+15 Fantastic Ontario Fall Hikes that are Dreamy
It’s that magical time of year when the forest puts on a show! It’s fall in Ontario which is the perfect time to get outside and explore some new hiking trails. As an avid hiker, I’ve rounded up the best Ontario fall hikes to add to your fall bucket list!
Hiking in the fall is my favourite time of year to hit the trails in Ontario. There are no bugs, the temperature is comfortable and the stunning fall colours make it magical! Every year I’m on the hunt to find new fall hiking trails that stand out.
So, if you’re looking for where the best fall hikes in Ontario are, I’ve got you covered. Below are my favourite trails in Ontario to hike in the fall.
When is the best time to see fall colours in Ontario?
While weather can be unpredictable here in Canada, the fall season is technically from September 22 through to December 21. But you can see the leaves start to change as early as August in Northern Ontario.
If you’re looking for the best time to see fall colours in Ontario you can check out the Ontario Parks fall colours report here. I usually find the best time to hike in Ontario in autumn for the peak colour change is from late September to mid-October. And the further north you go the sooner it will happen.
The Best Ontario Fall Hikes
Trans Canada Trail
One of the top places to hike this fall is the Trans Canada Trail! What makes the trail so great? The Trans Canada Trail crosses Canada from coast to coast to coast. It connects 15,000 communities and spans 24,000 km. But don’t worry, I don’t expect you to hike the whole trail this fall .
The Trans Canada Trail is a great place to start hiking this fall as 4 out of 5 Canadians live within thirty minutes of it. I have a stretch, the Thornton to Cookstown section, that’s a 15 minute drive from my house. And it’s one of my favourite places to hike for Thanksgiving.
You can check out their map and find the section closest to you here. Depending on the portion you hike, you’ll find everything from epic views to charming trails winding through forests ablaze.
Are you looking for dreamy places to stay? Check out these Dreamy Ontario Airbnbs that will pair perfectly with a fall hiking weekend getaway.
Silver Creek Conservation Area
One of the best fall hikes near Toronto is at Silver Creek Conservation Area. Located in Halton Hills, Silver Creek Conservation Area is an hour’s drive west of Toronto. Covering over 1,000 acres with six different trails to choose from, one of which is a section of the Bruce Trail.
Silver Creek Conservation Area is home to an array of habitats, from mature woodland to winding creeks, and boardwalks to hilly trails leading you through towering trees. There’s even a couple of little waterfalls! And if you’re looking for crowd-free hikes in Ontario, this is one of them.
Insider Tip: One thing to know before you go is that this park has no public facilities.
Are you looking for epic viewpoints for fall colours? Check out these 10 lookouts in Muskoka with the best views!
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
One of my favourite places to hike in Simcoe County is Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area. Located 20 minutes outside of Creemore, this 400 acre conservation area has so much to offer.
As the Niagara Escarpment runs through it, the park has the signs of it all around. There are crevices, canyons, and epic sweeping views. And it’s these incredible views that make the Bluffs one of my top Ontario fall hikes.
Nottawasaga Bluffs is home to a few different trails, the Bruce Trail, Ian Lang Trail, and Betty Carter Side Trail. Be sure to check out the Keyhole Side Trail, it is a short loop trail that will take you through an epic canyon!
I highly recommend taking a good look at the park map or make sure you have a solid trail app on your phone because it can get a little confusing in there, especially if it’s your first time.
Two things to know before you go is that there is a small fee to park and the parking lot is small. If it’s full try another park.
Lions Head Provincial Park
Hiking Lions Head has been one of my favourite places to hike in Ontario for epic views, for years now. But sadly, it’s now become overrun with new hikers. But if you can squeeze in a mid-week hike to avoid the crowds then I highly recommend heading up for one of the Bruce Peninsula’s top hikes.
This over 1200 acre nature reserve is a beautiful spot to hike in the fall, especially when you get to one of the viewpoints and see stretches of crystal blue waters of Georgian Bay alongside brilliant pops of colour. The main hiking trail through Lions Head is the Bruce Trail but don’t forget to check out the potholes (cool geological formations) along the Pothole side trail.
