10 Must-See Places for Fall Colours in Canada

Looking for the best places to see fall colours in Canada? We’ve rounded up our top recommendations across the country—based on years of road trips, day hikes and fall getaways.

There’s nothing like that first crisp breath of autumn air—the kind that makes you reach for a cozy sweater and head straight for the trees.

I get it. I’m obsessed with fall too. I often plan trips—both long drives and quick day escapes—just to soak up the fiery reds and blazing oranges. There’s something about the smell of fall and the crunch of leaves underfoot that gets me every year.

Over the years, we’ve explored fall colours in northern and southern Ontario, road-tripped through Quebec and spent time on the East Coast during peak season. And while every trip has been different, one thing always stands out—Canada really knows how to do fall.

With its endless forests, maple-covered hills, and scenic drives, this country puts on one of the most stunning autumn shows anywhere. Whether you’re hiking to a lookout or just pulling over at the side of the road, the colours can be absolutely jaw-dropping.

In this guide, I’m sharing 10 of the best places across Canada to see fall colours—from iconic parks to a few under-the-radar favourites. So grab a sweater and your camera, and let’s get into it.

When to See Fall Colours in Canada

Fall colours usually peak between mid-September and late October, depending on where you are in the country. Timing can shift a little each year based on weather, so it’s always good to check local reports before heading out.

Here’s a general guide to help you plan:

• Mid to late September: Northern Ontario, Quebec and higher elevations like Alberta’s Rocky Mountains
• Early to mid-October: Coastal areas, including Cape Breton, southern Ontario and the Maritimes

Since timing can vary each year, it’s always a good idea to check local fall colour reports before you go.

Some provinces and national parks publish fall colour reports that are updated weekly. Ontario Parks, for example, offers a useful Fall Colour Report to help plan your trip and Cape Breton 

1. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Algonquin is one of the best places to see fall colours in Canada—and it’s a spot I return to almost every year. My parents have a cottage just north of the park, so I’ve spent many fall weekends there, especially since having kids. Watching the leaves change has become part of our fall routine.

The colours usually peak in late September to early October, with sugar maples turning first, followed by golden poplars and birch trees.

Some of the best ways to experience fall in Algonquin:

• Hiking
  Trails like Lookout Trail offer sweeping views and are easy to access from Highway 60. It’s short but steep—and worth the climb.
• Canoeing
  I did a multi-day trip in late September as a teenager and still remember the calm lakes and fiery red trees along the shoreline. We even saw a moose from the canoe, which made it even more unforgettable. But you don’t have to go too far – even a short paddle is worth it.
• Scenic drives
  Highway 60 cuts through the southern part of the park with plenty of pull-offs. Outside the park, roads around Fairy Lake and the Dorset Lookout Tower near Huntsville offer great views with minimal walking.

When to go: Late September to early October
Where to stay: Huntsville is a great base, with quick access to the park
Tip: Visit midweek if you can—fall weekends in the park can be very busy

Local tip: Check out the colours in nearby Muskoka too

If you’re already in the area, Muskoka is another great region for fall colours—and it’s just a short drive from Algonquin. The rolling hills, lakes and backroads are especially stunning in early October.

A few of our favourites:

• Fairy Lake in Huntsville for peaceful lake views
• Dorset Lookout Tower for panoramic fall vistas
• Huckleberry Rock Lookout near Bracebridge for an easy hike with big rewards
• Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve for quiet trails and classic Algonquin-style scenery without the crowds

2. Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton is one of the most scenic places in the country—especially in early to mid-October when the leaves turn across the island. The winding roads, dramatic coastline and forested highlands make it an unforgettable spot to see fall colours.

Nova Scotia is home for us, so we know these colours well. We’ve driven the Cabot Trail several times—usually in summer or spring—but it’s absolutely stunning in the fall. Driving is a must, but hiking is one of the best ways to really take in the colours.

The Cabot Trail loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, cutting through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You’ll find sweeping ocean views, valleys filled with colour and plenty of places to stop and explore.

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October

Top spots for fall colours:

• Skyline Trail—a classic, especially at sunset
• Franey Trail—steep but rewarding with views over the Clyburn Valley and Atlantic
• Mica Hill Trail—less crowded and offers great panoramic views
• MacIntosh Brook Trail—a short, family-friendly trail through hardwood forest to a waterfall
• Margaree Valley—a quieter inland drive with scenic valley views

Tip: Drive the full Cabot Trail clockwise for better ocean views, and give yourself at least two days to explore without feeling rushed.

