September in Quebec has something special about it. Summer isn’t quite over yet, but fall is already beginning to transform the landscape. The days are still pleasant, the air is getting cooler, and the first hints of colour are slowly appearing in the trees.

It’s also one of the best times of the year to enjoy the outdoors in Quebec. Apple orchards, hiking, picnics, cycling, or one last patio outing: there are plenty of ways to extend the beautiful season.

Here are 5 activities to enjoy in Quebec this September, get some fresh air, and make the most of everything Quebec nature has to offer during this beautiful transition between seasons.

1. Go Apple Picking and Explore Quebec’s Orchards

It’s impossible to talk about September without mentioning apple picking in Quebec. As summer comes to an end, orchards become a must-visit destination for couples, friends, and families alike.

From the Laurentians to Montérégie and the Eastern Townships, many regions are home to orchards where you can pick your own apples, discover different varieties, and head home with a bag full of local produce.

But apple picking is about more than just the apples. It’s an experience. You walk between rows of trees, take time to breathe, enjoy the scenery, and often end your visit with a picnic or a well-deserved treat.

A bottle of Harrington botanical sparkling water fits easily into your bag for the occasion. Served nice and cold, it’s a refreshing way to extend your immersion in the flavours and landscapes of Quebec.

2. Go Hiking and Discover the First Fall Colours

We often associate fall colours with October. Yet as early as September, Quebec’s forests gradually begin to change.

That makes it an excellent time to go hiking in Quebec. Temperatures are generally cooler than during the height of summer, and the trails offer a front-row seat to the first signs of fall.

The Laurentians, Lanaudière, Charlevoix, the Eastern Townships, and the Quebec City area all offer plenty of options for a few hours on the trails or a full day of hiking.

A bottle of water, a few snacks, and a Harrington for your break at the summit: sometimes, that’s all you need to create a memorable moment.

And when the view finally opens up after a few kilometres of hiking, taking a few minutes to simply look around is part of the experience too.

3. Plan One Last Picnic Before Fall

September may be one of the most enjoyable months for a picnic in Quebec. The intense summer heat is fading, but the days can still be warm enough to enjoy a meal outdoors.

A city park, the shore of a lake, a stop along a hiking trail, or simply a peaceful spot surrounded by nature can provide the perfect setting.

A few local products, some bread, seasonal fruit, Quebec cheeses, and cold drinks are all you need for a simple and delicious meal.

It’s also a great opportunity to discover the different flavours of Harrington botanical sparkling waters, inspired by Quebec nature. A refreshing way to keep a taste of Quebec at the heart of your picnic, right down to your glass.

4. Enjoy the Cooler Weather for Running or Cycling

For outdoor enthusiasts, September often brings the return of particularly pleasant conditions.

Cooler temperatures make running, cycling, and other outdoor activities more comfortable. Bike paths and trails also offer a different way to discover the landscape as the vegetation slowly begins to take on its fall colours.

Whether it’s an early morning workout, a family bike ride, or a few kilometres after work, it doesn’t always have to be about performance.

It’s simply a great way to move, get some fresh air, and enjoy the September weather before colder temperatures arrive.

After your workout, it’s time to recover and unwind. A cold Harrington can accompany the moment and help extend the pleasure of being outdoors.

5. Enjoy One Last Patio Outing

There are still a few beautiful evenings left before outdoor tables are packed away for the season.

September is therefore the perfect time to enjoy one last patio outing in Quebec. In Montreal, Quebec City, and elsewhere across the province, cooler evenings create a different atmosphere from the height of summer.

Throw on a sweater, meet up with friends after work, and enjoy the late-afternoon light.

At home, a patio, balcony, or backyard can also become the perfect place to gently celebrate the end of summer.

Served ice-cold, straight from the bottle or poured over a few ice cubes, Harrington is a natural companion for those final outdoor get-togethers of the season.

September: A Month to Slow Down and Enjoy Quebec

Between summer and fall, September reminds us just how quickly the seasons change in Quebec.

It’s the perfect time to go apple picking, walk through the forest, get back on your bike, prepare a picnic, or simply enjoy one last evening outdoors.

There’s no need to travel far. Some of the best moments can be found just a few kilometres from home.

And because Harrington draws its inspiration from the nature and botanical flavours of Quebec, our sparkling waters naturally belong in these simple moments: at the top of a hiking trail, in an orchard, after a bike ride, or gathered around a table with friends.

This month, get outside, explore, and savour September in Quebec with Harrington.

Photo: Audrey Gosselin