Autumn is just around the corner… and that means it’s the perfect time to plan a trip to (and in) Ontario! Of course, any time of year is a great time to visit, but cooler temperatures and shorter days bring a special don’t-miss to any road trip: those gorgeous Ontario fall colours.
Ontario Parks makes it easy to time your trip with its Fall Colour Report. Then there’s the many fall festivals held across the province, featuring fresh seasonal produce, entertainment and delicious eats. Read on to learn where to see leaves in Ontario and which stops to add to your itinerary.
Algonquin Provincial Park
With 7,630 (mostly tree-covered) square kilometres to explore, Algonquin Provincial Park is a fall foliage destination. This gorgeous park, about 250 km north of Toronto and 260 km west of Ottawa.
There are plenty of camping sites if you’re driving your RV, or you can book a cabin or a room in the lodge or resort. Either way, time your visit from mid-September to mid-October to take in spectacular Ontario fall colours. That’s when the sugar maples and red maples turn, followed by the aspens, tamaracks and red oaks.
For even more fall fun, explore one of the many fall fairs in the region. Local agricultural societies have long held fairs at this time of year to showcase produce and livestock, hold rodeos, and more.
Awenda Park
Nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay, Awenda Park boasts 2,900 hectares to explore, much of it covered with deciduous forest. Here, you’ll find 31 km of trails, a lake perfect for canoeing, private campsites for RV or car camping, and an abundance of stunning fall colour.
About 167 km north of Toronto, Awenda Park is an ideal destination for those who love both ocean and foliage views. Get your cameras ready to snap clear water on one side, and the orange, red and yellow leaves on the other.
While you’re on your way to Awenda Park, attend one of the many fun fall events in Barrie. From Halloween “Trunk and Treating” to the fall festival at Chappell Farms, the area comes alive in autumn.
Frontenac County
About 150 km southwest of Ottawa, Frontenac County is the perfect place to spend a leisurely weekend peeping Ontario fall colours. Start in Gananoque, a popular destination on the St Lawrence River and an easy jumping-off point to the Thousand Islands.
For amazing multi-colored leaves, explore the area’s parks; Frontenac Provincial Park offers 5,355 hectares of canoeing, hiking and backpacking, as well as leaf-peeping lovely orange and yellow foliage. Visit in September through October for the best colour.
If you’re in Frontenac County on the first October Saturday after Thanksgiving weekend, you won’t want to miss the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest. Here, you’ll find some of the biggest pumpkins around competing in a weigh-off, as well as parades and other local entertainment.
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain has much to offer, from astounding views of Georgian Bay to rolling hills covered with red, orange and golden trees. About 150 km north of Toronto, This popular destination also offers the province’s longest zip line and a lovely suspension bridge.
But as for getting up close to Ontario fall colours, it’s hard to beat the forest coaster. The Ridge Runner runs through the forest along 1km of track; as the driver, you can choose to glide along or speed up to 42 km per hour.
While you’re in town, enjoy the Blue Mountains Apple Harvest Festival. Running from October 9 to 11, this Ontario fall festival celebrates all things autumn. Dance to live music, enter an apple pie eating contest, enjoy a cider tasting, and walk the Agoura Path of Light.
Fall is the perfect time to hit the road for a scenic drive. These gorgeous destinations offer stunning fall colour and fun fall festivals to explore along the way. Which Ontario fall festival will you visit first as you ‘fall’ in love with Fall in Ontario?