Spectacular fall foliage in Ontario
The fall foliage season in Ontario, Canada, which reaches its peak from mid-September to early October, is the ideal time for enjoying the great outdoors in the province. This year Ontario experienced the perfect conditions for breathtaking fall foliage.
As a result of the wet spring and warm summer, visitors to Ontario will witness a resplendent display of crimson and gold foliage this autumn.
Ontario is arguably the most colourful place in the world in autumn as 70 percent of the province is covered in ancient Boreal Forest. The province also boasts more than 330 provincial parks covering 9 million hectares and a vast network of waterways. With its abundance of pristine nature, Ontario is a popular destination for hiking, canoeing and tree-top canopy walking in autumn.
During the harvest season there is certainly no shortage of adventure. Travellers who would like to experience the great Canadian tradition of embarking on an epic road trip will find the views from the highways and byways of Ontario truly enchanting during the fall foliage season. The autumnal scenery is equally impressive in the charming towns and villages throughout Ontario where in addition to charming resorts and B&B’s, travellers will find a variety of family friendly fairs and festivals that celebrate seasonal crops and local crafts.
Spectacular Fall Foliage Touring Locations
Whether enjoying the scenery on foot, by boat, by car or by train, Ontario is the ideal destination to experience the turning of the seasons.
In the Muskoka Region, 1600 lakes, dense forests and rolling hills dominate the landscape making this resort region the perfect place for a fall foliage driving tour. Stops are recommended at Gravenhurst, Port Carling, Bracebridge and Bala. These market towns are perfect for spending a leisurely afternoon exploring antique shops, boutiques and cafes. Gravenhurst, located a mere two hours from Toronto, is commonly referred to as the gateway to Muskoka. In Gravenhurst, visitors can board the historic RMS Segwun, North America's oldest operating steamship. For more active holidaymakers, Algonquin Park, which offers an abundance of outdoor activities, is a short distance away. discovermuskoka.ca
The expanse of colour across Algonquin Provincial Park’s vast tree covered 7,725 square kilometers (3000 square miles) is truly a sight to behold in autumn. The park, located only three hours from Toronto and Ottawa, is Ontario’s most popular outdoor playground with hiking, canoeing and camping on offer. Catch the Maples at their peak in the last week of September. A couple of weeks later, the Aspens, Tamaracks and Red Oaks are at their colourful best. algonquinpark.on.ca
Algoma Country is a vast stretch of wilderness area located 690 km northwest of Toronto. The rustic beauty of Algoma Country is transformed each autumn into a kaleidoscope of colour which has inspired notable devotees such as the famed Group of Seven. Peak fall foliage in this region is from mid-September to early October. The Agawa Canyon Train Tour is a popular way for visitors to experience the spectacular fall foliage in Algoma. The train travels from Sault Ste. Marie to the scenic Agawa Canyon Park taking in the colourful fall foliage along the way. agawacanyontourtrain.com
Festivals During The Fall Foliage Season
War of 1812 Rendezvous & Fur Trade Celebration (Sept 24-26, 2010) – The War of 1812 Rendezvous & Fur Trade Celebration takes place in Sault Ste. Marie 696 km northwest of Toronto.
This fun-for-the-whole-family event will be housed in two of the oldest stone buildings in Ontario. Experience a British soldier militia muster, witness cannon demonstrations, and participate in Voyageur games. algoma1812.ca
Bala Cranberry Festival (Oct 15-17, 2010) – The Bala Cranberry Festival, situated 160 km north of Toronto is a Muskoka Region institution.
The festival features cranberry marsh tours, local arts and crafts and an entertaining street carnival. This interactive event celebrating the cranberry, also invites visitors to join in on the pressing of the fruit. balacranberryfestival.on.ca
