+15 Fantastic Places to See Ontario Fall Colours
It’s that enchanted time of year again! When we don our scarves, cozy up to fires, and warm our insides with a pumpkin spiced latte or hot apple cider. And go on the hunt for Ontario fall colours!
Fall in Ontario is my favourite time of year to explore the back roads, small towns, and take in the incredible changing leaves of the season. Fall road trips always bring a smile to my face and fill me with joy and wonder. Every year from mid-September through November I set out to find the best places to see fall foliage in Ontario.
So, I’ve compiled a mighty guide that shares where to find fall colours in Ontario. In this guide you’ll find everything from parks to scenic roads with fall colour views. I go beyond the popular places like Algonquin Park with many off the beaten path places for leaf peeping in Ontario like Lanark County and Haliburton.
I’m sharing places from south to north, so there’s somewhere near you. Plus, many are a short drive from Toronto! So, let’s enjoy some fantastic fall colour viewing!
When is the Best Time for Fall Colours in Ontario?
Depending on where you’re travelling to will reflect when viewing fall leaves in Ontario is best. For most of central and southern Ontario peak fall colours take place from the middle of September through October.
In Northern Ontario, depending on the weather, you could start to see leaves changing from green to orange or red in late August. With so many factors come into play that there is no exact date on when the leaves will begin to change or be at their peak.
You can check various tourism or Ontario parks websites for their fall colour report for up to the minute information.
The Best Places to See Fall Colours in Ontario
One of the top fall activities is to take in the fall colour change! So, grab your keys, fill your mug, and get your camera ready for some of the best leaf-peeping in Ontario! Below are the top places to see the best fall colours in Ontario, from north to south!
Muskoka
If you only get to one place in Ontario to experience fall make it a Muskoka road trip. It’s been touted as one of the best places in Canada to see the fall colours. This is thanks to the many sugar maple trees that line its roads.
Muskoka is a whirlwind of crowds, cars, and commotion at peak season. However, don’t let that scare you off, there is a reason for the fall in Muskoka craze. With its rolling highways and forests stretching out for miles in every way you’ll find yourself in a sea of fantastical colours.
Plus, there are endless things to do in Muskoka in the fall! There’s the famous Bala Cranberry Festival and fall cruises that will not disappoint you.
A few great places in Muskoka to see the fall colours include; Huckleberry Rock Lookout, Lions Lookout in Huntsville, Arrowhead Provincial Park, and the Dorset Lookout Tower. Plus, you can take in fall viewing opportunities from the water with the plethora of canoe routes. Or, if waterfalls are you jam then visit Ragged Falls!
If you’re looking for a long and awesome fall hike then head to Hardy Lake Provincial Park! There’s free parking and a loop trail around the lake that will reward you with awesome views! It’s a classic Muskoka hike with views of the water from a rocky shoreline and towering trees all a blaze!
Two of my favourite fall drives in Muskoka are along Highway 35 where there are a few great places to pull over to snap photos and along Frank Miller Memorial road that runs between Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.
TIP: Try and avoid visiting on weekends during the peak season, unless you’re taking the backroads. Instead, head up during mid-week for far fewer crowds.
Are you looking for epic viewpoints for fall colours? Check out these 10 lookouts in Muskoka with the best views!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Another popular fall destination in Ontario is Algonquin Park. Whether you’re enjoying a camping stint in one of Canada’s top parks or just enjoy a day trip to take in a fall hike, Algonquin does not disappoint.
There’s a reason the Group of Seven artists loved visiting during fall and trying to capture the incredible show Algonquin’s foliage puts on.
Even the road taking many into Algonquin Park is enticing. Highway 60 that leads into the park is almost always busy during peak fall colours. This winding road with plenty of ups and downs and turns sucks you in with the fantastic fall foliage running along and stretching out from it.
Some top activities in Algonquin Park in the fall are camping, hiking, and canoeing. A few great trails with epic views to try are; Centennial Ridges, The Lookout Trail, and Hardwood Lookout.
If you’re planning to visit Algonquin Provincial Park to take in the autumn leaves be sure to check out their fall colour report before you go to check the state of the colour change.
Looking for more incredible places to hike in Ontario this fall?
Check out my list of over 10 dreamy Ontario fall hikes.
Caledon
Every fall I find myself in the Caledon area, whether it’s for a fall hike or drive. Caledon is less than an hour and a half drive from Toronto, making it a great place for a day trip this fall.
There are some great places to hike in Caledon like Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, Cheltenham Badlands, and one of my favourites is the Belfountain Conservation Area.
The area is also home to some scenic drives that will sweep you off your feet as you wind your way through the canvas of autumn. Two great roads to take a fall drive down are Forks of the Credit Road and Mississauga Road.
Agawa Canyon
If you’re looking for an epic train ride through Ontario then head to Sault Saint Marie. Here you’ll find an awesome day trip through the Agawa Canyon, one of the finest Ontario natural wonders.
