Troisrivieres in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Troisrivieres

22°C (72°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

78 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Peak autumn foliage season - maple trees along Boulevard des Forges display brilliant reds and oranges, creating perfect photo opportunities without summer crowds
Comfortable 22°C (72°F) daytime temperatures ideal for walking the historic Bratislava cobblestones and riverfront trails without overheating
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 25-30% from summer peaks, with many boutique hotels offering October packages including local craft brewery tours
Apple harvest season brings authentic Québécois experiences like cider tastings at nearby orchards and special autumn menus featuring local produce at traditional cabanes à sucre

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing from 8°C (46°F) at dawn to 22°C (72°F) by afternoon, catching unprepared visitors off guard
Shorter daylight hours with sunset by 6:30 PM limits outdoor sightseeing time compared to summer visits
Rain showers occur 10 days of the month, often lasting 1-2 hours and disrupting outdoor walking tours of the historic district

Best Activities in October

St. Lawrence River Scenic Cruises

October offers the last comfortable season for river cruises before winter closures. The confluence of the three rivers is surrounded by busy fall foliage, and cooler 22°C (72°F) temperatures make deck viewing pleasant. Morning cruises (9-11 AM) have the best lighting for photography and avoid afternoon rain showers that occur 60% of days.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as many operators close for the season by early November. Typical pricing ranges ₽65-95 CAD for 2-hour cruises. Look for operators offering heated indoor seating and complimentary hot chocolate. See current tour availability in the booking section below.

Historic Old Town Walking Tours

Cool October temperatures make exploring the cobblestone streets of Trois-Rivières' historic district comfortable for extended periods. The Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site is particularly beautiful with fall colors, and fewer tourists mean better access to narrow medieval streets and photo opportunities at Place d'Armes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided options work well in October's mild weather. Guided tours typically cost ₽25-40 CAD per person and run 2-3 hours. Start morning tours by 10 AM to avoid afternoon showers. Book through certified heritage guides for authentic historical context.

Mauricie National Park Hiking

October is peak season for viewing fall foliage in Mauricie National Park, just 45 km (28 miles) north of the city. Temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F) during the day are perfect for moderate hiking, and the park's 536 lakes reflect brilliant autumn colors. Wapizagonke Lake trail offers the best foliage viewing with minimal elevation gain.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees are ₽8.80 CAD per adult. No advance booking needed for day visits, but arrive by 9 AM for best parking at popular trailheads. Trails range from easy 2 km (1.2 miles) loops to challenging 15 km (9.3 miles) backcountry routes. Check current trail conditions in booking section below.

Local Brewery and Distillery Tours

October's cooler weather makes indoor brewery tours particularly appealing, and harvest season brings special seasonal releases featuring local ingredients. Trois-Rivières has emerged as a craft brewing hub with several micro-distilleries producing maple-infused spirits. Tours typically include 4-5 tastings and run 90 minutes.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours book up 2 weeks ahead during October's peak season. Expect pricing of ₽35-55 CAD including tastings. Look for combination packages covering multiple venues with transportation between locations. Many offer food pairings featuring regional specialties.

Apple Orchard and Cider Tours

October is peak apple harvest season in the Mauricie region surrounding Trois-Rivières. Traditional orchards offer pick-your-own experiences and cider tastings in authentic rural settings just 20-30 km (12-18 miles) from downtown. Cool mornings around 8°C (46°F) are perfect for walking through orchards before afternoon warming.

Booking Tip: Farm visits typically cost ₽15-25 CAD per person including tastings and apple picking. Weekend availability fills quickly during peak harvest (early to mid-October). Look for operations offering traditional Québécois farm meals and artisanal cider production demonstrations.

St. Maurice Ironworks Heritage Site Exploration

October's comfortable temperatures make exploring this outdoor historical site ideal. The Forges du Saint-Maurice, North America's first industrial community, offers extensive walking trails through preserved 18th-century ironworks ruins surrounded by spectacular fall foliage. Interactive demonstrations run on weekends through October.

Booking Tip: Entry is ₽4.90 CAD for adults, with guided tours available for ₽12-18 CAD. Plan 2-3 hours for full site exploration. The 2.5 km (1.6 miles) trail system includes moderate hills - wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain. Indoor visitor center provides weather refuge during rain showers.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Festival International de la Poésie

This renowned international poetry festival transforms Trois-Rivières into a literary hub with readings, workshops, and performances throughout the historic district. Venues include intimate bookshops, historic buildings, and outdoor spaces that showcase autumn colors as natural backdrops.

Mid October

Oktoberfest des Brasseurs Mauriciens

Local craft breweries collaborate for this regional Oktoberfest celebration featuring seasonal beer releases, traditional Québécois-German fusion foods, and live folk music. The event showcases the growing craft brewing scene unique to the Mauricie region.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 8°C (46°F) but afternoons reach 22°C (72°F), requiring easy-to-remove layers like cardigans and light fleeces

Waterproof jacket with hood - October rain showers last 1-2 hours and can be heavy, making umbrellas ineffective in riverside winds

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good tread - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and hiking trails may have muddy sections

Warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) - early morning and evening temperatures drop significantly, especially near the St. Lawrence River

Small daypack for apple picking and hiking - many October activities involve outdoor exploration and carrying seasonal purchases

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone flashlights and GPS for evening navigation

Cash in small denominations - many seasonal farm stands and craft vendors don't accept cards

Reusable water bottle - crisp October air and hiking activities require more hydration than expected

Light fleece or wool sweater - indoor venues like historic buildings and churches can be quite cool

Sunglasses - autumn sun reflecting off rivers and wet surfaces can be surprisingly bright despite lower UV index of 3

Insider Knowledge

Visit apple orchards between 9-11 AM when morning dew makes apples crisp and temperatures are comfortable for walking - avoid afternoons when rain is most likely

Book restaurant reservations for Friday-Sunday evenings in October as this is peak foliage season and many Montreal visitors make day trips to Trois-Rivières

The Laviolette Bridge offers the best panoramic photography of fall foliage along the St. Lawrence, accessible by car with several pull-off points that locals use but tourists rarely discover

Local Québécois French differs significantly from European French - learning basic phrases like 'char' (car) instead of 'voiture' helps with navigation and earns immediate respect from locals

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - many tourists pack only for afternoon temperatures and suffer through cold 8°C (46°F) morning starts at outdoor sites

Not checking seasonal closures - several tourist attractions and river cruise operators have unpredictable October schedules and may close early for winter preparation

Assuming all outdoor activities continue in light rain - many visitors cancel plans for brief showers when locals continue hiking and sightseeing with proper rain gear