reservations, so arrive early to secure a spot inside.

You can also check out the Atwater Market, but it’s smaller and not the same vibe.

Tip: don’t taste everything from one stand, they might start charging you! Just kidding.

Mont-Royal Park

A family walk in Mont-Royal Park is free if you use public transportation (if you have a monthly pass). Going there by car cost ($$) unless you know where the free parking is.

October is a great time to go if you don’t want to leave the city but you want to catch a glimpse of some of the fall colours.

Also, the view at the top is awesome and will cost you only sweat if you decide to walk all the way up top versus paying ($) to go up the stadium tower across town. You get the same view, just not in the same direction.

Parc des chutes de la visitation

Located by the rivière des prairies on the northern side of Montreal, you’ll find the Parc des chutes de la visitation.

We discovered it thanks to the pandemic and Instagram in the Spring of 2021. Through an easy walk along the water without the noise from the city, you’ll be able to disconnect.

It’s also a great spot to have a family picnic surrounded by really tall trees which in the fall must be a site for sore eyes. BBQ grills are provided on site.

FAMILY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL OR CLOSE BY ($$)

Unfortunately, not everything in life can be free. The cost of doing an activity for a family of 4 can quickly add up. In our family, we tend to pick and do activities that are a little more expensive as part of a special event such as someone’s birthday. Otherwise, we try to stick to ones we can afford or that we find decently priced. Paying 20$ for a 10 minute activity is usually not what we consider reasonable but that’s just us.

Voiles en Voiles

This is an aerial adventure course suitable for ages 3 and up. It does come with a cost and can get expensive if you have a big family.

We went there some time ago to celebrate Blondie Bear’s birthday just the three of us (Junior wasn’t in town). Although we do love occasional thrills and are adventurous, Blondie Bear and I got stuck at the highest point. So the higher you go the scarier it gets. As we couldn’t turn back, we finally sucked it up and went for it. We overcame our fears!

So although it can be challenging for some (like Blondie Bear and me), it can be a breeze for others (Big Boss). Don’t forget to check their website to see when they are open.

It’s located at the Old Port, so you have a beautiful backdrop for your adventure.  LEARN MORE

Miniature Golf

Located only 15 minutes outside of Montreal, this outdoor mini-golf will surely keep entertained children and grown-ups alike. This is a great activity for kids to practice their hand-eye coordination. Make the most of the last warm days of the year with this activity.

Centre de la nature de Laval

You want to get out of the city but not stray too far? This place could do the trick. It’s fun to go there with younger kids (0-5). Older kids might find it a bit boring.

There is a 5km walkable path throughout the park and tons of different things to discover with your kids. Check out their website for more information (French only). Also, it’s a pleasant place to check out some of the fall colours.

Vintage Market

A friend of mine took me to Finnegan’s market in Hudson.  It’s located about 1 hour away from Montreal. 

This is a vintage market, a trendier way of saying flea market. 

They are only open on Saturdays and will be closing for Winter at the end of October.  So you still have time to stroll around it and look for some hidden treasures.  The market is located in a gorgeous area along the Ottawa River and is as beautiful as its surroundings.  Just looking at the different barns on-site gives you an idea of what kind of area you will be stepping into.

This is a dog-friendly market (yeah!) and there is even a doggy stand to buy different kinds of products for your favorite pet.  They even sell homemade dog cookies.  I did not taste them so I don’t know if they are any good.

You can also buy some baked goods and munch on some hot dogs if you are hungry or at least to keep the kids quiet while you explore away.

There are also some local artisans selling anything from beeswax wraps by L’Atelier des 2 Soeurs to linen cloths by Tings worth checking out.  Watch out for the dry florist, she doesn’t like paparazzi’s but I managed to snag this picture from the stand.

Side family activity – Apple picking

If you want to enjoy this area even more, you can go and pick some apples only 1km away from Finnegan’s market on the organic orchard of Le Verger de Hudson.  

They sell various products from their orchard and candles from a local artisan which I regret now not buying.  Actually, it just gives me an excuse to go back there.  The owner is also an upholsterer and if you are lucky, maybe you can get your hands on one of her bags. 

Side family activity – Lunch at Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue

Now, should you wish to extend your day, you could grab lunch in one of the restaurants along the water in the little town of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.  Don’t worry, it is on your way back from Finnegan’s market.

Walking along the river will help with digestion. 

If you can spare an extra 20 minutes, check out the B Factory store.  They have some amazing products made from beeswax.  We tested out their sandwich wrap and the wood butter and they are fantastic.  The salesperson was so helpful in explaining all of their products and on how they are made. It is worth stopping by with the kids as part of a little green learning experience.

SPECIAL EVENTS – FAMILY ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE OF MONTREAL

Quinn Farm Fall Festival

Apple picking is always a fun family activity and doesn’t cost a fortune, at least it shouldn’t. This farm is having a festival until October 14th. Included in the $9 per person price are pony rides, tractor rides, access to barn animals and live music. For more information about their event, check out their website. No dogs allowed.

Zombie Apocalypse

Now that is a weird family activity to do outside of Montreal in October, but hey, Halloween is coming up fast. We are an ‘off beaten’ family if you haven’t caught on already.

