Ontario's Best Fall Colour Destinations

Here are 9 of the best Ontario destinations to experience Fall colour. 

Have we missed any? Let us know in the comments.

1. Blue Mountain Village

Enjoy changing foliage as you whisk up Blue Mountain in Ontario’s only open air gondola and return to the Village Plaza to take in some live music. Pack your hiking shoes and be sure to take a trip along the Apple Pie Trail to discover culinary and artisan treasures along the way including local wine and cider tastings. After a day of taking in the stunning Fall colours be sure to take part in the most delicious Fall experience, Fallicious. One of the seasons most popular features is back! It’s Fallicious at Blue Mountain Village and that means beautiful autumn days filled with adventure and cool crisp evenings perfect for sitting by the fire or enjoying an evening of dining and entertainment.


2. Haliburton Highlands

The Haliburton Highlands include a unique topography of rolling hills, rock cuts, crystal clear waterways and exceptional woodlands.  You will not want to miss all of excitement between amazing outdoor adventures, arts & culture experiences and spectacular delights for foodies. For a unique Fall experience check out the Hike Haliburton Festival September 21-24, 2017. Canada’s largest hiking festival, the Hike Haliburton Festival welcomes over 2,000 people participate in 90 guided hikes throughout the beautiful Haliburton Highlands. Hikers of all ages and abilities come from all over Ontario – and beyond – to take in the wonder of our the Haliburton Highlands. The Festival goes beyond just ‘traditional hiking‘; heavily integrating the arts, culture, heritage and foodie experiences to truly showcase the area.


3. Mattawa Voyageur Country

Mattawa Voyageur Country is recognized as one of Canada’s leading sustainable outdoor recreation regions. It is the “gateway community” of choice for people looking to visit an area with exceptional natural beauty, rich culture and heritage attributes, high-quality trail-based experiences and outdoor adventures, a clean environment and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Get the best out of Autumn with an outdoor adventure or follow the paths of the voyageurs.

4. Muskoka

Fall in Love with the best Fall getaways in Ontario.  Famed for our spectacular Fall foliage, spending Fall in Muskoka is an experience that goes unmatched. Fall colours usually last for a month, splitting the time between September and October. 

Come up for an extended stay or find a Fall weekend getaway package that suits you. Take a scenic hike through the colourful Muskoka forests and venture up to one of our lookouts for a spectacular view. Or try one of our recommended driving tours and see how the colours of the trees change before your eyes. Get out on horseback or hit the golf course to see the beautiful colours up close and personal. See for yourself why Muskoka is a favourite fall getaway in Ontario.

See more ways to experience Fall colours in Muskoka

5. Ontario's Highlands

Throw away the itinerary and let curiosity guide you in Ontario’s Highlands. Explore the diverse geology of the region and foster your sense of adventure by challenging the natural environment or climbing high above the trees. Follow your authentic sense of discovery through museums and natural heritage sites or feel your imagination come to life during quirky festivals and theatre shows. See smiles light your loved ones faces as you take in the breathtaking scenery or satisfy your search for indulgence at unique spas and lakeside retreats. Ontario’s Highlands is just 2.5 hours east of Toronto and a half hour west of Ottawa, but a world removed from it all. Step out of the city and into our world to reconnect, experience something new, and to wander.


6. Ontario's Lake Country

Ontario’s Lake Country is located just one hour north of the GTA, a perfect location to enjoy the peacefulness away from the busy city life and take in the breathtaking fall colours. Escape and book one of many distinctive fall getaways. Enjoy this beautiful and picturesque region on your choice of driving tours, cycling routes, scenic tours by boat or hiking the stunning trails along our waterways and scenic landscapes. There is something for everyone to Fall in love with Ontario's Lake Country.  

While enjoying the scenic Autumn landscape be sure to experience Ontario's Lake Country Fall Flavours, with local flavours through delicious 2-3 course set meals created by participating Flavours of Ontario’s Lake Country Chefs!  Enjoy a 2-3 course set lunch and/or dinner menu at participating restaurants around Ontario’s Lake Country.

7. Ottawa Valley

Cradled between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley is famous for its stunning outdoors and cultural and heritage riches. Known as Ontario’s Adventure Playground and Whitewater Capital of Canada, the area is surrounded by woodlands, over 900 pristine lakes and four major river systems making it the perfect destination to view the beauty of Ontario's Fall foliage. One of only two regions in the world with the unique combination of climate and topography that results in brilliant fall foliage, the Valley is a magnificent place to enjoy throughout the autumn months. Glorious colours and crisp, cool weather make it an excellent season for exploring the countryside. Go on a Fall Rural Ramble and experience Studio Tours, Taste of the Valley, underground dining, fossil hunts, self-guided hikes and giant pumpkin weigh-offs. Many Ottawa Valley accommodations have special Rural Ramble packages, making it the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway.