3. Laurentians, Quebec

Just north of Montréal, the Laurentians are a fantastic place to experience fall colours. The region’s rolling hills, lakes and endless forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow, usually from late September into early October.

The scenic drives are a highlight here. Roads like Route 117 or Route 329 wind through colourful valleys, while smaller backroads lead to lakeside views and quiet villages. If you’d rather skip the driving, you can take a gondola ride at Mont Tremblant for a bird’s-eye view over the hillsides.

There are also plenty of hiking trails if you want to get closer to the colours. Short routes near Mont Tremblant are great for families, while longer hikes like Mont Kaaikop reward you with sweeping vistas.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October
Top ways to see the colours:

• Scenic drives through Route 117 and Route 329
• Gondola ride at Mont Tremblant
• Hiking trails like Mont Tremblant or Mont Kaaikop

Tip: The Laurentians are a popular weekend getaway from Montréal, so weekdays are usually less crowded on both the roads and the trails.

4. Gatineau Park, Quebec

Just across the river from Ottawa, Gatineau Park is one of the most popular spots in Quebec to catch fall colours. With rolling hills and more than 360 square kilometres of forest, it’s a beautiful place to explore in late September and early October.

One of the best views is from Champlain Lookout, where you can see the Ottawa River Valley spread out below, framed by red and orange hills. For something shorter, the Pink Lake Trail circles a turquoise lake surrounded by changing leaves, while King Mountain offers a mix of hardwood forest and open views.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October
Top spots for fall colours:

• Champlain Lookout—stunning views over the Ottawa River Valley
• Pink Lake Trail—a short loop around a turquoise lake, surrounded by colourful hills
• King Mountain Trail—a bit steeper but offers forest views and a few great lookouts

Tip: The park is busiest on fall weekends – if you can swing a weekday visit, it’s a much quieter and relaxed experience.

Personal note: Other places to see fall colours in Quebec

If you’re looking for more places to see fall colours in Quebec, Jacques-Cartier National Park is a great option. It’s just outside Québec City and offers a mix of steep river valleys, rocky cliffs and dense maple forest.

Another favourite of ours is the drive through Témiscouata, especially the section where the highway curves and suddenly opens up to views of the lake below. It’s one of my favourite stretches of the Toronto to Halifax drive—beautiful any time of year, but absolutely stunning in the fall when the hills are glowing with colour.

5. Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Fundy is one of those places that quietly surprises you in the fall. It’s not as flashy as some bigger parks, but the mix of colourful trees and ocean views is really something. There are crisp forest trails with bright leaves, and then other spots where you’re standing at a cliff, looking out over the Bay of Fundy.

The park’s not huge, which makes it easy to explore—even with kids. We’ve done short walks like Dickson Falls, which winds through mossy forest to a small waterfall, and Matthew’s Head, where you get coastal views with red and yellow trees all around. If you’re up for something longer, Laverty Falls is a good half-day option.

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October

Top trails for fall colours:

• Dickson Falls—an easy, family-friendly loop through mossy forest to a small waterfall
• Laverty Falls—a moderate forest hike with a waterfall and lots of colourful canopy
• Matthew’s Head Trail—great coastal views and a sea stack lookout
• Maple Grove Trail—known for its beautiful fall colours and peaceful hardwood forest

Also Worth Checking Out: Take a drive down the Fundy Trail Parkway, just a short distance from the park. It’s a scenic coastal route with several lookouts and viewpoints—especially stunning in the fall when the trees add even more colour to the coastline.

6. The Rocky Mountains (Banff & Jasper), Alberta

Fall in the Rockies is short but unforgettable. The forests shift from deep green to gold, and if you time it right, you’ll see the larch trees turn a brilliant yellow before the snow moves in. The colour change usually happens fast—sometimes just a week or two in mid to late September.

We haven’t made it out west for larch season yet, but it’s high on our list. Every year around that time, I see photos of golden trees glowing against snow-dusted peaks and think, we need to go next year. It’s a different kind of fall colour than the reds and oranges out east, but just as striking.

