Autumn is a magical time in Ontario, as the leaves turn from green to red and orange.
Fall colours are usually on display from mid-September to the middle of October, and with more than 70 million hectares of forest there are several key spots in the province to watch the season change.
Here are some top destinations for those looking to explore more of the fall colours in Ontario.
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 is surrounded by trees, which makes it an ideal spot for fall colour viewing. Some of the best areas in the park to see the changing colours are the Fire Tower Trail and the River Trail. The park also has mountain biking trails where visitors can get up close to nature. Campers are welcome to find a spot in the maple forest or on the waterfront. It is located northwest of Toronto, about a 3 hour and 45 minute drive.Robertson Cliffs
Located just 30 minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie, Robertson Cliffs offers a hike that ends with a spectacular view of the fall colours in the area. Visitors will be able to see the Bellevue Valley, and could even catch a glimpse of Lake Superior if the weather is good. The hike can take up to 2 hours and is ranked moderate difficulty as there are some rocks and small streams to get past.Fire Tower Lookout
The highest point in the Elliot Lake area is the Fire Tower lookout and it offers a 180-degree view of the wilderness. On clear days, visitors can see Manitoulin Island. It’s home to the ranger tower, built in 1954. It now serves as a museum and visitors centre.East Lookout, Manitoulin Island
View on Manitoulin island during fall from the cliffs of Cup and Saucer trail. Shutterstock/Pernelle Voyage
Located just 18 kilometres west of Little Current is the Cup and Saucer trail, named because the higher “cup” is located on a lower “saucer” formation. It is the Manitoulin extension of the Niagara Escarpment. There are cliffs that are 70 metres high and more than 2 kilometres long. The site has 12 kilometres of hiking trails and 2 kilometres of adventure trails.