8. Town of Midland

Nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay, Midland makes for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway to experience the beauty of Autumn. Whether by foot, bike, boat or car there are ample opportunities to get to and around Midland. Enjoy the Fall colours from scenic Little Lake Park, just minutes from downtown Midland or explore some of the trails and attractions that surround Midland.

9. Township of Algonquin Highlands

Known for spectacular Fall foliage, the Algonquin Highlands is one of Ontario's must visit places for Autumn. Home to many of the best water trails and hiking trails in Ontario there are endless opportunities to experience the best of Fall in Ontario. Be sure to visit the Dorset lookout tower for the best view of Fall colors in the highlands! With a breathtaking 360 degree view, the observation deck of this historic tower stands 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays.

Find out when and where the peak of Fall colour is with our Fall Progression Report.  Plan an Autumn Getaway in Central and Northern Ontario in one Ontario's finest resorts and travel destinations.  Find the best Fall Fairs, Studio Tours and Fall Events and Activities North of Toronto.

Autumn boat cruises on Ontario lakes north of Toronto

Barrie Boarding of the Serendipity Princess

Cruise Ontario Lakes and Waterways

Canadian waters are waiting in resort destinations north of Toronto. Discover Lake Simcoe or Georgian Bay with a Midland Tours cruise.
The Serendipity Princess cruises out of Barrie Ontario, and the Miss Midland out of Midland Ontario.
Book your Georgian Bay Cruise, OR Book your Barrie-Lake Simcoe Cruise

Resorts, Lodges and Hotels Offer Cruises during the  Fall Months

Merganser Ducks and fledges along Ontario shore line

Ontario resort destinations offer some of best romantic lake cruises north of Toronto. 

Many resorts offer sunset cruises in as part of their summer getaway packages. 

Pontoon boats offer closer views of the shorelines and provide opportunities to see local flora and fauna up close.

Fall Festivals, Events, Studio Tours, September 21-23 Weekend Events 2012

September Weekend Events, Festivals, Fairs, and Attraction Getaways

Travel north in Ontario to attractions and celebrate family fun weekend events, festivals, fairs and  romantic fall road trips to lakeside sunsets.

Your source for last-minute getaways and day trips for Fall 2012 vacations in Ontario resort destinations. 

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FALL FAIRS

Harvest festivals and fun fairs run through the fall & autumn season until the end of October and in some areas into November.  Enjoy the fall foliage colors with  fall colours (colors) road trips.   

Ontario Travel to Fall Harvest Festivals & Fairs Week of September 17-23, 2012

More September and October Fall Fairs
 

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ONTARIO STUDIO TOURS 

Discover the beauty of the palettes of fall colours plus Ontario's artists on display this autumn art!
Ontario Travel to Fall Studio Tours & Art Festivals Week of September 17-23, 2012

 

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 BARRIE, Ontario

3rd Annual Great Canadian Beaver Race and Festival
Barrie, ON
September 23, 2012The Great Canadian Beaver Race & Festival is a celebration of all things Canadian with a focus on the iconic beaver. All proceeds from this event are donated to deserving groups and charities.

Pumpkin Festival and Haunted Adventure
Chappell Farms
Barrie, ON
September 22 -October 31, 2012Pick your own perfect pumpkin! Experience the corn maze, wagon rides, haunted barn, Magic shows, live entertainment and more. 
Opening day has a special visit from "Scales". (Sept. 22)
Scales bring reptiles and amphibians to interact with and to learn about.Scales provide an amazing, informative and intimate experience.

Colours of Music
Barrie, ON
September 21-30, 2012
The 10th Colours of Music Festival will present Wonderful Music, Wonderfully Performed. We will expose you to talent from all across Canada and other parts of the world.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels  Barrie, ON

More September Events

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HALIBURTON & HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS DESTINATION, Ontario

Annual Hike Haliburton Festival
Minden
September 20-23, 2012
In addition to the guided hikes the festival offer may other activities including barbeques, concerts, and special appearances by celebrities Explore the natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands or just come for a good workout. Register for themed or venture out on one or more our scenic public trails with friends and family. Some of the guided hikes will take place on public trails; others will explore trails on the properties of proud landowners. Guided hikes range in length from less than one kilometer to over 15 km in length. The hikes are free unless indicated. Donations are always welcome. Please Pre-Register for this event now. Click here to download the registration form in pdf.


Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Haliburton, Ontario
More information on the Haliburton Highlands destination  
More September Events

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HUNTSVILLE & OWEN SOUND, Ontario

Canadian Spirit: 2012
Owen Sound
April 4- October 30, 2012
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Tom Thomson's First Trip to Algonquin Park, with event at participating community partners from Owen Sound and Huntsville.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Owen Sound, Huntsville
More September Events

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MIDLAND & PENTANGUISHENE, Ontario

Franco-Ontarian Day
Sainte-Marie Among the Huron
Midland, ON
September 25
French culture and heritage comes to life through story telling, special displays and activities.
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Midland, ON
More September Events

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LAND O' LAKES DESTINATION 

Land O' Lakes Fall Lodge Tour
September 22, 2012

Enjoy a tour of five lodges on three different lakes.
Each with its own unique features and attractions.
Take a boat ride,watch a film from the prohibition era, enjoy a waterfall, learn some survivor man skills and take a wagon ride.These are included with the tour of these great lodges.
Refreshments will be served at each lodge.
A discount booklet comes with your ticket for you to enjoy specials at various businesses in the area!
An amazing deal and good fun for $20.

More information on the Land O' Lakes Destination
More September Events

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ONTARIO'S HIGHLANDS DESTINATION

Wheelers Maple Bush Fall Colour Celebration
September 15 – October 25, 2012
McDonalds Corners
Visitors can enjoy a walk on the nature trails through the 730 acre maple bush as the leaves change. Hearty pancake meals are served inside the heritage log chalet.

More information on Ontario's Highlands Destination
More September Events

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ORO STATION, Ontario

 

Hardwood Ski & Bike
Fall Epic 8 Hour Relay
September 22, 2012
The Epic 8 takes place over 8 hours on a 10 km loop course which starts and finishes at the same spot.  The object of the races is not to finish first, but to complete the greatest number of laps before the end of the event. There are lots of categories from solo to teams but most people do it as a 2 person, 3-4 person, or 5-6 person team.

Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels  Barrie, ON  Orillia, ON

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OTTAWA & OTTAWA VALLEY DESTINATION 


Ottawa International Animation Festival
September 19-23, 2012
The Ottawa International Animation Festival is the largest event of its kind in North America, offering the latest in animated films, panels, parties and free workshops for kids and teens. 

Ottawa Photography Festival
September 20-30, 2012
Included in the festival programming are a number of exhibitions of photographic art on view in both public and private galleries throughout the area, films focused on the celebration of photography, public lectures on artistic processes & technology, artists' talks, portfolio review opportunities and community-based events.

Featured Accommodation & Attractions in the Greater Ottawa Region:

• Moulin Wakefield Inn  -Wakefield
• Bourget Inn & Spa Resort -Bourget
• River Run Rafting & Wilderness Resort -Forresters Falls 

Book Ottawa Hotels

Ottawa Valley Rural Ramble 2012
September 1 – October 31, 2012
The Rural Ramble is a celebration of rural living at its best. Every year thousands of visitors flock to the region to bask in the glow of the brilliant fall colours and experience the Ottawa Valley first hand.  The 2012 Rural Ramble will be a free event, running from September 1st to October 31st, allowing Rural Ramblers' to customize their own fall touring experience - a free self-guided driving tour featuring four themes:  Adventure & Exploration, Agriculture & Food, History & Heritage, and Arts & Culture.

Book your hotel and resort accommodation in Barry's Bay,  Pembroke and Petawawa


Heritage Mica Festival
Perth
June 24–October 6, 2012
Activities include Voyageur Canoe trips, Communty Theatre presentations, guided trips into the Silver Queen Mine, a 10 km Fun Run, music, heritage display, children's programs, Heritage Walk Mine Tour and Thanksgiving Dinner at the Miners’ Bunkhouse.

More Information on Ottawa Valley Destination
More information on Ontario Highland’s Destination
More September Events

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SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario

Bushplane Days
September 22-23, 2012
MNR CL-415 waterbombing demonstration, MNR fire crew demos, FireSmart Display, Helicopter rides, Train Rides, Face painting, Carnival Games, Live Music, Spiderman on Saturday, Captain America on Sunday, and Much More!

