An aerial view of a railroad stretching from Laval to Saint-Jérôme in Quebec, Canada, via Getty Images
This fall, we’re going to be incredibly cultured and drink lots of spiced coffee, kind of like in *Gilmore Girls* and also a bit like in an episode of *Charmed*.
And, to start, let’s put on a scarf (preferably a thin, striped one), hop in a car or on a train from downtown Montreal, and go for a stroll among the red leaves on the streets of Saint-Jérôme.
By car, Saint-Jérôme is a 55-minute drive from downtown. By train, take EXO Line 12 for a trip of about 1 hour and 30 minutes departing from the Lucien-L’Allier station in downtown Montreal.
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OUR FAVORITE SPOTS IN SAINT-JÉRÔME
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CAFÉ LA PETITE VOISINE
Café La Petite Voisine via @cafelapetitevoisine
When you arrive at the Saint-Jérôme train station, you can start your visit with a hot coffee to go—perhaps with cinnamon or pumpkin flavor—at the very charming café LA PETITE VOISINE.
Where? Café La Petite Voisine, at 7 Rue de la Gare, Saint-Jérôme
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RIVIÈRE-DU-NORD REGIONAL PARK
Rivière-du-Nord Regional Park via @parc_regional_riviere_du_nord
The beautiful Rivière-du-Nord Nature Park is the self-proclaimed “first gateway to the North”; it’s the perfect spot for a fall stroll to collect fallen leaves and chestnuts.
There are waterfalls to see, easy little trails (no need to change your shoes before heading to the museum), Halloween activities, and special bike trails—all along the banks of the Rivière-du-Nord.
Where? Rivière-du-Nord Regional Park (Saint-Jérôme sector), at 750 Chemin de la Rivière-du-Nord, Saint-Jérôme
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LAURENTIDES CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM (MACLAU)
MACLAU via @maclaurentides
The Laurentian Museum of Contemporary Art (MACLAU) is a bit far from downtown, but just far enough to offer exhibitions and curation that blend contemporary art with a deep connection to nature.
The MACLAU offers many exhibitions by Indigenous artists, hands-on art workshops, and incredibly inspiring contemporary collections.
Where? MACLAU, at 101 Place Curé-Labelle, Saint-Jérôme
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BREAKFAST AT SONIA’S
LUNCH AT SONIA’S via Lunch at Sonia’s
After taking in the complexity of art and the various poetic hues of the fallen leaves along the banks of the Rivière-du-Nord, you’ll want the simplicity and sublime pleasure of excellent potatoes and a very good black coffee.
We’ll have lunch or dinner at the retro diner Chez Sonia, for the eggs and potatoes, and for the simple, down-to-earth atmosphere of a small-town diner.
Where? Resto Déjeuner Chez Sonia, at 501 Rue de Martigny Ouest, Saint-Jérôme
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