The fall equinox is coming soon, and the nights will grow longer and longer in Montreal, devouring the hours of sunlight until the winter solstice. The darkest days of the year are fast approaching, and soon we’ll have to make our way through the city in the dark in the mornings and evenings.
Shadows aren’t necessarily a bad thing, and we encourage everyone to follow the city’s lead and embrace our own shadows this fall. A walk in the dark through one of the most beautiful forests in the area would almost be too much. We don’t want to be scared out of our wits, and we don’t want to trip over tree roots without seeing them either.
This fall, we recommend taking a walk through the FORESTA LUMINA at Coaticook Gorge Park and embracing your own shadow.
–
FORESTA LUMINA
FORESTA LUMINA is a 2.6-kilometer nighttime walking trail—featuring a suspension bridge, tall trees, and staircases. The view, bathed in moonlight, is worth the anxiety of being in the forest at night all on its own. Generally speaking, that’s never been recommended.
Through October 11, 2026, you can take a walk in the dark on weekends—but of course, it’s safe. And there are lights to guide us.
The trail is a little scary, a little mysterious, and a little magical. It’s perfect for doing with kids or friends—to get your heart racing. And, of course, don’t stray from the path under any circumstances.
–
Where? Coaticook Gorge Park,
When?
September 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7:30 p.m. /
October 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2026
Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m. /
October 11, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. /
How much? Adult admission: $24.02 / Child admission: $14.48 / All the details are here
–
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS IN COATICOOK
The pretty town of Coaticook is a 1 hour and 55-minute drive from Montreal, traffic permitting. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Quebec to visit in the fall, because it’s incredibly charming and looks like a village straight out of a Hallmark movie.
–
145
The lovely little restaurant with stone walls serves breakfast and a French-style dinner, and it’s right next to the entrance to Coaticook Gorge Park. It’s classic, it opens out onto the tall, crimson-hued trees outside, and it’s perfect for fall—just like in the movies.
Where? Le Cent Quarante-Cinq, at 145 Rue Michaud, Coaticook, QC, Canada, J1A 1A9
–
COATICOOK DAIRY
It’s the best ice cream in Quebec—and, according to the locals, in the world. Milk from the Coaticook Dairy is distributed throughout the region in the form of ice cream and “couic-couic” cheese.
We’ll stop by their Bar Laitier for some ice cream (through October 11, 2026), because even though it’s a little cooler out, it’s a must if we’re passing through Coaticook. And on the way, we’ll say hi to the cows in the fields.
Where? Laiterie Coaticook, 1000 Child Street, Coaticook
–