Along the way, you’ll trundle over trestle bridges, see granite rock formations, waterfalls and be transported into the great Canadian Wilderness.
The best, as well as busiest, time to visit Agawa Canyon is in the fall. The train ride will astound you. It’s a must addition to any Ontario fall bucket list! It’s one of the best ways to experience Ontario fall colours.
Toronto Islands
If you’re looking for a little fall getaway that doesn’t involve you even leaving the city then jump aboard the ferry and head over to the Toronto Islands.
The Toronto Islands are the perfect spot, especially during the week, to get your dose of beautiful fall foliage while feeling like you’re out in the country. Plus, it’s one of the best places for fall colours in Toronto.
Walking along the meandering pathways of the Toronto Islands you’ll experience Ontario Fall colours in a new light. Catch the trees reaching out across the water in full colour or find your inner child and frolic in the fallen leaves of a red maple.
Bruce Peninsula
Stretching out into Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula is one of the best places to explore in Ontario. And I highly recommend visiting in the fall, the summer crowds have gone. So have the bugs, and the brilliant fall foliage paired with the crystal blue waters of Georgian Bay make for some incredible photos.
There are a scattering of small towns to stay in, like Tobermory. Plus, there are a number of awesome hiking trails up and down the Peninsula.
The Bruce Peninsula National Park is famous for its natural wonders like the Grotto and the iconic Bruce Trail, making it a great place to hike in the fall.
But one of my favourite places to hike on the Bruce – especially in the fall is Lions Head Provincial Park. Located around the mid-way point of the Peninsula, Lions Head has some of the best views in Ontario.
With the brilliant blue waters of Georgian Bay and the winding coastline of the Bruce with its limestone cliffs topped with pops of stunning fall foliage, Lions Head in the fall is magical.
When planning your Ontario fall road trip book a stay in one of these dreamy Airbnbs in Ontario.
Killarney Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a fantastic fall hike then look no further than Killarney Provincial Park. Killarney is one of the best Ontario parks for fall colours!
You can paddle the over 50 lakes which will wow you with reflections of the fall foliage. There is also camping, yurts, and other accommodation in the park as well as in the small village of Killarney.
One of the top trails in Killarney Provincial Park is The Crack. This approximately 7 km trail is strenuous but will reward you with sweeping views of the park and the La Cloche Mountain Range. And in the fall it is breathtaking to see the forest come alive with brilliant colours on Mother Nature’s canvas.
Another less strenuous but rewarding trail is the Granite Ridge Trail. This trail is 2 km and offers amazing views both over Georgian Bay as well as the La Cloche Mountains.
Insider Tip: Don’t have a car to get there? Don’t worry, the Ontario Parks Bus has you covered with transport from Toronto to many parks around the province.
Grey County
Located 2 hours north of Toronto, Grey County is one of my favourite places to explore in Ontario. And a visit to Grey County is a must in the fall.
Nearly every country road you take will wow you with views of the fall foliage, one of my favourites is Grey Road 13. And there are endless hiking trails to enjoy a cool fall hike. One of my favourites is Nottawasaga Bluffs where the views in the fall will make you want to sit and soak it all in for a while.
Fall in Grey County is always a great time of year to visit as there’s always something going on. There’s the mouth-watering Apple Pie Trail that takes you to various stops around the area for local grown apple inspired treats.
Head to Scenic Caves just outside of Collingwood for a walk across Southern Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge for epic views of the fall foliage. You can also check out the many waterfalls in Grey County, attend a fall fair and so much more!
Lanark County
When people ask me, ‘where is the best place to see fall colors in Ontario,’ I now say Lanark County. After spending a lot of time in the area in the last couple of years, I’m astounded with the great fall colour viewing spots.
One of my favourite places to visit in Lanark County is Carleton Place. This adorable small town is a gem in the region. And one of the best places to visit in Carleton Place is the Riverwalk trail that’s minutes from downtown.
The Riverwalk is a scenic 2 km trail that runs along the Mississippi River. It’s mostly flat, making it accessible for many, and is home to a beautiful boardwalk that is covered by the forest canopy. Plus, there’s plenty of areas to access incredible views of the river that are magical in the fall.
Another must-visit place to see fall colours in Lanark County is the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. This park is home to hiking trails and a historic mill that houses a museum.
Mill of Kintail is one of the best places to visit in Almonte. It’s a short 15-minute drive from downtown and is dreamy in the fall.
For the most scenic spot in the fall, head to the bridge that crosses the Indian River, located close to the Mill. The bridge offers a fantastic fall photo spot, with the river below, the Mill in the background, and the fall foliage all around.
Niagara Glen
One of the best places in Niagara for fall colour viewing is Niagara Glen! This nature reserve along the Niagara Gorge is a wonderful addition to any Niagara weekend itinerary! However, in the fall it’s magic! Especially with the contrast of the turquoise waters of the Niagara River with the pops of reds and oranges.
