The nights are cool, alas! Fall is just around the corner in Quebec, and the first red leaves are falling into the cold waters of the St. Lawrence River. But during the day, it’s warm in the sun, and fall is shaping up to be mild.
This is the best time of year to take a stroll through Batiscan, a village with a well-preserved river heritage, old wooden and stone houses, and the slightly mysterious charm of lovely waterfront spots that, until recently, were inhabited exclusively by sailors and fishermen.
For those who loved the show *WIDOW’S BAY*, who enjoy sunbathing on rocks by the water, and who secretly prefer storms to big blue skies, this is our top recommendation for a fall trip in Quebec.
BATISCAN, MAURICIE
If you follow Highway 40—the road that runs along the river’s north shore, stretching from Montreal to Quebec City and offering the region’s best views—for two hours, then take the exit onto Route 138 (the “Du Roy” scenic route), you’ll arrive in Batiscan.
The village was founded in 1760—because the town lies between the St. Lawrence River and the Batiscan River, now at the heart of a nature park. It’s located in the Mauricie region of Quebec.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS IN BATISCAN
THE SIGNAL OFFICE / THE BATISCAN HANGAR
It’s the last signal station in Quebec open to the public, and it’s a true relic of maritime communication from the good old days.
You can see the little colorful scarves being waved to signal to boats where to pass, and imagine the keen eyes of the sailors as they scanned the river’s surface for enemy submarines—or guided the boats when fog suddenly rolled in.
We’re also fans of history and nostalgia, and the photo collection at the little museum is perfectlycurated—a portrait of riverside life in Quebec that we might not be familiar with if we spend all our time with the soles of our sneakers melting on city sidewalks.
The Office des Signaux also serves as a tourist information center (killing two birds with one stone) and a shop selling local crafts. It’s open all summer long, through mid-September.
Where? Batiscan Hangar, on the Batiscan Wharf
Website? hangardebatiscan.ca
THE OLD RECTORY
Next up is a visit to the Old Rectory of Batiscan, a building dating back to 1816 with theatmosphere of aDaphne du Maurier novel.
This is the former priest’s house, and you can also see the ruins of an old church… We love that the guided tour is led by a guide in period costume, and we have a picnic in the park afterward, basking in the sunshine.
The rectory is open from May 31 to October 25, 2026, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—and general admission is $7.50. And for Halloween, there’s always a special program.
Where? Batiscan Rectory, 340 Principale Street, Batiscan, QC
Website? presbyterebatiscan.ca
LA FLORIDA SNACK BAR ON ROUTE 138
To take a break from Batiscan’s somewhat oppressive colonial vibe, stop for ice cream or a hot dog at an ultra-kitschy snack bar—LA FLORIDA, a quirky spot known for its over-the-top decor and over-the-top vibe.
Between September 1 and October 11, the snack bar is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where? La Florida Route 138, 350 Principale Street, Batiscan, QC
Website? @lafloridaroute138
LA FERME DU TARIEU
For those who want to relax at a restaurant for several hours and sample local beers, we recommend La Ferme du Tarieu, which seems to be the coolest microbrewery-restaurant in the region.
Where? Ferme du Tarieu, 705 2nd Avenue, La Pérade, QC
Website: fermedutarieu.ca
