Clémentine Courpied
Marketing Director
Last update: April 27, 2026
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Fall Road Trip in the Eastern Townships: Van Itinerary, Family Activities, and Must-See Stops
A 7- to 10-day itinerary to explore the Eastern Townships in a campervan during the fall: nature, wildlife, hiking, and unique experiences.
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Visiting the Eastern Townships in the Fall: A Unique Experience
Fall in the Eastern Townships is the perfect opportunity to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and admire spectacular landscapes painted in vibrant autumn colors.
Mountains, hills, valleys, and picturesque villages create a naturally ideal setting for a van road trip, especially at this time of year.
In this itinerary, we’re offering a family-friendly vanlife journey that combines outdoor adventures, agrotourism discoveries, cultural experiences, and fun activities.
Practical Information
- Recommended duration: 7 to 10 days
- Approximate distance: 720 km
- Region: Eastern Townships (Estrie)
Day 1
A first immersive day for both kids and adults. The zoo offers a journey through different continents and, in the fall, becomes even more enchanting thanks to the surrounding autumn colors.
Halloween at the Zoo
Each year, a special program is offered during the last three weekends of October (dates to be confirmed depending on the season).
Day 2
Take time to breathe in the fresh air while meeting the alpacas at Ferme Norli. This friendly visit also includes a shop featuring handmade knitted products—perfect for the fall season.
Bleu Lavande - Magog
Open year-round, Bleu Lavande offers workshops, events, a boutique, and an immersive space designed by Moment Factory.
Day 3
Parc national du Mont-Orford offers more than 80 km of trails with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Dogs are allowed on the trails until October 31.
Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is a peaceful place offering an exceptional view of Lake Memphrémagog. It’s also known for its cheeses, ciders, and local artisanal products.
Day 4
Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises
Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises features an elevated boardwalk trail accessible year-round, making it perfect for a peaceful walk in nature.
Entry is free. Dogs are allowed. Paid parking is available.
Parc régional du Mont-Ham offers a cultural and panoramic experience highlighting Abénaki heritage, combined with scenic landscapes and outdoor discovery.
Day 5
D’Arbre en Arbre Lac-Mégantic offers suspension bridges, zip lines, and aerial courses with stunning views over Lake Mégantic.
Astrolab du Mont-Mégantic provides an unforgettable astronomy experience in one of the world’s largest dark-sky reserves.
Schedules vary depending on the season.
Day 6
Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook offers hiking trails, new beginner-friendly mountain biking paths, and impressive viewpoints over the gorge.
Fermette à Margaret
Fermette à Margaret is a charming farm where visitors can meet and interact with farm animals in a peaceful countryside setting.
Foresta Lumina is a magical nighttime multimedia forest experience—an absolute must-do immersive trail.
Day 7
Sentiers de la vallée Massawippi
Sentiers de la vallée Massawippi offers easy, accessible trails, perfect for a final peaceful walk in nature before wrapping up your trip.
Where to Sleep in a Van in the Eastern Townships
To simplify your road trip and sleep legally, the VanLife Friendly network allows you to book authorized parking spots hosted by local businesses and producers.
You’ll find participating locations such as farms, microbreweries, distilleries, and agrotourism businesses—especially abundant in the Eastern Townships (Estrie).
It’s a simple and respectful solution, ideal in the fall when many campgrounds are closed.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or with friends, this itinerary offers a great variety of experiences to enjoy at your own pace.
You might come back a little tired, but you’ll definitely return with your head and heart full of memories.
Safe travels!
FAQ's
Why choose fall vanlife in Quebec, especially in the Eastern Townships?
Fall is one of the best seasons to experience vanlife in Quebec. In the Eastern Townships, the landscape transforms into vibrant autumn colors, creating the perfect setting for a scenic van road trip. It’s an ideal time to slow down, enjoy nature, and explore the region at your own pace.
What activities can you do on a fall vanlife road trip in the Eastern Townships?
A fall vanlife itinerary in the Eastern Townships combines outdoor adventures and unique experiences: hiking in parks like Mont-Orford or Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, animal encounters at local farms, agrotourism stops, and unforgettable activities such as stargazing at Mont-Mégantic or the immersive Foresta Lumina night walk.
Where can you sleep in a van during a fall road trip in Quebec?
To easily and legally sleep during a vanlife road trip in Quebec, the VanLife Friendly network allows travelers to book designated parking spots hosted by local businesses and producers. It’s an ideal solution in the fall when many campgrounds close, while also supporting local tourism in the Eastern Townships.
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