Fall is the perfect time of year to see the leaves turn from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and gold. Lucky for you, being in Canada will bring you closer to these fall colours with spectacular views from the water to the mountains. So, it’s time to go exploring! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the best fall road trips and destinations in Canada to see these changing colours.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Starting Point: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Road Trip Duration: 2-3 days
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is a winding coastal route. Here, you’ll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fall colours, courtesy of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Be sure to take your time when exploring the hiking trails and savouring fresh seafood at local eateries. And don’t miss the chance to stand atop the Skyline Trail. This is the summit that you will never forget!
You can use Canoo to get into the National Park for free! Download today and you can even use it to plan your trip.
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Laurentian Mountains, Quebec
Starting Point: Montreal, Quebec
Road Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Escape the city and head to the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec for a charming fall getaway. Quaint villages like Saint-Sauveur are perfect for exploring local culture and enjoying delicious cuisine. The mountains provide a stunning backdrop for fall foliage that takes over during this time of year.
If you are planning to travel more around Quebec, read about all the must-see small towns here.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Starting Point: Toronto, Ontario
Road Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Venture north from Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park! This is a place where you can immerse yourself fully in the autumnal beauty of Ontario. The park’s vast wilderness is painted with the warm colours of maple and oak trees. You have the chance to hike the trails, paddle on pristine lakes, and keep an eye out for wildlife wandering around the forests. Don’t forget to pack your sleeping bags! Camping under the fall canopy is an experience like no other.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta
Starting Point: Calgary, Alberta
Road Trip Duration: 2-3 days
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking route for experiencing fall in Alberta. Make sure that you plan stops at iconic locations, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, where you’ll see the vibrant leaves set against the turquoise waters. These hikes will even bring you closer to the autumnal magic in the expansive wilderness that exists all across Alberta.
Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
Starting Point: Vancouver, British Columbia
Road Trip Duration: 4-5 days
For those on the west coast of Canada, Kootenay National Park shows you spectacular views of fall foliage in the Canadian Rockies. A longer road trip can include stops in one-of-a-kind mountain towns along the way where scenic beauty is unparalleled during the fall season.
Day Trips
If you don’t have much time, think about doing some day trips instead. There are many places near cities like Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver that will bring you closer to nature without taking up your whole weekend. Here is our list our favourite day trips:
Montreal, Quebec to Mont Tremblant
Distance: 1.5-2 hours’ drive
Spend a day in Quebec’s Mont Tremblant to get away from the busy city of Montreal. You’ll find this ski area still busy with activity in the fall because everyone wants to take in the beauty of the Laurentian Mountains. Walk along the colourful streets, ride the gondola to the top, or explore one of the many trails all the way to a beautiful view. Mont Tremblant is a great place to spend a day in the fall.
Toronto, Ontario to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Distance: Approx. 1.5-2 hours’ drive
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful town that is only a short drive from Toronto. It is known for its cute streets and local farms. On your drive, stop at some wineries along the way. If you have more time, you could stay for a weekend to see everything the area has to offer. For history lovers, you might even want to visit the Niagara Historical Society Museum. You’ll find over 8,500 artifacts and photos showing all the historical secrets of the area. Members of Canoo can get into both museums for free.
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Calgary, Alberta to Kananaskis Country
Distance: Approx. 1-1.5 hours’ drive
Kananaskis Country is easy for people in Calgary to get to. The scenery changes into a colourful wonderland in the fall. You can spend the day hiking, having a picnic, or just going through the Kananaskis Valley and along the Smith-Dorrien Trail to see beautiful views of evergreens surrounded golden aspens.
Vancouver, British Columbia to Grouse Mountain
Distance: Approx. 30-40 minutes’ drive
As the leaves change colour in Vancouver, Grouse Mountain surrounds you with fall beauty. With just a quick trip to the mountain, you can do things like climbing, zip-lining, and seeing wild animals. The Skyride Gondola gives you beautiful views of Vancouver from the mountain and the autumn-coloured woods around it.
Bonus Tip: Check Out the Parks Near You
Don’t forget to check out your city’s parks. Mount Royal Park in Montreal, Stanley Park in Vancouver, High Park in Toronto, and Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary are all places where you can see the leaves change without having to even leave the city.
Whether you choose to venture out of the city for a day or make it a weekend getaway, these fall experiences are perfect for people looking to capture the beauty of the Canadian fall. Grab your camera, pack some snacks, and revel in the vibrant colours that make Canada’s fall season magical.
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