Test out your endurance during a 5km obstacle race trying to escape from a herd of Zombies. Learn more about this event HERE. It is for kids 9 and up. Yeah, it’s pretty scary. Book your tickets in advance to get the special rate.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES AS DAY TRIPS FROM MONTREAL

There are tons of activities to do outside of Montreal all year round. Let’s just focus on what you can do in October. However, some of these places you can go to throughout the seasons.

Adventure

We are always up for a little adrenaline rush. Aren’t you? Here are two family activities you could do outside of Montreal this October.

Ziplining and Aerial Course

If you are an adventurous family and need to get out of the city, this family activity will be perfect. Test out your balancing abilities and your fear of heights within a forest with Arbraska. As they say, there is something for everybody. Make sure to check out their site for the October schedule.

Paintball

There is still time to test out your shooting skills and get some stress relief through the activity of Paintball. We went there for my birthday this year. I wanted to do a family activity with my friends. Just a few warriors tagged along but we had plenty of fun.

Located only 40 minutes away from Montreal, Paintball Mirabel has a lot to offer. It is an expensive family activity but if you get a group together you can split the cost of the balls. If you are lucky, maybe your child will get a free bag of balls! The starting age is 8 years old.

Check out their website also for special events to bring down the cost of the activity. No special skills required. To save money, just get the basic set up, especially if it’s your first time. You don’t necessarily need the belt or an upgraded gun.

Warning: You will get bruises! I got hit in the head and that really hurt, badly. So I won’t lie, yes it can be painful but honestly, giving birth is a whole lot more.

Nature

Parc Omega

A great place and a great way to learn and discover Canadian Fauna as a family is at Omega Park.

Located about 1h30 outside Montreal, the distance and the cost will absolutely be worth it. Here you will see Caribous, Elks, Moose, Bears, and Wolves, just to name a few. It is no ordinary zoo, it is actually a wildlife park.

Aside from the bears and wolves, all the animals walk around freely while you slowly drive around in your car. October is a good time to go and catch some of those fall colours in the process. Two activities in one!

There are plenty of places to stretch your legs and picnic. The best spot to do so is close to the farm where you just might come head to head with a deer. To access the farm from the parking lot you can either walk or take the carriage ride. This is an all-day family activity.

The park opens at 9 a.m and if you want to be able to check everything out and take part in the various activities, be there for the opening. Also, by arriving early, you will be able to have all the animals to yourselves. Remember to respect the speed limits, this is not a marathon.

LEARN MORE 

Parc de la Rivière Doncaster

October in Montreal can still bring in warm weather. If such is the case, plan a family activity road trip (1h30) this October to this beautiful park where a river runs through it.

Dogs are allowed on leash. Picnicking there by the water surrounded by the fall colours is absolutely wonderful and it won’t break the bank!

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Mont-Orford National Park

Go there in October to catch the fall colors! The park is gorgeous this time of year. Nearby, you have the ski resort where you can ride the cable car ($) all the way up to enjoy the view of the area.

MORE INFORMATION

You can also have the same experience in the High-End ski resort town of Mont-Tremblant.

Mont Saint-Hilaire

If you are more of an adventurous family, this could hit the spot. Getting all the way up there to the viewpoint is not a simple affair. It will take endurance and patience. I went there with Blondie Bear when he was almost 4. All I remember from my experience there is his TANTRUM.

If you are planning on doing some hiking with kids, this would be a good way to test things out.

Don’t forget to bring your picnic as you will be starving and thirsty once you get up there. Make sure to get there early if you want a decent spot to sit down. The rock is not that big up there but the view surely is.

Don’t forget that whatever you bring up you must bring down.

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If you still have energy afterward, check out these other activities you can do in Mont-Saint-Hilaire.

Apple Picking

Apple picking is a great fall family activity. Usually, the orchards we go to make you pay either per bag of apples you have picked or you pay a set fee and pick as much as you want. October is the perfect time to grab some pumpkins along with your apples. Halloween is just around the corner.

Some orchards have, along with hayrides, corn mazes you can get lost in. That always makes it fun.

One of the best ones is at Verger Labonté. You can also check out the one in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Domaine du Flanc Sud, where dogs are actually allowed on a leash there. Going through a maze with a dog is quite an experience. Not all orchards accept dogs, so we were happy with this one and the orchard is beautiful.

We also discovered this beautiful orchard, Le Potager Mont-Rouge which has other things to pick aside from Apples. It also has this huge trampoline which we didn’t get to test out as it rained when we got there! In any case, despite the drive (45 minutes-1h), it is worth checking out as a family as it’s a lot of fun.

Ecomuseum

I am not much of a zoo person.  That being said, the Ecomusuem is a nice place to visit. Most animals there have been rescued from the wild, giving them a safe haven.

It’s the perfect place to observe animals not too far out from Montreal at an affordable price.  Therefore, it can make for an easy half-day trip outside the city.  Since it’s located in Sainte-Anne-de Bellevue, you could also grab lunch or dinner by the river there before heading home.

