10 Things to Do in Montreal in October

October is one of the best months to visit Montreal, as you can avoid the summer crowds and cold winter temperatures, but you can also discover some of the city's most beautiful scenery and take part in interesting activities. During the Canadian autumn, on the other hand, you can take part in some of the best local festivals in the province of Quebec.

Some of the best things to do in Montreal in October include attending an NHL game to support the Canadiens, the city's premier ice hockey franchise, exploring the autumn colours at the Botanical Gardens, experiencing the Nouveau Monde Film Festival, attending Symphony Orchestra concerts and celebrating Halloween.

In October, ice hockey fans have the opportunity to attend NHL games in Montreal and support their home team, the Canadiens. This month marks the start of the league's regular season, which means you'll find plenty of games to enjoy, although you should be aware that you'll need to buy tickets for NHL games in advance.

The Bell Centre, the Canadiens' home arena, fills with energy and excitement as fans gather to cheer on their team. Attending a home franchise game is a unique experience, as you can feel the passion of the fans as they fill the stands with chants and cheers.

In addition to enjoying the thrilling game of ice hockey, attendees can also enjoy the festive atmosphere inside and outside the stadium. The area around the Bell Centre is filled with activities, such as souvenir shops, restaurants and hockey-themed bars, where you can gather after the game with fans to share the sportsmanship and passion for one of the NHL's winningest teams.

Attending a Canadiens game in October will also give you the opportunity to see the players in action and witness their skills on the ice. With star players like Carey Price and Brendan Gallagher, the Canadiens are known for their talent and competitiveness.

In October, the Botanical Garden becomes a colourful spectacle with the arrival of autumn. The trails are transformed into a paradise of vibrantly hued leaves, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing walk and some of the best photographs of your trip, which is why it's often included in the itineraries of the best tours of Montreal.

In addition to the scenery, the Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of plants and flowers that are in full bloom during this time of year. You can admire the blooming chrysanthemums, the fruit trees laden with apples and pears, and the ornamental plants that embellish the gardens.

The Montreal Botanical Garden also has different themed areas, such as the Japanese Garden and the Garden of the First Peoples, which add a cultural touch to your experience. During your tour you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the Japanese Garden, admiring the ponds and bridges, or learn about indigenous traditions in the First Peoples Garden.

The Nouveau Monde Film Festival is an event that takes place in Montreal during the first weekend of October. This celebration focuses on promoting and showcasing films from around the world that explore new narratives, perspectives and cinematic styles.

During the festival, film lovers have the opportunity to enjoy screenings of independent films, short films and documentaries that are not usually shown in mainstream cinemas, making it a window into the world of alternative and experimental cinema. It is one of the best cultural experiences in the city, along with a visit to Montreal's best museums.

The festival also provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their work and establish connections with the film industry. In addition to screenings, there are lectures, panels and interactive activities that give attendees the opportunity to explore and discuss the art and industry of film.

Attending the Nouveau Monde Film Festival is an enriching experience for film lovers and those interested in discovering new voices in the film industry in a city that celebrates the artistic avant-garde in all its forms. You'll also get a taste of Montreal's nightlife and party spirit.

The Harvest Festival is an annual event held throughout the month of October at Montreal's Jean-Talon Market. This ongoing event celebrates the fall harvest season and the abundance of fresh, local produce found at the market at this time of year.

During the festival, the market comes alive with a variety of themed activities and events. Local farmers and producers showcase their best produce, from fruit and vegetables to cheeses, breads and wines. It's a perfect opportunity to taste and buy fresh, high quality produce directly from the farmers.

In addition to the food, the festival also offers live entertainment, such as music, folk dancing and culinary demonstrations. Enjoy the festive atmosphere while exploring the market stalls, discovering new flavours and learning about Quebec's culinary culture. The market is located just outside the city centre, so you can access it by public transport or Montreal's tourist buses.

During the festival, there are also workshops and talks on sustainable agriculture, growing techniques and seasonal recipes. It's an ideal opportunity to learn about local agriculture and discover new ways to enjoy the region's signature products.

Attending the Montreal Symphony Orchestra concerts in October is an extraordinary musical experience. This renowned orchestra, led by outstanding conductors and composed of talented musicians, offers a diverse and exciting programme during this month, which marks the opening of the season and gains prominence as one of the best cultural activities after the summer is over.

In October, the orchestra presents a series of concerts at Maison Symphonique. Classical music lovers have the opportunity to enjoy masterful performances of masterpieces by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky.

In addition to classical concerts, the orchestra also offers themed programmes, collaborations with leading soloists and premieres of new compositions. Each concert is curated to captivate audiences and provide a memorable musical experience.

Attending the Montreal Symphony Orchestra 's concerts in October is not only an opportunity to enjoy high quality music, but also to immerse yourself in the excitement and beauty of live performance. This experience will transport you through the different emotions and expressions of classical music.

If you want to take part in one of Canada's most eclectic events, you can't miss the Ghost Festival, which is held in October to coincide with the Halloween season. This festival offers an experience that combines mystery, thrills and fun for all ages.

This event consists of a series of activities and attractions related to the world of terror and the supernatural. From haunted houses to light and sound shows, the festival transports visitors to an atmosphere of fantasy and suspense and is one of the best things to do in Montreal with children.

One of the main attractions of the Festival du Phantom are the haunted houses, where brave visitors can enter a world of scares and surprises. These houses are carefully designed to provide a spooky and immersive experience that will send shivers down your spine.

