1. The Laurentian Mountains
Photo, Sepaq / Jean-Pierre Huard.
2. Algonquin Park
Photo, Andrea Coulter for Ontario Parks.
Algonquin Park boasts fall colour options galore. Whether you simply drive through the east side of the park (best in mid-October for yellow-orange leaves) or take a hike through Booth’s Rock Trail, you’ll see a stunning landscape. Go in late September or early October to see red, yellow and orange leaves together, or in mid-to-late October to see the Tamarack trees’ needles turn yellow. Keep tabs on the Ontario Parks fall colour tracker so you don’t accidentally miss the view.
3. Confederation Trail
Photo, ©Tourism PEI / Sander Meurs.
The Confederation Trail stretches all the way across Prince Edward Island and boasts a spectacular view of autumn leaves. You can take in the view by foot or on a bike, as the trail is a shared-use space. While you’re in P.E.I., complement the tip-to-tip trail with the annual
Fall Flavours Festival, which will also “take you across the Island” for a fabulous food experience.
4. The Butchart Gardens
Photo, The Butchart Gardens.
British Columbia’s Butchart Gardens in Victoria are famous for their beautiful flora, and fall is as perfect a time to visit as any. Make the visit between September 15 and November 30 to admire the deep red of the Japanese Garden’s 74 Japanese maples, the Sunken Garden in fall, or take advantage of the quieter season to book a greenhouse tour with a staff gardener.
5. The Rocky Mountains
Photo, Parks Canada.
Hike up the Larch Valley trail in Alberta’s Banff National Park around the last week of September to view the larches at their peak colour. However, beware, as this iconic spot gets so crowded that Parks Canada strongly suggests alternative trails on their site for viewing the golden larches. You could also try the British Columbia side of the mountains and head somewhere like Yoho National Park. Depending on which trail you choose, the more adventurous can make the trek on horseback.
6. Cape Breton Island
Photo, © Parks Canada / Dale Wilson.
Take a visit to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and drive along Cabot Trail or hike Franey Trail in Cape Breton Highlands Park. Go in early October for vibrant red leaves, or wait until later in the month, as yellows and oranges add to the mix. If you happen to visit on Thanksgiving weekend, be sure to hit up the Celtic Colours International Festival for the perfect musical backdrop to your nature viewing.
7. Thousand Islands National Park
Photo, Parks Canada.
8. Niagara Parkway Ontario
Photo, Niagara Falls Tourism/Christine Hess.
