FallComesCallinginOldMontreal

Film, art and architecture: a fall full of cultural surprises!

A little chillier out, and those grey skies are back? In other words, the perfect time to browse the program for Ciné-rencontres, organized by the Alliance Française de Montréal. Whether fiction or documentary, expect the unexpected with French-language films from far and wide (featuring the funny, the dramatic and the moving), and make sure to stick around afterwards for a chance to meet the filmmakers and the actors. A twice-monthly date worth keeping, from September 30 to December 2.

Still on the big screen, but with a cozier twist: Bota Bota’s ciné-spa evenings, held in collaboration with The Cinémathèque Québécoise. Screenings in the spa’s gardens are included with the price of the water circuit, but reserving your spot is strongly recommended. Coming up: Tuesday, October 27, and Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7 p.m.

This fall brings with it a new type of rendezvous: a leisurely art walk through the historic district! Every first Thursday of the month, the galleries on Saint-Paul Street West open their doors to the public, with exhibitions, artist encounters, discoveries and self-guided visits. It’s without a doubt the season’s most talked-about cultural 5 à 7.

Starting October 28, two new exhibitions are taking over PHI. Straddling documentary and conceptual research, Turn or Burn explores the links between belief, image and power in the public sphere, while Anthems takes a closer look at migration, identity and the ties that shape our world.

After 10 years of work, the restored façade of the Notre-Dame Basilica is finally ready for its close-up. And should the unveiling event be fully booked, you can still admire from outside the meticulous yet grand-scale restoration that has given the building back its full splendour.

Autumn on our plates, taste buds a-twirling

A highlight of the season in Old Montreal, MTLàTABLE is back for its 14th edition. From October 29 to November 15, more than 30 participating restaurants are offering unbeatable prices on mouthwatering menus.

No time to cook up fall treats at home? No panic needed: Café Paquebot has rolled out its “apple crumble cookies,” and it’s safe to say that if there were a way to devour fall in a single bite, it would be by sinking your teeth into these utterly decadent little morsels of pure comfort.

At Les Moulins La Fayette, the flavours of the season have found their way onto the menu, and as always, this spot’s gluten-free creations are a goldmine of deliciousness and indulgence. Our fall favourite? Their pumpkin pie, of course, with its warm notes of spice.

A bakery that folds fall right into the heart of its croissants, while melting ours along the way? Naturally, you’ll want to stop by L’Amour du pain for its pumpkin cream or caramel croissants, Friday to Sunday throughout October. Good to the last crumb.

Since it’s always ice cream season no matter what the calendar says, we can’t help but send you over to Ca Lem, where for a limited time you can swirl together the long-awaited flavours of pumpkin spice and crème brûlée, lovingly topped with pralined pecans.

No doubt about it, fall is everyone’s cup of tea at Paparmane, which has given its tea room a Halloween makeover until November 1. Between the cobweb décor and dim lighting, their Hocus Pocus tisane and a $57 autumn menu with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, you’d be hard-pressed to argue they haven’t mastered the season.

For those of you who are pumpkin latte all the way — and we mean all the way — another great spot is La Cave à Manger, which has decided to serve its lattes… right in a pumpkin! Meanwhile, for in-a-cup devotees whose hearts are torn between a pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin pie latte, Micro Espresso serves both from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When evening rolls around, Bord’Elle’s new Mon ami martini initiative gives you one (more) good reason to keep meeting up here every Thursday, rain or shine, with a $49 menu and a show thrown in for good measure. Be sure to book ahead.

Fall activities: our top picks around the neighbourhood

The Château Ramezay’s eagerly awaited annual exhibition, Pick a Peck of Pumpkins, is back! From October 3 to November 8, the Governor’s Garden welcomes visitors free of charge on the hunt for cucurbits, cousins of our favourite pumpkin that have been part of the season for thousands of years. A fascinating world to explore, and an outing for young and old that’s not to be missed.

At SOS Labyrinthe, it’s Halloween all October long. The treat? Show up in costume and get 15% off your visit. Fairies, captains, ghosts, dinosaurs, anything goes: come as you are and get ready for some spine-tingling fun for all in the maze.

Until November 1st, the Old Port presents an interactive adventure inspired by Ma belle-mère est une sorcière, free for the whole family and offered only in French. Riddles to solve, details to spot and challenges to tackle await, so just download the app and jump right in.

Looking for an alternative to the usual candy, and a fresh new way to fill those trick-or-treat bags? Head on over to Olive et Gourmando for temporary tattoos, stickers, mini candles, illustrations and much more. Boo!

Halloween special in Old Montreal

This October 31, step into The Gallery of Shadows, a day devoted to Halloween, organized jointly by New Flesh Labs, Galerie Impact and ArTisane Café. On the program: $100 flash tattoos featuring bewitched cats, snakes and mysterious gardens, along with themed jewellery, chai and seasonal pastries. A day steeped in gothic charm that’s sure to leave its mark. Reservations: newfleshlabs.net

La Grande Roue de Montréal is celebrating Halloween in a big way with an exclusive festive evening: a mascot, treats, a costume contest and a light show. Kids and grown-ups who aren’t afraid of monsters — or heights — are invited to come and join in the fun.

For even more ways to celebrate Halloween, check out our special feature: Halloween: Old Montreal After Dark.