Relax, cozy up and enjoy the local flavours: autumn contemplation in Portneuf
By David C, August 5 2025
Imagine a perfect autumn day: a cool breeze, the vibrant colours of maple trees, the stillness of nature . . . and you, wrapped up in a blanket, a good book in your hand, a cup of hot chocolate within reach. Welcome to Portneuf in the fall! With colourful hikes, cozy accommodations, local flavours and seasonal activities, Portneuf is the ideal destination for a contemplative and revitalizing stay. Here’s how to dive into an unbeatable autumn experience.
Autumn colours: a beacon for you to slow down and take in the wonder
As the leaves redden, Portneuf’s natural landscape becomes a living painting. It’s the perfect time to break out your hiking boots and explore the trails that criss-cross the region. Here are a few suggestions:
Vallée Bras-du-Nord: a must-see with its valleys, breathtaking viewpoints and tranquil rivers.
Parc naturel régional de Portneuf: peacefulness, nature and breathtaking views.
Réserve naturelle du Marais-Léon-Provancher: for lovers of contemplative walks and wildlife observation.
Promenade-Fleuve: enjoy the St. Lawrence with immersive walks along the shore.
Discover 10 autumn hiking spots here.
Comfortable accommodation: the coziest places to wind down
There’s nothing better to end a day outdoors than returning to a cozy retreat, with wood crackling softly in the fireplace, candles creating a soft atmosphere where comfort reigns supreme.
Here are a few of the coziest getaways for you:
Escale au Lac: eco-friendly mini-chalets, thermal baths, spa . . . the perfect balance between nature and cozy luxury.
Chalets Tourisma: from rustic cabins to luxury chalets, every accommodation option is an invitation to indulge in a relaxing break.
Au Chalet en Bois Rond: a fully equipped nature village with log cabins, a spa, a fireplace . . . the perfect autumn getaway!
Domaine du Grand Portneuf: villas nestled in the forest, an ideal place to recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle.
Le Roquemont: hotel, microbrewery, mini-chalets; everything you need for a comforting experience.
And for those looking for something a bit different: stay at Villa Éco, enjoy a foodie retreat at Auberge de l’Ouest or experience the atmosphere of a Manoir at Demeure du Capitaine.
Local flavours: autumn on your plate
Portneuf is also a land rich in flavours. Whether you want to cook a heart-warming meal in the comfort of your accommodation or treat yourself to a meal in a nice restaurant, there are plenty of options. Small-scale cheese factories, delicious bakeries, welcoming vineyards, unique microbreweries and farm stands will fill your basket with fresh and tasty local products. And if you have a sweet tooth, a stop in Cap-Santé is a must: on weekends between mid-September and mid-October, the beloved Tartes en fête tradition awaits you at the Jeannette Trépanier Art Gallery, with its famous homemade pies and classic maple fudge.
Autumn in Portneuf is also the perfect time to celebrate the harvest season with fun hands-on activities like picking apples and pumpkins. In Neuville, Ferme Béland et fille welcomes you to its pumpkin fields every weekend in October for a colourful and fun experience, while in Saint-Basile, Ferme Grenier Long offers an equally friendly atmosphere with its famous Fête de la citrouille (Pumpkin Festival). In Cap-Santé, L’Arc-en-ciel du Paradis also invites you to pick your own squash, beets, carrots, corn and other seasonal vegetables in a charming agricultural environment.
Portneuf in autumn is a chance to slow down, enjoy all of life’s little pleasures, and just soak up the peaceful beauty of the season. From flamboyant landscapes to cozy fireside moments to foodie discoveries and nature walks, everything comes together to create a truly comforting getaway.