October 8, 2026

October in Québec has a way of turning every road into a postcard. The maples go crimson, the birches turn gold, and the air is crisp enough to make every kilometre feel alive. It is, quite simply, the best time of year to drive with the top down. This season, we are pairing our favourite fall routes with one car in particular: the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet from our Laval fleet. Black paint, a deep red interior, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six, an eight-speed PDK gearbox and all-wheel drive for confidence on cool, damp autumn roads. Its fabric roof opens in about twelve seconds, so when the sun breaks through over a valley full of colour, you will not miss the moment. Here are three drives worth planning over the next few weeks. 1. Gatineau Park, near Ottawa and Gatineau The National Capital Commission reported Gatineau Park at peak colour on October 6, and Fall Rhapsody runs until October 25. The park sits about 15 minutes from Parliament Hill, and its three parkways (Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Lake) lead to favourites like Pink Lake and Champlain Lookout. One detail matters for drivers. Until October 25, the parkways are open to private vehicles on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to dusk, and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to dusk, which is around 7 p.m. at this time of year. On other days they are closed to cars. A Wednesday drive is the quiet, elegant choice. From October 26, the parkways close to vehicles for the season. Based in the Outaouais? Our Gatineau location gives you access to the full fleet, with delivery available. 2. The Laurentians and Mont-Tremblant Bonjour Québec's 2026 forecast placed the Laurentians at peak colour in the first week of October, and Tremblant has been glowing red and gold this week. Higher elevations fade first, so if Tremblant is on your list, go soon. Expect busy weekends: the resort has special traffic and paid parking measures on fall weekends through October 12. The drive north from Laval is part of the pleasure. Leave after a 10 a.m. pickup, stop for lunch in a village along the way, and be back before the evening chill settles in. 3. Oka, close to Laval Short on time? Head west to Oka, on the shores of the Lake of Two Mountains. Bonjour Québec notes that colours in Parc national d'Oka tend to arrive later than in the rest of the Laurentians, becoming more pronounced in the second week of October and peaking in the third. It is the perfect late-season escape for an afternoon with the roof down. Before you go Every rental day is 24 hours, with pickup and return at 10 a.m. We are closed on Sundays, so a Saturday pickup comes with a two-day minimum and a Monday return. Each day includes 200 km, which covers most day trips; extra kilometres are billed at the rate shown on the car's page. Insurance is included. You will need to be 25 or older, with a valid driver's licence and a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. A 10% deposit secures your reservation and is non-refundable. Prefer to start the drive from your door? We deliver anywhere in Greater Montréal for a flat $99 each way, or $119.99 to or from YUL airport, plus taxes. Your fall drive starts here Whether you choose the 911 Cabriolet or one of our 40+ exotic and luxury cars, exotic car rental in Montréal, luxury car rental in Laval and convertible rental in Gatineau and Ottawa never look better than they do in October. Reserve online at louelavie.com, or call us at 450-933-9303. The colours will not wait, and neither should you.