Move Over Algonquin: 5 Epic Fall Road Trips in Ontario
Planning a fall road trip? While Algonquin may be the preferred choice to see the blazing fall colours, Ontario is full of destinations that have equally spectacular foliage. From east to west and north to south, here are our top picks for your autumn road trip.
Sault Ste. Marie
Sitting in northern Ontario on the shores of St. Mary’s River, this charming city is a must-visit for the gorgeous fall foliage. A great way to experience this is to hop on the popular Agawa Canyon tour train. The hills and valleys of the canyon will be bursting with colours between September and October, and the train’s extra-large tinted windows are perfect for observing this. The train ride is a full-day affair, taking approximately 10 hours, including a 90-minute stop for exploring the short trails and waterfalls in the park.
If you’d rather enjoy the seasonal hues on foot or bike, head to Robertson Cliffs, a short drive north of Sault Ste. Marie. The moderate trail leads to a lookout, where you can take in the expansive vista of the landscape with Lake Superior in the background. With over 35 kilometres of trails, the Hiawatha Highlands, along with Kinsmen Park, should be the next on your list. While there, don’t forget to stop at the charming Crystal Falls.
Kawartha Lakes
Moving south to cottage country, Kawartha Lakes is not only an ideal destination for summer, but also for fall. The fringes of the lakes will be outlined with rich maroon, saffron and amber trees as the weather cools. Pick one of the stunning drive routes in the region and explore the reflective lakes, rolling farmlands, and quaint villages. The beautiful Kawartha Trans Canada Trail will take you to the Doube’s Trestle Bridge, a great spot to capture the saturated hues of fall.
Kayaking in one of the 250 lakes and rivers in the Kawartha region is an excellent way to soak in the seasonal colours. You can check out one of the marked paddling routes and choose one according to your comfort level. Visit the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, a historic lock system and canal route connecting Lake Huron and Lake Ontario. Stay in one of the campsites or unique accommodations near the waterway.
Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands region in southeastern Ontario needs no introduction. The easiest way to witness the fall panorama here is from the Thousand Islands Tower. Don’t worry, no climbing required—the elevator takes you to the top in 40 seconds. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the many islands through the Thousand Islands helicopter ride at Gananoque. With tours ranging from 10 minutes to an hour, this is one of the finest ways to see the waters peppered with a mosaic of islands.
If you want to stay safe down on terra firma, drive along the equally scenic Thousand Islands Parkway, a picturesque route bordering the St. Lawrence River, between Gananoque and Brockville. Head to Thousand Islands National Park to paddle on the edges of the islands. For novice kayakers, Thousand Islands Kayaking offers rentals and guided tours. To relax and unwind, you can take the City Cruises from Gananoque.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
In western Ontario, a fall adventure should start in the Niagara region in the 55-kilometre stretch between Fort George and Fort Erie. Called the Niagara Parkway, the route running parallel to the Niagara River is sure to entice you with a patchwork of autumn reds and yellows. For an active holiday, hike the Niagara Glen trails to go deep into the gorge and see the whitewaters up close. An easier option is to jump on the Whirlpool Aero Car to glimpse the Niagara River in its brilliant fall glory.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is for everyone: families will love one of the festive autumn events in the orchards and farms, while couples can lounge with icewine in the award-winning wineries in the area. Thanks to the distinct microclimate of this region, fall colours peak in the latter half of October, all the more reason to rejoice and soak up the lingering warmth before the cold sets in.
Bruce County
Up north, along the shores of Lake Huron, is Bruce County, featuring Georgian Bay’s famous turquoise waters. To truly see what the region has to offer, a scenic drive through the delightful towns, like Wiarton, Lion’s Head and Tobermory, is your best bet. The legendary Bruce Trail stretches from the Niagara Escarpment to Tobermory, and there are many lookouts to view the crystal-clear waters. The mild weather of the autumn season keeps the crowds and bugs at bay so that you can have the place to yourself.
A visit to Bruce County is not complete without hiking to the Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Climb the lookout near the visitor centre to view the contrasting colours of the leaves against the striking blue waters. You can also spot chinook salmon braving the upstream waters in a beautiful fall background at the Sauble Falls Provincial Park. Make sure to end your days with the fiery golden sunsets of Lake Huron.
The autumn season brings vibrant colours, cooler weather, fewer crowds and crisp air—pleasant for long drives and strenuous hikes. This year, look beyond Algonquin and pick one of these road trips in our wonderful province to make the most of fall’s fleeting beauty.
