Intensity and pervasiveness of autumn color tends to be best in the eastern parts of Canada; so, although, the western provinces have something to offer, if the sole purpose of your visit is to see fall foliage, Ontario, Quebec or the Maritime provinces are probably your best bet.
Here are 10 of the best spots in Canada to take in the changing colors of autumn leaves, starting in the west of Canada and moving east.
1. The Rocky Mountains, Alberta
In September and October, the days are warmish and dry in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. The summer crowds have gone home, so you can actually find some solitude as you drink in the reds and yellows of the sub-alpine larch and aspen trees.
Try accessible spots like Johnston’s Canyon and Tunnel Mountain near Banff or hike up to Lake Agnes from Lake Louise. For more viewing spots, consult The Alberta Fall Colour Report. Also check out locations from Brokeback Mountain, which offer stunning vistas.
2. Algonquin Park, Ontario
The size, beauty and proximity to Toronto of this 7,725 square kilometre park make it one of the most popular parks in Ontario. The forests, lakes, and rivers that comprise Algonquin Park can only be explored by foot or canoe.
The maple trees are at their best at the end of September or early October. The aspens, tamaracks and red oaks reach their peak in the middle or end of October. Consult the Algonquin Fall Color Report for fall colour activity and specific viewing spots.
3. Agawa Canyon Trip, Ontario
The Algoma Central Railroad/Railway's Agawa Canyon trip, which runs north from Sault Ste Marie in northern Ontario, is another excellent way to see the colours at the end of September / beginning of October. Consult the Weather Network's Fall Colour Report for more information on fall foliage in Ontario.
4. Fall Foliage Romance by Rail, Toronto - Montreal - Quebec City - Halifax
There is nothing more spectacular or romantic than the dramatic changes autumn brings to the forests of Eastern Canada. Via Rail's special 6-night Fall Foliage vacation features some of Canada's most dramatic and interesting cities like Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax.
5. Niagara Parkway, Ontario
The historic Niagara Parkway, or “River Road,” is the route that Winston Churchill called "the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world," and follows the winding curves of the Niagara River, which divides Canada and the US. The loveliest stretch in autumn is between the small towns of Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake and reaches its pinnacle of color in early October. Finish your day by tilting back a glass of Niagara Wine.
6. The Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
The Bruce Peninsula features one of the best portions of the Bruce Trail - an 800 km (almost 500 mile) hiking trail - that features splendid Ontario flora, fauna and water vistas. Some of the trees are more than 1000 years old and in the autumn, especially the end of September to beginning of October, the colors are something to behold.
Check the Ontario Parks Fall Color Report for autumn color activity and great viewing spot suggestions.
7. The Laurentian Mountains, Quebec
Québec is famous for its autumn colours because of the sugar maple trees. Also prevalant are the provincial yellow birch and the American beech. Try the Laurentian Mountains for one of the most beautiful displays of fall foliage in North America. Colours begin their peak at the end of September and continue until mid- to late-October in lower elevations and more southern locations. Celebrate the season by visiting resort town Mont-Tremblant for its annual Symphony of Colours festival.
8. Prince Edward Island
PEI forests have an exceptional range of colours in autumn. The warm waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait give PEI a relatively moderate climate and help create one of the longest fall foliage periods in northeastern North America. In addition, PEI's forests are bear-free and there are no deer or moose, ensuring a safe, hunter-free environment. Consult the PEI Fall Foliage Website for details.
9. The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Hailed as one of the world's most beautiful drives, the Cabot Trail winds around Cape Breton's northern shore and rewards fall color seekers in a spectacular way. Fiery reds, oranges, crimsons and golds blanket the highlands and reach their peak the first or second week of October. Try visiting Cape Breton Highlands National Park or Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. Consult the Nova Scotia Fall Foliage Report for detailed autumn color activity.
10. Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
Like the Cabot Trail, the Fundy Coastal Drive is another outstanding maritime journey. See some of the highest tides in the world and enjoy the vivacious reds and deep pumpkin oranges, which are at their best the first two weeks of October during Canada’s Thanksgiving Weekend. Tree variety and colors are similar to New England's, yet crowds are minimal in New Brunswick by comparison. See a map of New Brunswick. Find out more about New Brunswick in the fall.
Article courtesy of
gocanada.about.com
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