Learn more HERE.

Centre de Biodiversité

Thanks to good old Instagram, I stumbled onto their feed.  Right now the Centre de Biodiversité is having this immersive experience called Echoes of Origins until the end of October. It’s an interactive walk where you become aware of the biodiversity heritage in the St. Lawrence Valley. The walk is 1.8km long.

Located about 1h30 from Montreal, it seems like a fun place worth checking out on one of those days where Fall weather is starting to hit.

Learn more about this experience HERE.

Get away

Eastern Townships – Wineries

Visiting wineries is always fun. There are quite a few not too far out from Montreal. They make for a nice backdrop to a family picnic. Here is an article about all the different wineries you can check out.

Located in the Eastern Townships, you can, once again, catch some beautiful fall colours in this area. If you are up to it, why not spend a night in one of the many Bed & Breakfast in the quaint little town of Magog?

If you are more of the adventurous type, spend the week-end Au Diable Vert. It’s quite an experience. A place to reconnect, away from it all with no access to technology! The kids will hate it but parents will love it!

Upper Canada Village

I love this place!

Located less than 2 hours away from Montreal, immerse yourself for a day in the life of the 1860s. This is a fantastic family activity to do outside of Montreal. If you want to extend your day you can sleep nearby or make your way a little further south and check out Kingston.

So what is this place all about?

There is so much to learn and explore there. Discover and see all the different trades that were needed to make a village come alive. Your kids will love learning how to milk a cow or hanging out with the piglets. Of course, there are tons of other things to be done, but usually, that is what the kids remember the most.

If you can afford to (not that it is pricy), have lunch at the Inn. The food there is delicious and pretty much everything in your plate comes from the site. Also, if you can, buy a loaf of bread at the general store at the entrance. As it is very good and made on-site, it runs out quickly. Therefore, you might want to buy one when you arrive and not when you leave. Last but not least, dogs are welcomed there!

Don’t miss out on the Pumpkinferno.

Tip: Go there during Thanksgiving weekend and have a traditional Thanksgiving lunch at the Inn. It is absolutely delicious!

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH ESCAPADE

Did you know that the biggest corn maze in the world is right here in Quebec? From Montreal, it is quite a ride (about 4 hours) but from Quebec City, it’s only 1 hour away!

We made a small weekend out of it and enjoyed a night of camping as well. Luckily for us, it wasn’t too cold. It also helped that we had our 120lbs Newfoundland dog Nouki with us in the tent to keep us warm.

Our 2 cents

I know, 4 hours away is a very long ride. That’s why you should overnight it and make it a weekend.  Blondie Bear thought it was not worth the trip but that’s because we couldn’t leave until noon on Saturday due to a sporting activity in which Blondie Bear was enrolled in and we had to get back early the Sunday for our Airbnb switch.  Leaving early Saturday morning and returning late afternoon on Sunday will make it a lot more worthwhile.

About the Maze

There is a person to greet you at the entrance of the improvised parking lot.  He will give you directions.  They might not make much sense to you so here is a clearer picture.

• There are no signs to indicate where the mazes start.  I really mean that “Your adventure starts here” sign doesn’t exist.
• There are actually 3 mazes, two of which that are connected together.
• When facing the maze, if you make the first left, it will take you to the very small maze.  It won’t take too much of your time to navigate around it.
• Next stop, the Big and the Big Big maze.  To get to them, you have to make a right while facing the maze.  DO NOT GO STRAIGHT!  That is the exit!

You will know you have completed the Big maze when you’ll come across a bridge.  The Big Big maze starts at that bridge and I will not tell you what to do after that, you are on your own.

The cost is 9$ per adult, 4$ per kid.  For a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, it costs 18$ if you pay online (special deal right now).  Did I mention dogs are allowed there?  You can’t count on mine nor my husband for that matter to navigate but they will get some fun exercise out of it. 

Don’t forget to bring water for yourself and for your dog. You can bring a water bottle like this one for your pet, it is very practical and limits the waste in spills. Trust me, you will all get thirsty. It is, after all, an 8km walk!

Strollers aren’t recommended.

For tickets and more information about the Servlinks maze, click HERE.

Where you can stay- Camping Rivière Ouelle

We got very lucky with this camping. Located 20 minutes away from the Servlinks Maze and across the street from the River Saint-Laurent, the sunsets there will take your breath away not to mention the nightly sky. AMAZING.

We actually got really up close and personal with the Big Bear as it was hovering right above the River Saint-Laurent.  It was impossible to miss. WHAOWH WHAOWH WHAOW.

It cost us 38$ (tax included) for the three of us + the dog for a basic campsite.  It is open until mid-October and you can get more information about it HERE.

What we liked about it was its location, the affordability, the friendly staff, and the amenities.  The playground looked like a lot of fun for kids and grownups alike. They have enclosed fire pits which makes it easier to lay down a grill on top of them to cook.

They only required a 1-night minimum stay which was perfect for us and their little convenience store actually sells beer and wine (not the fancy kind).

WHAT’S NEXT IN OUR SERIES: FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN MONTREAL

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Montreal in September

Montreal in November

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