Top Locations to View Autumn Foliage in Ontario
Autumn is a magical time in Ontario, as the leaves turn from green to red and orange.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park offers many viewing spots for those looking to see the autumn colours. Visitors can drive along the Highway 60 corridor or explore nature up close with the trails and day use areas. It’s important to remember to buy a permit to visit the park, and it’s recommended to book in advance. The park website says weekends can be “extremely busy” and Thanksgiving is especially popular. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting Monday to Thursday or as early as possible on the weekends. There is also a campground in the area for those who want an overnight experience. Algonquin is about 3 hours north of Toronto.
Mikisew Provincial Park
The forested region in Mikisew Provincial Park offers a chance to explore the area and marvel at the changing colours in the trees. Whether you wander the Beaver Meadow and Maple Canyon trails or stop for a game of disc golf, you’ll be surrounded by the season. The park also has two campgrounds for a longer stay. It’s located just west of Algonquin, a drive of about 3 hours and 20 minutes from the GTA.
Restoule Provincial Park
The entire Restoule Provincial Park
View on Manitoulin island during fall from the cliffs of Cup and Saucer trail. Shutterstock/Pernelle Voyage A 30-metre high observation tower, the Tower Hill Lookout & Heritage Garden in Parry Sound, offers 360-degree views of the Georgian Bay. It’s an ideal spot to see seasonal colours. Travel up the 130 steps to enjoy amazing sights, including boats, float planes, and barges in the water and the Canadian Pacific Railway trestle bridge. Below the lookout is a garden and museum to find out more about the local history. A unique lookout spot to see the fall colours in northeastern Ontario is the Sky Rock lookout on Foley Mountain. The granite ridge looks out over the Upper Rideau Waterway. It is home to hiking trails, picnic areas, an interpretive centre, and a discovery centre. Visitors to Pigeon River Provincial Park will enjoy a view of the orange and red leaves against a 28-metre high waterfall. The spot in northwest Ontario also offers views of Lake Superior and the U.S. shoreline. It has hiking and walking trails to the falls and river gorge. Metal art sculptures dot the area, sharing the history of the land, with evidence of human activity dating to 7000 BC. For those looking to get the best fall color viewing experience, here are some tips. Visit the Fall Colour Report to find out where the best viewing spots in Ontario are at any given time. Some provincial spots are busier than others, especially on the weekends. If you’re looking for a quieter nature experience, consider a weekday trip. Remember when visiting provincial parks to put garbage where it belongs or take it with you. This ensures that everyone wanting to enjoy the changing season can have a clean experience. Visitors are advised to be prepared for some cooler weather during Ontario’s fall and to dress warmly. It’s also important to have the right footwear when visiting the parks as some of the hiking can be tricky. Some items you’ll want to remember to bring include water and some snacks, rain gear, your phone, and camera.
Tower Hill Lookout & Heritage Garden
Spy Rock Lookout
Pigeon River Provincial Park
Tips for Viewing Fall Colours
Plan Ahead
Pick Your Park
Keep it Clean
Dress for the Weather
Pack Smart
