It’s official. Sweater weather is here. Time to put the flip flops away, close the pool and check your furnace. Don’t fret too much though, because if you live in Ontario, Mother Nature is about to get all dolled up for you and wow you with her colours. Grab your family, or just your spouse, and head out to take in the red, orange and gold at five of the best places for fall colours in Ontario.
Fall Colours in Ontario
Muskoka
As if Muskoka doesn’t have it all already, it also happens to put on quite a show in the fall. Personally, I’m a driver, so I’d take advantage of some of the interactive driving tours Discover Muskoka offers. Driving isn’t for everyone though, so check out some of the amazing resorts like the Deerhurst Inn or the JW Marriott Muskoka for fall package getaways. Relax on the shores of Muskoka’s many beautiful lakes and soak it all in.
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is a whopping 7,653 square kilometres. The fall colours here practically explode through the wilderness. I’ve heard rumours of people who like to “rough it” and find Algonquin Park an ideal place to say in a yurt, cabin or tent. I, myself, would choose the Couples Resort and sit in a hot tub with a bottle of champagne and my honey and enjoy the view. But that’s just me. No matter where you choose to sleep, everyone will want to take a walk on the trails to fully appreciate the beauty around them.
Algoma Country
I recently took a train ride on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The scenery is breathtaking at any time of year, but I can only imagine how spectacular it must be in the fall. Much of what you see on this day long train trip isn’t accessible by automobile, so you are truly off the beaten path on this journey. Of course, Algoma Country in Northern Ontario has miles and miles of fall colours if a train ride isn’t your thing. Find accommodations ideally suited to you on the Algoma Country website and enjoy the best of fall here.
Ottawa/Gatineau
Some might say I’m a little biased putting my hometown on this list, but when you’ve got it, you’ve got it. What can I say? I’m one of the lucky ones that live here and if you don’t, then come visit and see what all the fuss is about! Fall festivals are everywhere in O-Town. Look for fall packages at local hotels such as the Chateau Laurier or Ottawa Marriott. Stroll along the Rideau Canal or take in some of the amazing fall landscapes at the National Art Gallery painted by Canada’s famous Group of Seven. Finally, if you like to canoe then the fall is the best time to get your oars in the water in the Ottawa region.
Niagara-On-The-Lake
I’ve gone three solid months drinking sangria and now I’m ready to throw on my cozy sweater and pour a good glass of wine. Mmmmmm, wine. Wait, where was I? Oh right, wine! Can you imagine the magnificence of this trip? It’s almost too much to bear. Let’s see, first we have, WINE and then we have magnificent fall colours! Cue the choir of angels, Niagara-On-The-Lake sounds like heaven. This is an ideal getaway for couples or girlfriends. Check out wineries, spas, charming B&B’s, adorable shops, and to-die-for culinary experiences.
Grey County
If you really want to colour it your way this fall, head to Grey County. Located northeast of Toronto and west of Ottawa, you can chase waterfalls here, enjoy the fall bounty at orchards and wineries along the way, and revel in the glorious colours that explode in this region every fall.
What I consider one of the very best places to take in fall colours in Ontario, check out this video from a trip I took there last year. It’s an unforgettable destination!
One of my favourite places is Algonquin Park. And in the fall it’s even more beautiful.
It is such a stunning place. We’re blessed to live in such a great country!
Every year I say I want to take that train ride and we never get around to it!!! Maybe this will be our year. 🙂
Thanks for the great post, I saw it on Twitter (Henrietta was Tweeting it). 🙂
I’m so glad you popped by Rosey. The train ride is amazing. I’d love to go back in the fall and do it!
This year we’re going to make a trip to the Niagara region to see the fall colours! Muskoka and Algonquin are both stunning regions to visit in the Autumn (so I hear from my inlaws)
The train tour looks like a lot of fun too. And Ottawa as well – just a bit out of the way for us but one day we’ll make it out there in the Fall 😉
Such beautiful colours! Fall here in Toronto really did start early, but it is beautiful nonetheless. I love your first photo of the Muskoka fall leaves!
I absolutely agree. Ontario is beautiful in the fall!
I would have to add Kawartha Lakes to your list. I live there and have to say it is beautiful!
Niagara on the lake looks like it would hit the top of my favourite spots! I love fall, it has the best of everything, colors, pants and drinks 🙂
I would love to take the Agawa Canyon Tour Train one day. I’ve been camping numerous times in Algonquin in the Autumn, and you can’t beat the colour of the trees, absolutely beautiful.
We did the Agawa Canyon in the summer when everything was a blanket of green. Would love to see if for the fall colours.
Agawa Canyon is absolutely spectacular especially in the fall! I worked a few years for Merini Catering who operated the dining car. Each day was as beautiful as the first. Highly recommend!
Absolutely stunning!