Chasing Colours: Road Trip Through New England and Québec’s Autumn Splendor

Eagle Creek was established in 1975 by Steve and Nona Barker, a couple who revered the planet and explored it accordingly. In the process, they invented an entirely new product category: adventure travel gear. Half a century later, no one offers more expertly conceived and crafted gear for experiencing the earth in every hemisphere. Thoughtful, sustainable, function-forward solutions inspired by the belief that travel can be a force for good.

New England and Quebec in the fall is a spectacle of color, but the real magic lies in getting out of the car to experience it. This isn't your average scenic drive; it's an adventure-focused itinerary designed for those who believe the best views are earned. You'll trade crowded overlooks for quiet trailheads, navigating winding back roads and scaling mountain peaks to witness the autumn blaze from a whole new perspective.

New England Road Trip Guide

• Day 1: Vermont's Mountain Roads & Summit Views
• Day 2: The Majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire
• Day 3: Peaks, Lakes & Eastern Townships Charm of Mont-Orford
• Day 4: Winding Lakes & Maple Forests of Mont-Tremblant
• Day 5: The Journey Home
• Packing List

If you’ve ever dreamed of chasing fall foliage, this 5-day road trip is your ticket: from Vermont’s Green Mountains, to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and across the border into Québec’s Mont-Tremblant and Mauricie national parks.

Whether you’re starting in Montréal or Boston, head north toward the Green Mountains of Vermont. Your mission for the afternoon is to navigate the winding and incredibly scenic Route 100, which cuts through the heart of the state and is famous for its fiery autumn colors. This drive should take approximately three hours.

Your adventure touchpoint: The trail to Mount Killington. This is a rewarding summit hike with expansive views of the surrounding mountains. The challenge is worth the payoff as you see the foliage unfold beneath you. Killington Peak Loop is just under five miles and should take a couple hours to complete – budget your time accordingly! After the hike, find a cozy inn or cabin to spend the night in the Killington or Stowe area (about an hour away).

While in the Stowe and Killington area, look for classic Vermont fare like farm-to-table cuisine and cozy brewpubs. 

Wake up early for the drive east into New Hampshire. Today is dedicated to the Kancamagus Highway, one of the most famous scenic drives in the country. Known as "The Kanc" by locals, this 34.5-mile stretch of road offers countless pull-offs and overlooks to photograph the blazing color. Plan for a two-to-three hour drive to reach The Kanc from Stowe or Killington.

Your adventure touchpoint: A hike in the White Mountains. The trail to the summit of Mount Osceola offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, all blanketed in color. This is a more challenging hike at almost six miles, so be sure to leave enough time or plan an extra day in the area to tackle it. Spend the night in the charming town of Conway (about 1 hour from the Mt Osceola trailhead).

During your drive along the Kancamagus Highway and while exploring the White Mountains, your best options for eats will be in the towns at either end of the route. 

Crossing the border into Canada and heading into Québec’s Eastern Townships, you’ll discover Mont-Orford National Park—a gem where rugged peaks meet mirrored lakes and small-town hospitality. In autumn, the sugar maples ignite in fiery reds and oranges, turning every trail into a magical corridor of color.

Choose the Mont-Chauve trail for a moderate hike with sweeping views of Lake Stukely. For those seeking a bigger challenge, the Mont-Orford Summit Trail rewards with a 360-degree panorama that stretches across the Laurentians, making it one of the most breathtaking fall lookouts in Québec.

Pack a picnic to savor among the colors, then wind down the day in Magog, where lakeside cabins, welcoming auberges, farm-to-table bistros, and lively microbrasseries offer the perfect taste of Eastern Townships charm.

Then continue north to Mont-Tremblant, just ninety minutes from Montréal. This easy-to-reach destination is a rewarding gateway into Québec’s autumn spectacle. Cruise along the winding Chemin du Nord, where fiery sugar maples and golden birches frame the deep blue shimmer of mountain lakes.

Your afternoon adventure is the La Corniche Trail—an approachable hike with panoramic views across Lac Monroe and rolling Laurentian hills where mirrored lakes reflect autumn’s most brilliant hues. The three-mile roundtrip trail is moderate but delivers a breathtaking overlook that’s especially dazzling in October. If you have more time, extend your adventure on the harder La Roche Trail for another spectacular vantage point.

After your hike, settle into a cozy auberge or lakeside cabin nearby, and cap the day with a hearty Québécois dinner, complete with maple-sweetened desserts.

By now, your camera roll will be brimming with color, and your lungs filled with crisp mountain air. Use your last day to linger where you please—returning to a favorite overlook, strolling through a charming town, or stocking up on local maple syrup to bring autumn home with you. Whether you head back toward Boston, Montréal, or Québec City, this road trip is proof that chasing fall colors isn’t just about the destination—it’s about savoring every winding mile along the way.

The theme of this packing list: Layers, layers, layers! New England weather in the fall can change in an instant, and you'll want a waterproof jacket, a warm fleece, and comfortable hiking boots to make the most of your time on the trails. Balance your packing with some comfortable driving clothes and packing cubes to keep it all organized.

Our recommended gear list:

• Cargo Hauler 60L Duffel for the car

• Pack-It® Reveal Packing Cube Set for organization

• Explore Hip Pack for around town

• Explore Backpack for challenging hikes

• Explore Sling Bag for more adventurous walks