Quebec’s forests transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds each fall, creating the perfect backdrop for wildlife watching. As temperatures drop and leaves crunch underfoot, many animals become more active, preparing for winter or taking advantage of the season’s bounty. Whether you’re hiking through the Laurentians or exploring the Eastern Townships, keep your eyes peeled for these incredible creatures.
Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and never approach or feed wild animals. Respect their habitat and follow local guidelines for wildlife viewing.
1. White-Tailed Deer
Graceful and alert, white-tailed deer roam Quebec’s forests in search of acorns, berries, and tender vegetation during autumn months. Their reddish-brown summer coats gradually shift to grayish-brown as winter approaches.
Watch for their distinctive white tail, which they flash upward when startled. Dawn and dusk offer your best chances for sightings, when these herbivores venture into clearings and forest edges to feed before the snow arrives.
2. Moose
Standing up to two meters tall at the shoulder, moose are impossible to miss when you encounter one. These massive herbivores love munching on aquatic plants near lakes and wetlands throughout Quebec’s wilderness areas.
Fall marks their mating season, making bulls particularly active and vocal. Listen for their distinctive grunting calls echoing through the forest, but remember to keep a respectful distance from these unpredictable giants.
3. Black Bear
With winter approaching, black bears enter a phase called hyperphagia, consuming up to 20,000 calories daily to build fat reserves. You might spot them feasting on berries, nuts, and insects throughout Quebec’s forested regions.
Despite their name, these bears range from black to cinnamon brown in color. They’re generally shy and will avoid humans, but always make noise while hiking to prevent surprising them on the trail.
4. Red Fox
Sporting a brilliant russet coat and bushy tail tipped in white, red foxes become especially active during fall hunting hours. These clever predators patrol forest edges and meadows, pouncing on mice, voles, and other small prey with remarkable precision.
Their thick winter coat begins growing in autumn, making them appear fuller and more luxurious. Listen for their sharp barking calls at twilight as they communicate across their territories.
5. Snowshoe Hare
Nature’s quick-change artist, the snowshoe hare undergoes a remarkable transformation each autumn. Its brown summer fur gradually turns white in preparation for winter camouflage, creating a patchy appearance during fall months that makes spotting them particularly interesting.
Their oversized hind feet act like natural snowshoes, though they’re equally useful for swift escapes through underbrush. Look for them near dense vegetation at dawn or dusk when they emerge to feed.
6. Ruffed Grouse
This chicken-sized bird creates one of the forest’s most distinctive sounds: a deep drumming produced by rapidly beating its wings. Ruffed grouse blend remarkably well among fallen leaves and forest debris, their mottled brown plumage providing excellent camouflage.
They feast on buds, berries, and seeds during autumn, often perching in trees to reach their food. When startled, they explode into flight with a thunderous whirring that can make even experienced hikers jump.
7. Canada Jay
Friendly and curious, Canada jays often approach campsites and hiking trails, earning them the nickname whiskey jack from Indigenous peoples. Their fluffy gray plumage and fearless personality make them delightful forest companions throughout Quebec’s woodlands.
These intelligent birds cache thousands of food items during fall, storing them with sticky saliva to prepare for harsh winters. Watch them darting between trees, their soft calls adding charm to autumn forest walks.
8. Canada Lynx
Elusive and magnificent, the Canada lynx prowls Quebec’s northern forests on oversized paws that work like natural snowshoes. Their silvery gray coat thickens considerably during autumn, and distinctive black ear tufts give them an almost mythical appearance.
Spotting one requires exceptional luck, as these solitary cats are masters of stealth. They primarily hunt snowshoe hares, and their populations often rise and fall with their prey’s numbers across the boreal landscape.
