Fall activities for dogs in Montreal (and beyond): Hikes, harvests, and cozy cafés

Fall in Montreal may be fleeting but it’s magical. The leaves turn fiery, the air is crisp, and your dog can finally enjoy long outings without overheating. This season is an invitation to explore new trails, visit orchards and harvest markets, or simply sip a latte on a terrasse before winter sets in.

Here’s how to make the most of fall activities for dogs in Montreal and nearby regions.

Montreal has its share of colour, with Mount Royal, Summit Woods, and the Lachine Canal all shining in fall. If you want the full show, head into the Eastern Townships. The rolling hills, quiet trails, and wide-open views are picture-perfect this time of year. The official Townships tourism site even has a guide to Taking Doggy for a Walk in the Eastern Townships.

The Laurentians are just as breathtaking. Parc national d’Oka, Mont Tremblant, and regional trails around Sainte-Adèle offer everything from gentle walks to longer hikes. Cooler air means more comfort for your dog, and the crunchy leaves add instant enrichment.

Training tip: The movement and sound of leaves are natural distractions. Use them to strengthen recall and check-ins in real conditions.

Few things say fall like apple picking. A handful of orchards allow dogs, making it a fun countryside escape:

• Cabane d’à Côté (Mirabel)— Part of the Au Pied de Cochon family, they offer a seasonal orchard picnic experience that runs through October 5. Dogs are welcome to join you in the orchard while you enjoy the food and scenery. It’s not a classic U-pick setup, but you might snag an apple or two along the way.
• Jude-Pomme (Oka) — A classic spot about 45 minutes from Montreal, dogs allowed on leash.
• Verger Gibouleau (Laval) — Family-friendly orchard where dogs are welcome on leash.

Training tip: Orchards are the perfect spot to practice “settle” during a picnic and “leave it” around fallen fruit. It’s a low-key way to reinforce manners in a stimulating environment.

Note: Policies can vary, even within the same orchard. Always call ahead to confirm dogs are permitted in the areas you plan to visit.

Public markets in Montreal (Jean-Talon, Atwater) don’t allow dogs, but seasonal festivals and outdoor artisan fairs are a different story. A few to check out this October:

• Oktobierfest Sainte-Adèle (Oct 3–5) — Breweries, food trucks, artisan kiosks, and lively music.
• La Balade Gourmande (Oct 4–5, Eastern Townships) — A self-guided tour of local producers and artisans, with outdoor tasting stops and markets.
• Festival des Couleurs at Mont Blanc (Oct 11–13) — A mountain festival with hiking, live shows, and a local artisan market. Leashed dogs welcome.
• Marché des fêtes, Mont-Tremblant (late Nov) — A holiday market with regional products, perfect for a late-fall stroll.

Training tip: These events are excellent practice grounds for real-life skills like calm greetings, loose-leash walking in crowds, and ignoring tempting distractions on the ground. Bring plenty of treats and reward generously for good choices.

Note: Always confirm pet policies in advance. Outdoor fairs and artisan markets are more likely to welcome leashed dogs, while food-centric markets may restrict access.

Not every outing needs to involve a road trip. Fall is the perfect time for urban adventures:

• Old Montréal and the Old Port — Cobblestone streets, riverside views, and plenty of people-watching in one historic neighbourhood.
• Golden Square Mile — Leaf-lined streets and historic buildings just above downtown. It’s a beautiful walk that blends architecture and greenery.
• McGill campus loop — Iconic stone buildings and maple trees make this campus stroll especially scenic in fall.

Training tip: Urban walks are excellent for practicing loose-leash walking on uneven terrain, calm greetings with passersby, and focusing on you amid heavy distractions.

Before the terrasses close for winter, take advantage of Montreal’s café culture. A few spots known for being dog-friendly:

• Elle Aime Elle Aime (Westmount) — A charming spot with great pastries and a welcoming neighbourhood feel.
• Café Orange (NDG / Monkland Village) — Popular for brunch, with a patio that makes it a good choice for coffee dates with your dog.
• La Finca (Downtown) — Bright, airy space with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Micro Espresso Café (Old Port) — A snug little café perfect for a warm-up stop.
• Café Léo (Plateau) — Tucked away, but known for its good coffee and pet-friendly patio.
• Mix’Heure (Rosemont)— Cozy café with friendly staff and a welcoming vibe for pups.

Training tip: Cafés are an ideal spot to practice “settle” on a mat. It helps your dog relax, gives them a clear spot to stay, and makes sipping your latte stress-free. Reward quiet behaviour often, especially when new distractions pop up.

Make everyday walks more engaging with fall-specific games:

• Leaf-pile sniffaris: Hide treats in piles of leaves and let your dog hunt them out.
• Scent games with natural items: Use safe objects like pinecones, bark, or fallen branches as scent targets.
• Photo day: Autumn colours make a perfect backdrop for sit-stays and recall practice.
• Moving recalls: Call your dog back while you jog or walk away through a path covered in leaves.

Training tip: Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated. Even a simple sniff-and-search game in the leaves can build focus and confidence.

Fall is one of the best seasons to explore with your dog, but it comes with its own quirks. A few things to keep in mind:

• Toxic plants and fungi: Acorns, mushrooms, and certain berries can make dogs sick. Keep an eye out on trails and practice a strong leave it.
• Shorter days: Dusk creeps in quickly. Reflective collars, harnesses, or clip-on lights make your dog visible and safe.
• Early road salt and grit: Some sidewalks start getting treated in late fall. Rinse paws after walks or use balm or booties to protect sensitive pads.
• Temperature swings: Mornings can be chilly while afternoons still feel warm. Bring layers for yourself, and consider a light coat for short-haired or small dogs.
• Leaf piles: Fun for sniffing, but they can hide mould, ticks, or sharp objects. Let your dog explore, but supervise closely.
• Wildlife encounters: As animals prep for winter, squirrels, skunks, and raccoons are more active. A reliable recall is your best insurance policy.

Tip: Carry a small training pouch with treats. It doubles as a reward stash for good behaviour and a handy distraction tool if you need to redirect your dog away from hazards.

Fall is short but sweet. Make it memorable by exploring both the city and the countryside with your dog. From crunching leaves in the Eastern Townships to sipping coffee on a café terrasse, every outing is a chance for enrichment, training, and connection.

Want to enjoy the season stress-free? Book a private training session and we’ll help you and your dog make the most of autumn adventures together.

Written by

Tabitha Turton

Tabitha is the founder and trainer at Belle & Bark. With a deep passion for canine behaviour and humane training, she’s committed to making life better for both ends of the leash. Her writing blends science-backed insight with real-life experience to help dog guardians feel more confident, compassionate, and informed.