Can you book hotels last-minute in Quebec in late September - early October?
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Original post
DO
Hi there, I’m planning a road trip to Quebec in late September/early October. Since I’m over 75, it’s impossible to rent a camper van. So, the option left is a car plus hotels. I’m used to traveling freely—I sketch out a rough route and stop wherever and whenever I feel like it. Is it possible during this period to travel without booking hotels/motels or B&Bs in advance, knowing I’ll only need a double room? Thanks for your replies.
LE Lescaribous Globetrotter ·
Hi, You’ll be traveling outside the summer season, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding last-minute rooms. The tourist high season ends on Labor Day (Monday, September 7), so some places might be closed by late September. Just so you know, Monday, October 12 is a public holiday here, so that weekend might see a bit more demand for hotel rooms! Have a great trip!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
DO Docanfr ·
Thanks Caribou for the quick reply. It confirms what I suspected, and as usual, I’ll be heading off with no fixed plans. I’ve been dreaming for years of seeing Quebec’s "Indian summer," and I’m planning a seaplane tour to reach a remote lodge. Travel is all about living your dreams...
LE Lescaribous Globetrotter ·
Hi there, Going with the flow is such a great way to travel and discover! And in Quebec, it’s totally doable (which isn’t always the case everywhere!) For fall colors, you should be right in the middle of it—this map might help when the time comes: Where to see fall colors in Quebec? | Bonjour Québec Just to clarify, "Indian summer" colors only exist in Joe Dassin’s song! Because Indian summer is a weather phenomenon that doesn’t always happen, while fall colors are a biological process that occurs every year. Basically, people sometimes mix the two up! For the seaplane tour, I can give you a few addresses. Anyway, don’t hesitate to come back here as your plans take shape! Until then, take care!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
DO Docanfr ·
Thanks Les Caribous. I’ll circle back to validate my plan and get an idea for the seaplane drop-off at an outfitter. The Laurentians-Gaspésie route is still taking shape... But I’ve kept the idea of starting in Gaspésie for now. We’ll see. Thanks again for your help. Have a great weekend. Olivier
LE Lescaribous Globetrotter ·
Hey, Seems to me (but I'm not sure) that seaplane flights to outfitter lodges are for the lodges' clients (so hunters or fishermen). The flights I know of are more like scenic loop flights from a 'seaplane base'! How long are you planning to stay?
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
DO Docanfr ·
Thanks for your reply. Since I’m not coming for fishing or hunting, I’ll go for a simple scenic flight to admire the fall colors. I’ll have to see whether it’s better to leave from Quebec City or La Tuque. I’m planning a trip of about two weeks. I’ll refine my route, but roughly, it’ll be a figure-eight starting from Montreal, covering the Laurentians and Gaspésie. Once the itinerary is finalized, I’ll run it by you for feedback. It’s really kind of you to share your expertise to help finalize a trip that’s sure to be a dream. Thanks.
LE Lescaribous Globetrotter ·
Hi, For scenic flights, here’s a spot (I haven’t tried it myself, but friends who’ve been there were totally satisfied): Scenic seaplane flights in Quebec | Hydravion Aventure Fun fact: Alain Priem is *kind of a big deal*—he’s been featured in several *Échappées Belle* episodes about Quebec! 😛 Happy to help you finalize your plans to visit our beautiful country! Don’t forget to check out the trip reports (there are tons)—they’ll be super helpful!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
VI VibeBoréale ·
Hi there,

Just a quick heads-up: if you're planning to visit the Charlevoix region, you might have trouble finding accommodation if you haven't booked in advance. It's the fall foliage season, and it gets pretty busy from mid-September through Thanksgiving (October 12 for 2026).
DO Docanfr ·
Thanks Vibeboréale, I’ll follow your advice. I wasn’t aware of the festivities at that time. Thanks for the info. Best regards.

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