Gatineau Park, Champlain Lookout

Viewpoint · Québec — Laurentians & Eastern Townships

The National Capital Region's essential fall view, just across the river from Ottawa: a platform atop the Eardley Escarpment surveys the Ottawa Valley's patchwork of farmland and hardwood forest, usually peaking early-to-mid October.

Best for: The classic Ottawa-area fall photo

Don’t miss

  • Eardley Escarpment platform
  • Ottawa Valley panorama
2026 Forecast

Peak: October 6–October 10

Color builds from September 26 · mostly bare by October 28

Color starts: September 26Peak: October 8Bare: October 28AugustDecember

Sampled at Gatineau Park, Champlain Lookout’s own coordinates and elevation (324 m) rather than a regional average.

Québec — Laurentians & Eastern Townships is sampled at 359 weather points, with no published peak dates to correct it against yet. Québec — Laurentians & Eastern Townships is running 3 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works

When to go to Gatineau Park, Champlain Lookout

Good color holds through about October 17, giving you roughly 21 days from the first turn to past peak. It sits at 324 m, high enough to turn before the valleys do.

Gatineau Park, Champlain Lookout on the map

Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Québec — Laurentians & Eastern Townships, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.

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Frequently asked

When does Gatineau Park, Champlain Lookout peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for October 6–October 10 (best estimate October 8). Color starts around September 26 and is mostly bare by October 28.

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