Best time to visit: Mid to late September

Top places to see fall colours:

• Larch Valley Trail near Lake Louise—one of the best-known fall hikes in Canada
• Plain of Six Glaciers for mountain views and a quieter alternative
• Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper—stunning any time of year, but especially with fall colour
• Valley of the Five Lakes in Jasper for reflections and easy walking trails

Tip: Weather changes fast in the Rockies. Bring layers, and don’t be surprised if you see snow and fall colours in the same view.

7. Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

Tucked just across the border from Banff, Kootenay National Park is a quieter spot to catch fall colours in the Rockies. The trails are less crowded, but the views are just as impressive—especially in mid to late September, when the larches turn bright yellow and stand out against the rocky peaks.

This park feels more low-key than Banff or Jasper, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for a slower pace. Hikes like Floe Lake or Stanley Glacier give you that classic alpine scenery, and you’ll still get the golden larches without the crowds.

Best time to visit: Mid to late September

Top places for fall colours:

• Floe Lake via the Rockwall Trail
• Stanley Glacier Trail
• Marble Canyon for a quick stop with views

Tip: You can easily combine a visit to Kootenay with Banff or Lake Louise, but it’s also worth a full day on its own—especially during larch season.

8. Niagara Parkway, Ontario

Often overshadowed by the falls, the Niagara Parkway is actually one of the best scenic drives in Ontario during the fall. The road follows the Niagara River between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie, lined with colourful trees, stone fences and vineyards turning golden in the sunshine.

We’ve done this drive in October and it’s a beautiful, easy option—no hiking required. You can stop at small towns, grab something from a local bakery or winery, and enjoy the view along the way. The colours tend to peak in early to mid-October, but the route is lovely even if you miss the very brightest days.

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October

What to do:

• Take your time along the Parkway—there are plenty of spots to pull over
• Stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch or a stroll
• There are plenty of wineries to stop at along the way, from big-name spots to smaller, family-run vineyards with great fall views.
• Explore Niagara Falls – there’s plenty to do beyond the waterfall

Tip: Weekdays are quieter, especially in October when bus tours start to slow down.

9. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba

Riding Mountain gets overlooked sometimes, but it’s one of the best spots in Manitoba for fall colours – especially in late September when the forests glow with yellow and orange, and the tamaracks add an extra golden touch The park sits on the edge of the prairie, so you get a mix of rolling hills, forest and open views that feel wide and peaceful.

There’s a calm, slower pace here that makes it easy to enjoy. Trails like Boreal Trail and Kinosao Lake take you through poplar and birch forest, while Grey Owl Trail leads to a historic cabin in the woods. Elk and deer are common, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a black bear.

Best time to visit: Late September

Top ways to enjoy fall colours:

• Walk the Boreal Trail or Kinosao Lake Trail for quiet forest hikes
• Drive around Wasagaming and take in the lakeside views
• Hike the Grey Owl Trail for a longer option with wildlife spotting potential

Tip: Stay in Wasagaming, the small townsite inside the park. It’s a great base for trails, and most places are still open into early fall—without the summer crowds.

10. Lake Superior, Ontario

For me, the Lake Superior shoreline is one of the most stunning spots in the province—especially in the fall. I went to school in Thunder Bay for a year, and I drove this route a few times around Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect time for a fall road trip—though the colours usually peak a couple of weeks earlier. We’ve also done the drive in summer (just me and the kids), and it’s just as beautiful with the cliffs and endless water views.

Driving along Highway 17 between Sault Ste. Marie and Lake Superior Provincial Park, you’ll get wide-open lake views framed by colourful hills and rocky cliffs. It’s the kind of drive where you want to pull over every few kilometres to take in the view. There are plenty of hiking trails and lookouts along the way, from short walks to waterfalls to longer routes with lake views.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October

Top spots for fall colours:

• Agawa Rock Trail for views over the lake and Indigenous pictographs
• Old Woman Bay for dramatic cliffs and a short beach walk
• Sand River Falls Trail for a peaceful forest hike along the water
• Nokomis Trail—moderate loop with some of the best views over Lake Superior and Old Woman Bay

Bonus tip: Ride the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
If you’re in the area, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train is a unique way to see the fall colours in Northern Ontario. The full-day trip departs from Sault Ste. Marie and winds through forested valleys to the bottom of Agawa Canyon, with a stop to explore trails and waterfalls. It’s especially popular in late September, so book ahead if you’re planning to go.