In addition to the haunted houses, the festival also features light and sound shows, theatrical performances and horror film screenings. Visitors can enjoy live performances, art installations and themed exhibits that immerse attendees in an atmosphere of fantasy and horror.

Exploring autumn in Montreal's Westmount Park in October is an enchanting experience that combines the beauty of nature with the excitement of outdoor concerts. This urban park offers an oasis of tranquillity in the middle of the bustling city, and in autumn it is dressed in the vibrant colours of fallen leaves.

As you stroll through the trails of Westmount Park, you can enjoy the spectacular palette of colours offered by the fall foliage. The trees create a picturesque and romantic landscape, and it is the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll to enjoy the fresh air while admiring the beauty of nature at this time of year.

In addition to the wonderful autumn atmosphere, Westmount Park is also known for hosting open-air concerts. During this time of year, various musical events are organised that attract local and international artists, making it one of the best things to do in Montreal at night.

The park also offers a variety of recreational areas, including tennis courts, football fields and children's playgrounds. There are also trails for walking and exercise, as well as open spaces to enjoy a picnic or just relax in the middle of nature.

The Black and Blue Festival isone of the most prominent events held in Montreal in October. Combining electronic music, art and LGBTQ+ culture, the event attracts thousands of people from around the world and transforms the city into a multi-day epicentre of partying and fun.

The festival is characterised by vibrant themed parties held in different venues across the city. From nightclubs to outdoor spaces, attendees can enjoy live performances by international DJs and dance until the early hours of the morning.

Aside from music, the festival also features art exhibitions, film screenings and lectures exploring LGBTQ+ issues. It is an opportunity to enjoy an inclusive atmosphere and celebrate the diversity of Montreal, which is considered one of the most progressive cities in the world.

In addition, one of the festival's most prominent features is its commitment to charitable causes. Funds raised during the event go to organisations fighting HIV/AIDS. If you plan to visit Montreal in August, you can also attend the Pride month events.

Montreal Garden Lights is an event that takes place in October in the city. During this period, various gardens and parks in Montreal are illuminated with an impressive display of lights, creating an enchanting and festive atmosphere. Visitors have the opportunity to stroll along the illuminated paths and marvel at the beautiful light sculptures and art installations.

This event features a combination of lights and natural elements, highlighting the beauty of the gardens even during the darkest autumn nights. The vibrant colours and creative shapes of the lights create a fascinating visual spectacle and provide a unique experience for residents and visitors alike. In addition, you can also tour the site on bicycle tours.

In addition to the light displays, it is common to find complementary activities such as live music, projection shows and special events for children, which are only matched by Montreal's Christmas and holiday celebrations.

You'll also find food and drink stalls where you can enjoy a variety of dining options while exploring the illuminated gardens.

Halloween celebrations are a magical and exciting time for residents and visitors to the city. During the month of October, Montreal is transformed into a scene full of mystery and fun, offering a wide range of themed events and activities.

One of the main attractions of Halloween celebrations in Montreal are the haunted houses. These specially designed spaces immerse you in a spooky atmosphere full of scares and surprises. Whether you prefer a spooky atmosphere or a more family-friendly one, there is something for everyone, from scary haunted houses to themed experiences tailored for children.

In addition to haunted houses, the city hosts numerous events and costume parties where creativity and fun are unleashed. From costume parades to parties in bars and nightclubs, there are endless opportunities to dress up in your spookiest attire and enjoy the festive atmosphere. You can also take part in ghost tours, which are among the best tours in Montreal.

In addition, during Halloween, theme parks and zoos organise special events with fun activities such as pumpkin workshops, haunted carriage rides and themed shows.

In October, temperatures in Montreal begin to cool significantly as autumn sets in. During this month, the weather is cool and variable, with average temperatures ranging from 5° to 15°.

As the month progresses, it is common for temperatures to gradually drop, especially towards the end of October. Mornings and evenings can be particularly cool, with temperatures that can hover around 0°. I advise you to be prepared and always carry coats suitable for the temperature changes, which in some cases can resemble those of winter in Montreal.

Also keep in mind that, in terms of weather, October can be unpredictable. It can be sunny and mild, but you may also experience rain and cool winds.

In October, the city experiences a significant tourist influx as many tourists take advantage of the autumn season to visit Canada and enjoy its unique charm, although you won't find the crowds that Montreal does in summer.

In addition, the autumnal landscapes create a picturesque and inviting atmosphere for visitors and the city's parks and gardens, such as Mount Royal Park and the Botanical Gardens, become popular destinations for those who wish to admire and capture the beauty of the season.

October marks the beginning of several events and festivals in Montreal, which further increases the influx of tourists. Film festivals, music events, food celebrations and art exhibitions attract visitors from far and wide with their diverse cultural offerings.

In October, prices in Montreal can vary depending on the season and tourist demand. In general, it is possible to find more affordable prices compared to the summer months, when the city is in full tourist swing.

For accommodation, you can find cheaper hotel and lodging rates in October, especially if you avoid public holidays and special events. In addition, some establishments may offer promotions and discounts to attract visitors during this off-peak season.

For food and activities, prices in Montreal restaurants and bars tend to remain stable during October. However, some places may offer special menus or promotions related to the season or specific holidays.

October kicks off the coldest months of the year in Montreal, and while it's not quite winter temperatures, you'll want to pack warm. Here's a list of what to pack:

• Warm jacket
• Waterproof boots
• Thermal socks
• Waterproof gloves
• Woollen hat
• Woollen scarves
• Sunglasses
• Woollen jumpers
• Warm trousers
• Lightweight T-shirt