Featured Accommodation in Sault Ste. Marie:

• North to Adventure - Mar Mac Lodge, Lodge Eighty Eight, White River Air, White River Outfitters

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SUDBURY, Ontario

 

Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival
Sudbury
September 15–23, 2012
Cinefest Sudbury has developed into a 9-day event, evolving into a major cultural tourism event.
 
Featured Sudbury Accommodations:

• Comfort Inn Sudbury
• Comfort Inn Sudbury East
• Moonlight Inn & Suites

More September Events

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FISHING TOURNAMENTS

 

The Barrie Fall Fishing Festival--Win Prizes
September 21-29, 2012.
A catch & release perch fishing tournament.  Enjoy fishing along with the beautiful fall weather and the spectacular fall colours of Kempenfelt Bay. 
Stay at Resorts, Inns, Hotels Barrie, ON

Temiskaming Smallmouth Bass Series
May 27 –September 30, 2012
The Series is set up to give every team a chance to fish in a Classic at the lowest price possible. Sesekinika Lake, Kenogami Lake, Larder Lake, Lake Temiskaming New Liskeard, Bay Lake Latchford, Lake Temagami, Cassels Lake Temagami, Port Loring, Mattawa, Trout Lake, Lake Nosbonsing, Lake Nipissing Hunters Bay, Classic

Stay at Resorts, Inn, Hotels Temagami, Lake Nipissing - West Nipissing Region, North Bay, Callander, Monetville, Lavigne, Lake Nosbonsing - Powassan
   

More Fishing Tournaments

Ontario - Fall colours in Ontario's Bayfield--North of Toronto

Wiarton Willy on the Bruce Peninsula

Georgian Bay-Lake Huron Fall Colours

Ontario's best fall colours are in most cases north of Toronto in heavily forested areas, and mostly hard wood forests.  The story in CANOE Travel - Ontario - Fall colours in Ontario's Bayfield suggests the Bruce Peninsula on the Lake Huron side.

We also suggest  checking out the Georgian Bay side for a complete look at the spectacular views. See our suggested Georgian Bay Road Trips which also includes Wiarton, and the famous statue of "Wiarton Willy". Get more information on the latest fall colour reports and more suggested fall colour road trips.

Fall Colours Saving: $100 on Fuel and Fun Attractions this Fall

Fall Colours and Travel Savings North of Toronto GTA

Fall Colours Road Trips North of Toronto GTA

Many 'Ontario Travel North of Toronto' resorts, hotels, inns. lodges, cabins and cottages are participating in the "Fall Fuel and Fun Package" whereby guests who book a two-night package can qualify for a $50 Gas Card and $50 worth of vouchers to use at the participating locations listed below – a $100 total value package to travel this Fall! 

Contact the following participating resorts & Attractions for availability and ask how to participate to take advantage of this special offer!!  See the featured romantic fall colour road trips for ideas.

Ahmic Lake Resort Ahmic Harbour
Algonquin Woods Cottage Resort Emsdale

Bayview Wildwood Resort Severn Bridge
Beauview Cottage Resort Huntsville
Black Lake Cabins Torrance
Blue Spruce Resort Dwight
Bondi Village Resort Dwight 
Cedar Grove Lodge Huntsville
Clevelands House Minett
Clyffe House Cottage Resort Port Sydney
Colonial Bay Cottage Resort Huntsville
Comfort Inn Huntsville
The Couples Resort Whitney
Deerhurst Resort Huntsville
Delawana Inn Honey Harbour 
Foxwood Resort Lake of Bays 
Georgian Bay Airways  Parry Sound
Norsemen Walker Lake Resort Huntsville 
Pow Wow Point Lodge Huntsville
Rocky Crest Golf Resort Mactier
The Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa Minett
Sand Lake Cottages & Inn Kearney
Santa’s Village Bracebridge
Santa’s Whispering Pines Campground Bracebridge
Sherwood Inn Port Carling
The SunDog Retreat Parry Sound
Sunny Point Resort Parry Sound
Taboo Resort, Golf and Spa Gravenhurst
Tally Ho Inn Huntsville
Touchstone on Lake Muskoka Bracebridge
Woodland Echoes Resort Magnetawan



Find more information, details and restrictions on the "Fall Fuel and Fun Package"

Fall Getaways and Fall Colours start in September in Ontario

Fall Family Fun

With the approach of the Civic Holiday Weekend it is time to start thinking about fall destinations for the best leaf color changes.  Cottage country and resort destinations north of Toronto will be peaking from the middle of September through to mid October.  Plan your favourite fall colour route now from a choice of more than 25 suggested fall road trips.  Get the 411 on Ontario fall vacations for family fun  and couples getaway romance.

