Fall in Ontario is magical! The crisp air might try to convince you to stay inside, but with all that fall splendor around, you won’t give in for sure. You’ll find no summer crowds, great deals, and all the fall foliage you want! Why aren’t you already packing? Ontario is waiting with some of the most beautiful fall destinations in the world, especially if you’re visiting from mid-September to late October.
Algonquin Park
There are no less than 25 species of trees in the magnificent Algonquin Park, Canada’s oldest park, and all of them are changing colors when fall visits. Imagine the splendor! From the iconic red maple leaves to the flaming oranges that create superb contrasts with the evergreen leaves, this is the destination to visit if you want to experience what fall is all about in Canada. The west side of the park is home to the orange and red hues due to the presence of the majestic Sugar Maple Trees while offering lovely views of the park. If you prefer to drive, you won’t miss all this splendor if you follow the Highway 60 Corridor that will take you along a section of the west side of the park. While September is reserved for the spectacle of the Sugar and Red Maples, come October, the Red Oaks, Aspens, and Tamaracks take center stage and put on one of the most glorious fall performances you have ever witnessed.
The Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail may be no walk in the park, but this 890-kilometer hike sure has some fall stories to tell. For the perfect contrasts, visit Georgian Bay, where the turquoise water resonates beautifully on a background of red, orange, and yellow leaves. The hike will take you through Southern and Central Ontario. For the best views, we recommend stopping at Tobermory and Lion’s Head along the Bruce Peninsula. The crowds are smaller here, and you’ll get to admire beautiful views from the 65-foot Observation Tower in the Bruce Peninsula National Park. If you’re up for an adventure, hike to the Devil’s Monument Loop, a less-known hiking trail that will reward your courage with lovely views.
Muskoka
It’s enough to see one photo from Muskoka to want to move there and hope for a long fall every year. Muskoka is the magical land of cottages and scenic fall drives. A road trip to Muskoka guarantees a front seat to the epic spectacle of the Canadian fall. Don’t stick to the main roads. Find your spirit of adventure and take to the back roads. You’ll discover superb views, especially if you choose to take the Highway 400 or the Highway 60 Corridor. Want to spend more time in Muskoka? Rent a cottage and let nature be your only guide. There are more than one thousand lakes in the area, so there’s no shortage of waterfront homes for sure.
Niagara River
There’s no talking about Ontario without mentioning the Niagara River. A spectacular region no matter the season, the towns of Niagara-on-the-lake and Niagara Falls await on the shoreline and are even more beautiful when fall arrives. Niagara-on-the-lake is an ideal destination for travelers who prefer sleepy towns and local vibes. The town resides in the province’s wine country, so you can only imagine the abundance of colors that awaits in the vineyards and orchards adorning the region. This is the perfect place to enjoy the fall colors with a glass of wine in your hand. Niagara Falls, on the other hand, is more crowded and flashy. Tourists know and love the city and have plenty of options to spot the fall colors. Whether they put on their boots and head for a hike or book a helicopter ride, fall’s splendor awaits at every corner. Choose to ride the Niagara Skywheel if you want to admire the foliage from 175 feet above or dine at the Skylon Tower for a meal with a view. Follow the road that starts at Fort Erie, crosses the Niagara Peninsula, and passes Niagara Fall’s rapids, for memorable views and breathtaking fall foliage.
Agawa Canyon
Hop aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and explore the magnificent Agawa Canyon and Algoma Country. The train ride begins in Sault Ste Marie and ends at the canyon. Created 1.2 billion years ago, the Agawa Canyon encapsulates the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Forest Region and the Boreal Forest. Since the latter is the largest forest region in all Canada and St. Lawrence comes close on the second position, there’s no wonder fall has a blast around these parts splashing hues of orange, yellow, and red everywhere you look. To get to the Agawa Canyon Wildlife Park, you either book a train ticker or tie up your laces and hike there. Once you’re at the destination, you’ll get to admire breathtaking views of colorful leaves, as well as waterfalls and plenty of wildlife.
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