A Fantabulous Fall In Old Montreal Autumn is upon us in all its crisp-aired, exciting and bountiful splendour, and the signs are everywhere across the historic district. From lattes (both pumpkin-spiced and beyond) to witches to stunning fall fashion and

Autumn is upon us in all its crisp-aired, exciting and bountiful splendour, and the signs are everywhere across the historic district. From lattes (both pumpkin-spiced and beyond) to witches to stunning fall fashion and more, here’s a little look at what’s in store this harvest season in Old Montreal.

A warm cup of fall

It’s time for spice and everything nice, and when it comes to coffee, the goodies are aplenty. Head over to Le Cartet, where they’re going classic with a simply superb pumpkin latte, while 49th Parallel is doing theirs in both cinnamon and maple/sea salt style, particularly heart-warming with a maple and nut-glazed Lucky’s doughnut. Yes, please.

For those who want pumpkin in their chocolat chaud, try the “pumpkin spice hot chocolate” at La Cave à Manger, made with pumpkin chai ganache and a caramelized homemade cinnamon marshmallow. Think pumpkin pie in a cup, with chocolate. If you’re looking to go off the beaten path, Paquebot is back with their one-of-a-kind fall tradition, “carrot cake latte”, made with – you guessed it – carrots, plus pineapple, ginger and spice. Again, yes.

Things to do: Witches, ghosts, mazes & squash

Halloween is right around the corner and Old Montreal definitely knows how to mark the hair-raising occasion. Starting October 25, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum is breaking out the broomsticks with Witches: Out of the Shadows, an exploration of “the mythical and multifaceted figure of the witch” over the centuries, from the old hag of legend to the pop culture representations of today. To get even more bewitched, don’t miss Witches’ Night Out on October 31, which includes the exhibition, workshops and activities, music, artistic performances, thematic drinks and more. A night of spells and cheers to remember!

If you’re looking to get a little lost this Halloween season, SOS Labyrinthe would like you to put on your best costume and come on down to the Witches’ Ball, running from October 5 to 27. Wind your way through the enchanted maze on the Jack Skellington Pumpkin Hunt as you seek out hidden treasures with the aid of a few helpful pumpkins along your path. Another great way to wander around is Montreal Ghost’s Traditional Ghost Walks and Hunts, exciting and educational walking tours of Old Montreal where nooks and crannies and neighbourhood secrets are yours to discover, along with a spectre lurking here and there for good measure.

Boo-k now!

For a gourd-full of fun the whole family will enjoy, the Chateau Ramezay is pleased to announce the return of Pick a Peck of Pumpkins. With the help of Reddy, the friendly red pumpkin, explore the fascinating world of our favourite festive squash with this outdoors (and free!) activity that is sure to please pumpkin aficionados, young and old alike.

Fall in style

Fall fashion has officially hit the ground, and the harvest looks good at Old Montreal’s many fabulous boutiques. To keep nice and stylishly cozy this autumn, check out the selection of exquisite knitwear at MaBelle, the adorable and super-comfortable headbands at Mimi & August (not to mention their seasonal candles and scented oils!), the linen essentials at Naïf, and the exclusive new fall line at Hindi A. Add to that a little love for your feet with Ara boots from Sandrini, available in “cognac” or “forest green”, perfect for a leisurely stroll among the leaves.

To lend a touch of autumn style to your home as well, be sure to stop by Le Magasin Général for their charming and elegant collection of plateware, wooden utensils and amber glasses, ideal accessories for some memorable moments around the table this season.

Fall back and relax

The summer is gone and the days are getting shorter. We’re sorry. To help you deal, Spa Scandinave is putting on its Zero Stress Thursdays, featuring a host of activities with your wellness in mind, from sound baths to guided thermotherapy (Halloween), and even a cacao ceremony on November 21. Bota Bota is also doing its part, with a Pirate Layover on October 11, a great way for young people, aged 12 to 17, to discover the magic of hot/cold relaxation in the cool autumn air.

If you’re thinking about laying your head down in Old Montreal, the Gray Collection is now offering their Fall Experience package at several of their hotels, including the William Gray. Enjoy 1 night in a luxurious room at a reduced rate as well as 2 tickets for the Montreal Ferris Wheel to admire Old Montreal and its symphony of blazing leaves from way up above.

Fall food & drink

When we think fall, we think food, and we’re not the only ones. Mtl à Table is back, running from October 31 to November 17, and Old Montreal will be shining bright the entire time, so please consult the program for all the unmissable culinary bliss. In other delicious news, Bevo Bar + Pizzeria is firing up a white pizza with Nduja sausage for Pizza Fest Mtl (all of October, aka, National Pizza Month), while L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel is holding a special evening on October 17, an invitation to celebrate the arrival of autumn with raclette and private import Swiss wines by the fire on their magnificent terrasse!

And when it comes to dessert, few places are more in tune with the seasons than bar à beurre. Not only are they baking up Reese’s peanut butter cup cookies from now until Thanksgiving and holding fall-themed high tea until October 31, but they will also be giving a Thanksgiving Cupcake Workshop (Oct. 12), and hosting both a Halloween Tea & Tarot Workshop (Oct. 13) and a Halloween Tea Fortune Telling Party (Oct. 25). Talk about getting into the spirit of things.

Finally, to raise a glass to this bounteous season, some of us have already gotten things started. Les 3 Brasseurs and BreWskey respectively have their “Munich Queen” and “Festbrüh” on tap, both brewed in honour of Oktoberfest, while Bistro-Brasserie Les Soeurs Grises is stirring up a chai/spice old fashioned known as “Le Vieux Monk”. Yup, autumn has officially begun. Cheers and happy fall to all!

Photos : Sara Megan

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