The park is one of Ontario’s best preserved Carolinian forests and comes alive in the autumn. Here you’ll be hiking along the Niagara Escarpment. Plus, it’s home to eight hiking trails, many of which are short. Check out the trail map here.
You can find Niagara Glen close to the Niagara Whirlpool and 10 minutes from downtown Niagara Falls!
Haliburton
For those looking for fall colour viewing opportunities without the crowds then I highly recommend Haliburton! I’ve been travelling to Haliburton all my life and it truly is a wonderful place!
There are a ton of incredible things to do in Haliburton, especially in the fall! One of the top attractions in Sculpture Forest! Located within Glebe Park, right in town, this forest is full of interesting pieces of art. Plus, in the fall the winding pathways will surround you in epic fall colours!
Along with the scenic winding roads in and around Haliburton, visitors will find a lovely lookout! At Skyline Park is one of the best lookouts in the region. It sweeps over the village of Haliburton and the endless forests beyond!
Bancroft
Another awesome place to see Ontario fall colours is in Bancroft! Known as the Mineral Capital of Canada, Bancroft is also known for outdoor adventures like rock climbing and is full of fabulous parks.
For those looking for another awesome lookout in Ontario in the fall then head to Eagle’s Nest Park. Just above downtown Bancroft, this park is home to a few trails. One of the most popular is the Lookout trail! A short winding path through the forest leads out to a large viewing platform. Here, you’ll find sweeping views of York River Valley and the town of Bancroft below!
The area is also home to a few great parks, one of which is Silent Lake Provincial Park. Silent Lake is a great park in eastern Ontario for camping and hiking. It’s home to over 19 kilometres of trails. Check out the 15km Lakeshore Trail for scenic fall colours. Or hit the water for a paddle and to get a different perspective on those beautiful hues!
Doube’s Trestle Bridge
One place that is known for fall colours in Ontario is the Kawartha Lakes region. It’s full of rural backroads and lakes to mirror the fall foliage.
My favourite place to go in the fall in the Kawartha Lakes area is the Doube’s Trestle Bridge. This historic landmark is located just west of Omemee.
The Doube’s Trestle Bridge, originally built in the late 19th century, saw its last train in the 1970s. Now the bridge is part of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail.
Spanning over 650 feet, the bridge sits nearly 100 feet above the Buttermilk Valley. The views from the bridge are epic, especially in the fall.
Dundas Peak
There’s a reason Dundas Peak is one of the most popular places to see the fall colours in Ontario. It’s a short drive from Toronto, the trails are easy, there are multiple waterfalls, and the views are pretty fantastic considering you’re in the city!
Located in Hamilton’s Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Dundas Peak stands over 350 feet above Dundas Valley and offers great views any time of year. But please use caution, epic views like this come with a tale to the wise to not venture too far out on the ledge.
County Road 18
If there is one country road I always find myself on in the fall its County Road 18 through Dufferin County. Also known as Airport Road, this road runs somewhat north and south, and with its constant rolling hills along endless forests the views will blow you away when we’re in peak fall colours.
County Road 18 is a great alternative drive out of the city instead of the highway. The traffic is calm and the views are amazing. An alternative route is Hockley Valley Road, another incredible fall drive in Ontario!
Related Post: Why Visit Stratford in the Fall
3 Bonus Options for Ontario Fall Colours
For those willing to venture further than a few hours drive from Toronto for fall colours then I implore you to head north. There are so many great cities and Ontario Parks in Northern Ontario that are perfect for viewing fall colours.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located an hour east of Thunder Bay. It’s set on the tip of the Sibley Peninsula which juts out of the northern shore of Lake Superior.
The park is home to a wealth of wildlife, nearly 200 species of bird, and the grand Boreal Forest. But what makes it an epic place to take in the fall colours in Ontario is the clifftop views over the park’s incredible forests.
Eagle’s Nest Lookout
There’s another Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Ontario! An hour outside of Ottawa is one of the best fall lookouts in Ontario! In Calabogie you’ll find Eagle’s Nest Lookout. The trail is part of the Manitou Mountain Trail Network and is 8 km.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Another incredible Ontario park to visit in the fall is Lake Superior Provincial Park. While I took my epic Toronto to Thunder Bay road trip in the summer it would be truly magical in the autumn when the fall foliage is all a glow.
The Park is located between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa and covers over 160,000 hectares of forests, lakes, and waterfalls. If you’re looking for a great fall hike try the Nokomis Trail that takes you through the Boreal Forest and up to a glorious lookout.
Are you looking for more fabulous fall content? I have you covered!
Where to Experience Muskoka Fall Colours
Bucket List Fall Activities in Ontario
Fantastic Fall Hikes in Ontario
Incredible Places to See Fall Colours in Toronto
Where’s your favourite place to see fall colours in Ontario?
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