Photo: Trying to catch butterflies as the colors start to change along the shores of Lake Simcoe Ontario

See more fall foliage and leaf change photos north of Toronto Ontario

Check back for updates on fall getaway packages.

Fall Colour Cruises, Road Trips, Family and Thanksgiving Getaways North of Toronto

Fall Colour Cruises, Road Trips, Family and Thanksgiving Getaways North of Toronto

Photo:  Northland Motel

Family Getaways
Northland Motel

Fall Colour Cruises
Best Western North Bay -Chief Commanda II Boat Cruise
Midland 30,000 Island Boat Cruise - Muskoka Big Chute Cruise


Click here for Thanksgiving Getaways

Click here for Fall Road Trips

Highway 400 Travel North in Ontario

Ontario Toronto North on Highway 400

Travel north from Toronto on Highway 400 and you feel a dramatic change around Highway 9 as the Holland Marsh comes into focus and you know your are in farm country.

Fall colours will become a dominant motivation for the many road trips millions of Toronto and Southern Ontario residents pursue in September and October. 

Ontario Highway 400 will take you on a memorable road trip with highlighted attractions, events, festivals with links to accommodation and featured lakes, sports and recreation activities.  as east west spring summer and fall road trip options as you head north.

Regular weekend travelers and road warriors will know they getting closer to cottage country  when they start seeing waterfront and beach signs and the Barrie welcome sign

  

Travel Sections along Highway 400 are divided into 3 logical highlighted locations--side trips, attractions and events provide additional Ontario Travel ideas. See Highway 400 North

TORONTO TO BARRIE

BARRIE TO PORT SEVERN-HONEY HARBOUR

HONEY HARBOUR-PORT SEVERN TO PARRY SOUND

 

Fall Getaways, Labour Day Weekend Getaways & Fall Colour North of Toronto

Get ready for Fall Getaways, Labour Day Weekend Getaways & Fall colours North of Toronto at the following locations.

Photo: Pike Cottage Rockview Camp Cottage Resort

Bayview Wildwood Resort

The Briars Resort & Spa

Couples Resort

Rockview Camp Cottage Resort

Taboo Resort, Golf and Spa

The Village Inn

Fall Fairs Foliage Fall Colours (Colors) Farmers' Markets

Ministry of Tourism is reporting the following leaf change percentages for a number of areas in the Province of Ontario for Thanksgiving Weekend. See suggested fall drives and details on possible fall colour road trips provided by www.400Eleven.com.

Visit a fall fair or a farmers' market for the fall harvest good

The Parry Sound and Muskoka regions are starting to see some good fall colour with a 65 to 80% change at this time with some beautiful areas of bright orange and red with 25-30% leafall.

Algonquin Provincial Park is an extremely popular fall colour destination. The colour has advanced quickly over the last week and is now at PEAK .

The North Bay area is now reporting PEAK colour along Highway 11 with deep reds and oranges spectacular at this time. Hwy 11, north of the city is very close to peak, colours are spectacular with bright reds and oranges. The drive from North Bay to Huntsville along Highway 11 is excellent for fall colour viewing.

The Haliburton area has advanced to an 80% change, with the drive along Highway 35 always incredible during the fall. Buttermilk Falls, along Highway 35, north of Minden is an excellent viewing location. Highway 118 in the Carnarvon area always offers some good fall colour as well.

The Kawartha Lakes region is reporting PEAK colour change. Highway 121 off Highway 35 is offering some beautiful colour at this time.

The Barrie, Orillia, Midland and across to Wasaga Beach area is showing a 50 - 60% colour change. The Horseshoe Valley region, north east of Barrie is offering some outstanding pockets of colour with bright reds, yellows and oranges. Colours expect to peak over the Thanksgiving weekend. The two hour South Simcoe Fall Colour Train Excursions out of the Tottenham area continue over the next couple of weekends with the final trip featured on October 14^th.

The Collingwood area offers some ideal fall colour viewing locations especially around the Scenic Caves. The area is reporting a 70% change. The view from the suspension bridge at Scenic Caves, at the top of Blue Mountain, is always incredible but especially nice during the fall.

The colour is close to PEAK now in the Pembroke area across to Renfrew to Arnprior and into the Ottawa Valley region.

The Beaver Valley region south of Thornbury has about a 40% colour change with muted reds, oranges and yellows. Hockley Valley, east of Orangeville the colour has advanced to 75% with 15-20% leafall. Colours are most orange, red with a splash of gold. This weekend will be PEAK in the Hockley Valley Region.