A few things to know before you go is this is a non-operational park, meaning no bathrooms, and the McCurdy Drive parking lot is now a paid parking lot.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park
One of the best free fall hikes in Ontario is at Hardy Lake Provincial Park. This Muskoka park is free to visit and has a small free parking lot that’s off of Highway 169.
Hardy Lake Provincial Park covers 2000 acres and has a lake at its centre. It’s home to three hiking trails, with the Hardy Lake Loop Trail being the longest at 8 km.
In my opinion, the Hardy Lake Loop Trail is the best fall hike because of its diverse scenery. The trail loops around the lake and features mossy forests, a range of trees, and lake views from a rocky shoreline.
The big draw is all of the awesome boardwalks that take you over water. Each more scenic then the last. But beyond the boardwalks, the rest of the trail is very rugged and full of roots and slopes. So, proper footwear is key.
I’ve always had good conditions when hiking Hardy Lake but know many who have hurt their ankles along the trail.
On average the trail takes between 2 to 3 hours. I always take my time and take a lot of photos, so it generally takes me just over 3 hours to hike.
Scout Valley
My favourite place to fall hike near me is at Scout Valley. This park is one of the many hidden gem hikes in Simcoe County.
Scout Valley is located in Orillia, with access points to the park on Old Barrie Road, Line 15 North and Forest Home Park. I always park at the small parking lot off of Old Barrie Road, just west of the highway.
The park is home to three trails; Sugarbush Trail, Algonquin Trail and Homestead Trail. Each are around 2 km and marked with a different colour.
Because of the hardwood forests throughout the park, Scout Valley in the fall is magical with all the colours. I highly recommend the Homestead Trail in the fall.
Ragged Falls
There’s something about chasing waterfalls in the fall that makes them that much more enchanting! And one of my favourite Ontario fall hikes will take you to Ragged Falls, one of the best places to hike in Muskoka.
The waterfall is situated in Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls Provincial Park, which is located just outside Algonquin Park. This over 1200 acre park is full of densely forested trails, a stunning river that in the autumn reflects the fall colours, and a thundering waterfall.
If you’re looking for alternatives to Algonquin Park in the fall then Ragged Falls is a great choice. It’s also a short hike, which makes it great to add to a day full of fall hiking in Ontario!
Related Post: 7 Ways to Experience Fall in Muskoka
Elora Gorge
If you only visit one charming small town in Ontario this fall then I suggest it be Elora! Not only is the adorable little town full of colourful places itself but its home to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area.
A hike through the Elora Gorge Conservation Area in the fall will wow you with its brilliant fall colours. Take the Elora Gorge Trail through the park and catch sight of the over 70 foot cliffs that line the gorge. Hiking the Elora Gorge in the fall should be on everyone’s fall hiking bucket list.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
One of the best parks in Ontario, in my opinion, is Lake Superior Provincial Park. Covering nearly 400,000 acres, Lake Superior Park is full of incredible natural wonders, as well as historical and culturally significant ones.
Lake Superior Provincial Park has everything from waterfalls to sheer cliffs. But what you’re looking for are the fall views! And there are plenty to be had. So, if you’re planning a northern Ontario road trip make sure to stop here.
While any wander into the park and along any trail in the autumn you’ll catch sight of those fabulous fall colours – if you get there in time! But a couple of great trails in Lake Superior Provincial Park that are great in the fall are the Nokomis Trail, Pinguisibi Trail, and if you’re looking for a long one, try the Coastal Trail.
But the best one for day hikers is the Nokomis Trail. At 5 km long, it takes you up to an epic lookout over Old Woman Bay and views that stretch over the forests below.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin is Ontario’s oldest and largest park. Plus, it’s one of the most popular, as it’s great for hiking, canoeing, camping, and more.
In the fall, Algonquin is packed with visitors on weekends looking to experience some of the best fall colours in Ontario. I do recommend visiting, but try and visiting during the week or when the fall colours aren’t at their peak.
With over a dozen hiking trails, it can be overwhelming to decide where to hike in Algonquin this fall. Well, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the top Algonquin Park trails with awesome views of all those amazing fall colours, try the Fire Tower Trail, Barron Canyon Trail, Scorch Lake Lookout Trail, Lookout Trail, or the Hardwood Lookout Trail.
