Summer may be slowly coming to an end, but the season of discovery is far from over on Le P’tit Train du Nord! Through October, the trail transforms with the arrival of fall, offering a whole new way to explore the Laurentians.
Whether you’re walking, running or cycling, it’s the perfect time to discover a new section, return to a favourite village or simply enjoy the scenery… without watching the clock.
When nature puts on its finest colours
The first colourful leaves usually begin to appear around mid-September. From then until the end of the month, the Laurentian forest is generally at its most spectacular, dressed in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.
On Le P’tit Train du Nord, the show unfolds slowly: around the bend of a river, in front of a historic train station, between rocky cliffs or along a footbridge surrounded by vibrant trees. Since the timing of the fall colours varies depending on the area and weather conditions, every outing brings its own surprises.
There’s no need to travel all 234 kilometres! Choose a section, park nearby and set out to explore a place you’ve never taken the time to discover.
An outing to savour… right down to the last bite
Fall makes you want to get outside—but it also brings an appetite! Along the trail, cafés, bakeries, bistros, restaurants and microbreweries welcome you for a well-deserved break.
Stop on a patio to enjoy a hot coffee, a comforting bowl of soup or a meal featuring local flavours. Take the opportunity to browse the shops, meet local merchants and discover products from the region.
Want to extend your stay? Inns, B&Bs, hotels and other accommodations near the trail are ready to welcome you for a one- or multi-night getaway. A day outdoors, a delicious meal and a cozy night’s sleep—now that’s a fall combination that’s hard to beat!
No bike? No problem!
Don’t have a bike, or would you like to try an e-bike? Several businesses offer bike rentals and repair services near the trail, making it easy to plan a spontaneous outing—solo, as a couple, with friends or with the family.
Check our interactive map to find bike rentals, parking areas, restaurants, cafés, accommodations, shops and attractions along the trail.
Before heading out, remember to check the trail conditions and the opening hours of the businesses and attractions you plan to visit.
Take advantage of September shuttle departures
Would you like to ride Le P’tit Train du Nord in one direction or plan a multi-day getaway? Good news: Autobus Le Petit Train du Nord still offers departures in September, with advance reservations.
Buses leave Place de la gare in Saint-Jérôme at 8 a.m. and can drop cyclists and their bikes off at various locations along the trail, depending on reservations. Luggage transportation between accommodations is also available, allowing you to travel light and fully enjoy the fall colours.
Services are offered until October 10, 2026. Space is limited, so reserve your departure and confirm that the route is operating on your preferred date through the Autobus Le Petit Train du Nord website. It’s a great way to discover a new section… without retracing your pedal strokes!
Combine cycling, nature, culture and heritage
An outing on Le P’tit Train du Nord can easily become a full day of discovery. Combine your ride with a visit to Sentier des cimes, a stroll through one of the villages, a stop at a farmers’ market, an exhibition, a museum or a historic train station.
The trail follows a former railway line and tells an important part of the Laurentians’ history. Take time to admire the train stations, bridges, scenery and interpretive panels.
Our mobile app makes it easy to find historical points of interest, attractions and nearby services. Download it for free from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android. You can also explore our interactive map.
Bring along your Discovery Passport
Fall is also a wonderful time to continue your adventure with the Discovery Passport.
Explore the trail at your own pace, visit participating locations and have your passport stamped along the way. Each stamp becomes a little keepsake from your journey—and another great reason to discover a new section. Once you have collected 10 stamps from different locations, you can receive a souvenir patch at the Prévost train station, located at kilometre 14.
On October 3 and 4, make way for the runners!
During the first weekend of October—October 3 and 4, 2026—Le P’tit Train du Nord will welcome participants in the half-marathon and marathon. The section between Val-David and Saint-Jérôme will be reserved for the event, allowing runners to fully enjoy this great sporting adventure surrounded by nature.
Cyclists and walkers are invited to plan their outings in another section of the park that weekend. You can also come cheer on the participants—a little applause, a few smiles and some encouragement always give tired legs an extra boost!
Check the details for the Marathon P’tit Train du Nord before planning your visit.
This fall, change your pace
Choose a section you’ve never explored. Rent a bike. Stop for a bowl of soup. Browse a local shop. Visit a historic train station. Spend the night at an inn. Take a photo… or simply keep the scenery for yourself.
Fall goes by quickly. Sometimes, you have to slow down to truly appreciate it.
On Le P’tit Train du Nord, dare to slow down.
