Sherbrooke in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Sherbrooke
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak fall foliage - maples turn brilliant red/orange along Mont-Bellevue and Parc Jacques-Cartier, typically reaching peak color October 8-15
- University atmosphere at its liveliest - Université de Sherbrooke students return, energizing downtown cafés and nightlife scene
- Perfect hiking weather with cool temperatures 5-15°C (41-59°F) ideal for exploring Parc du Mont-Bellevue's 4 km (2.5 mile) trail network
- Apple harvest season - nearby orchards offer cueillette (pick-your-own) with Cortland and McIntosh varieties at peak ripeness
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings - can drop from 15°C (59°F) to 2°C (36°F) within 24 hours, requiring layered clothing strategy
- Daylight decreases rapidly from 11.5 hours early October to 10 hours by month's end, limiting outdoor activity windows
- Weekend accommodation prices spike 40-60% during peak foliage period (October 8-22) due to leaf-peeping tourism from Montreal and Quebec City
Best Activities in October
Mont-Bellevue Fall Foliage Hiking
October offers Sherbrooke's most spectacular natural display as sugar maples create a canopy of red, orange, and gold. The 183m (600ft) summit provides panoramic views of the Saint-François Valley. Cool temperatures 5-15°C (41-59°F) make the steep 2.5 km (1.6 mile) ascent comfortable. Peak color typically occurs October 8-15, with excellent photography lighting in late afternoon around 4-5pm.
Eastern Townships Wine Route Tours
October marks harvest season for Eastern Townships vineyards, with many offering vendange (grape harvest) experiences. Cool autumn weather is ideal for outdoor tastings, and many vineyards release their ice wine preparations. The changing leaves create impressive backdrops for vineyard visits within 30 km (19 miles) of Sherbrooke.
Saint-François River Kayaking
October's cooler air temperatures contrast beautifully with the still-warm river water (around 12-15°C/54-59°F). Fall foliage reflects in calm waters, creating mirror-like photography opportunities. Lower summer crowds mean peaceful paddling along the 15 km (9.3 mile) urban river section. Morning mist often creates ethereal conditions between 7-9am.
Historic Downtown Cultural Walking Tours
October's crisp weather is perfect for exploring Sherbrooke's 19th-century architecture and textile mill history. The university district buzzes with student energy, while shorter daylight hours make evening heritage walks atmospheric. Many historic buildings offer special autumn programming and indoor cultural events as backup for rainy days.
Apple Orchard and Cider Mill Visits
October is peak apple harvest in the Eastern Townships, with over 20 orchards within 45 minutes of Sherbrooke offering cueillette experiences. McIntosh, Cortland, and Honeycrisp varieties reach peak ripeness. Many operations include fresh cider pressing, maple syrup tastings, and farm-to-table meals featuring autumn produce.
Magog and Lake Memphremagog Day Trips
The 40-minute drive to Magog rewards visitors with impressive lake views framed by peak fall foliage. October's cool, clear air provides exceptional visibility across the 51 km (32 mile) lake extending into Vermont. Lake cruises operate in comfort during cooler weather, and the tourist crowds of summer have largely departed.
October Events & Festivals
Festival des Traditions du Monde
Sherbrooke's multicultural festival celebrates global traditions with indoor venues across downtown, perfect for October's variable weather. Features international cuisine, traditional crafts, and cultural performances representing the city's diverse university population.
Fête des Vendanges des Cantons-de-l'Est
Regional wine harvest celebration held at various Eastern Townships vineyards, featuring grape stomping, harvest meals, and new vintage releases. Multiple venues participate with different weekend programming throughout the month.