Related Post: Best Hikes in Ontario with Awesome Views
BONUS Alternative to Algonquin – Barnum Creek Nature Reserve
The Haliburton Highlands are a great alternative to Muskoka and Algonquin Park. You’ll get all the stunning scenery and fall colour hikes, but without the crowds!
One of my favourite fall hikes in Ontario is a hidden gem! The Heritage Hike trail in Barnum Creek Nature Reserve puts on a show with stunning fall foliage along the trail, both under foot and in the trees.
Barnum Creek Nature Reserve covers 600 acres and is one of the best places in the Haliburton Highlands to go hiking. The nature reserve features three unique hiking trails. I suggest checking out the trail map before you go.
Heritage Hike is a roughly 5 km long trail that takes you through the varying landscapes of the park. You can easily add the other two trails to the Heritage Hike loop, as they are both short. The other two trails include the Ridge Trail and Waterfall Way. Both are around 1 km.
One thing to note is that the road leading up to the trailhead parking lot is rough. My friend has a 4-wheel drive car that was ideal for it, but I wouldn’t take a small car up it. There’s a small parking lot below and you can hike up to the trailhead.
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a unique way to experience this park, I highly recommend taking a guided hike with Yours Outdoors. Our awesome guide shared so many interesting details about the park, plants and the landscape that I wouldn’t have known or noticed otherwise.
Dundas Peak
Another popular Ontario fall hike is to Dundas Peak. There’s a reason Dundas Peak is one of the most popular places to see the fall colours in Ontario. It’s less than an hour drive from Toronto, there are multiple waterfalls, the trails are easy, and the views are crazy nice considering you’re in the city! Dundas Peak is located within Hamilton’s Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. And if you’re looking for an easy fall hike in Ontario that’s close to the city but still provides a stellar view, then hike to Dundas Peak.
Related Post: Best Places to See Fall Colours in Toronto
Killarney Provincial Park
One of my favourite Group of Seven locations in Ontario is Killarney Provincial Park. With its wind swept pines, over 50 lakes, and forest trails, Killarney is a must addition to any Ontario fall hiking bucket list!
The top trail in the park is The Crack and will reward you with out of this world views. However, it’s a strenuous 7 km hike. I have a great alternative trail recommendation that’s shorter and is equally as stunning in its views.
If you’re looking for a shorter trail in Killarney to hike this fall then try Granite Ridge Trail. At 2 km long it will give you multiple viewpoints. One view is over Georgian Bay and the other, similar to that of The Crack, is of the La Cloche Mountains.
Related Post: Top 10 Hiking Tips
Other Great Places for Fall Hikes in Ontario
Scenic Caves
Whether you’re looking for a full day of outdoor fun or hiking trails with epic fall colour views then head to Blue Mountain and check out Scenic Caves.
Along with the scenic caves there are hiking trails, ziplining, and an awesome suspension bridge. The bridge is 420 feet in length and sits 82 feet above the forest below. Here is one of the best places to see the fall colours in the south Georgian Bay area.
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
One of the best fall hikes in southern Ontario is at Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. Set in the Niagara gorge you’ll find 4 kms of hiking trails through rugged terrain and Carolinian forest that will put on a flawless fall display. You can find their trail map here.
Awenda Provincial Park
Another great place to hike in fall in Ontario can be found just outside Midland. That place is Awenda Provincial Park.
Set along the shores of Georgian Bay, Awenda has a host of fabulous fall hiking trails. One I recommend is the Bluff Trail. This 13 km trail is literally the park’s amazing beach rising up nearly 200 feet to form the Nipissing Bluff, and a great spot to view the fall colours.
Restoule Provincial Park
If you’re looking for one of the top Ontario fall hikes in Northern Ontario then head to Restoule Provincial Park. While I’ve never been, I’ve seen photos of the sweeping views over water and forest that prove it’s a must-visit this fall.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Another incredible park in Ontario is Arrowhead Provincial Park. Hiking in the park is one of the top things to do in Huntsville!
Arrowhead Provincial Park is full of amazing trails, like the Mayflower Trail and Stubb’s Falls Trail. I love leaf peeping here. And one of the best parts is that there’s an easy access lookout, Big Bend that offers epic views over the fall foliage.
Plan your Ontario fall hiking adventure today and make sure you have all the must-have hiking essentials!
Where is your favourite place to hike in Ontario in the fall?
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