7 magical places to catch Canada’s fall colours
Summer is drawing to a close, and fall’s brushing our doorsteps with twigs and leaves. No need to despair: with autumn comes breathtaking beauty. As Canadians will tell you, they look forward to the reappearance of the country’s vibrant, multi-coloured landscapes every year. From mid-September to mid-November, nature’s annual spectacle is awe-inspiring. From park promenades to epic lookouts, on foot, on two wheels or airborne, let yourself get swept away like the leaves in Canada’s most majestic locations from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. And when nature flaunts its boldest colours, you’ll want to bring your camera!
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK | ONTARIO
Just three hours north of Toronto, Algonquin National Park offers epic Ontario landscapes all year round. Eighteen footpaths wind through the park, each one selected for its unique view of the changing fall colours. Top these off with several lookout points with panoramic views for glorious rest breaks and perfect photo ops.
STANLEY PARK | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
As the third-largest urban park in North America, Stanley Park is a natural wonder located in the heart of Vancouver – and a great place to jump into the fall foliage. Breathe in the fresh ocean air as you stroll the seawall, meander by Beaver Lake and stop at Prospect Point for the view of the Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet and the mountains.
TOFINO | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Canadian comedian Rick Mercer says Tofino is a must for your bucket list – so why not head there this fall? For a truly astounding experience, see the famous surf town and colours of the island coast from the air in a seaplane. Then enjoy the last of the summer sunshine on the beach and catch a breathtaking sunset over the ocean.
THE ROCKIES | FROM JASPER TO BANFF, ALBERTA
The Rockies are especially popular in the fall when people from around the world gather to experience the precipitous mountain peaks, emerald lakes, glorious wildlife and classic northern forests. Take the time to stop at the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, or set off on an autumn hike from Lake Agnes to Lake Louise. Hop onto the Sulphur Mountain gondola for a view to take your breath away.
CABOT TRAIL | CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA
Along the coastline of Cape Breton Island runs the Cabot Trail, a 300 km stretch of Canadian wilderness and ancient mountain ranges that spill dramatically into the ocean below. The spectacular views will leave you short of superlatives once the leaves begin their kaleidoscopic transformation.
HUMBER VALLEY | CORNER BROOK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
At the heart of 70-kilometre-long Humber Valley is a river that goes by the same name, stretching from the Bay of Islands to Deer Lake. The views are particularly striking in the fall as the leaves create explosions of colour amidst the dense green of the conifers.
BAY OF FUNDY | NEW BRUNSWICK
Known for having the world’s highest tides (up to 54 ft.), the Bay of Fundy is extraordinary in the fall. Look one way and get an eyeful of bright yellows, oranges and scarlets. Look the other way for an unending view of the ocean. You may even catch a few whales, as the bay is where they come to feed at this time of the year.
Whatever the location, one thing is certain: Canada’s autumn landscapes are majestic and magical. We’d love to know where you’d like to catch Canada’s changing colours!
