The Best Places to See Fall Colours Across Canada
When it comes to fall colours, Canada puts on a show like no other. Here are the best places to watch the leaves change across the country.
The Best Places to See Fall Colours in Canada
Leaf peeping in Humber Valley, Newfoundland
“Leaf peeping” is a major recreational—and economic—activity in Canada, ringing especially true in Newfoundland’s Humber Valley. For a region that thrives on paper and pulp exports, trees are certainly hot commodities, but they aren’t just a source of livelihood. Every autumn, the tree-covered Long Range Mountains, part of the Appalachians, burst into every shade of citrus imaginable, drawing admirers from far and wide. If golf is your sport, enjoy this display of fall colours at River Course, named Canada’s Best New International Course by Golf magazine when it launched in 2007.
Watch the leaves change in Banff, Alberta
In Banff National Park, you’ll find Larch Valley, which bursts into fall colour come mid-September. Rightfully dubbed “the Valley of Gold,” it’s a wonder Monet hadn’t swiped his paintbrush to create one of autumn’s most picturesque attractions. For more incredible vantage points of Banff’s spectacular fall colours, be sure to take a ride aboard the Banff Gondola (a bird’s eye view from 7,486 feet!) and the Lake Cruise along Lake Minnewanka.
Check out more unforgettable things to do in Banff on your next visit.
Spectacular fall foliage in Mont Tremblant, Quebec
From BeaverTails to gondola rides to short-and-sweet cruises along the 12-kilometre Lake Tremblant, you’d think that’s where the Laurentian fun stops. Summer’s party scene and winter’s influx of ski bunnies aside, crisp autumn is an underrated way to experience Mont Tremblant. The crunchy leaves that pepper these quaint, hotel-dotted hills are an attraction all their own. Plus, sitting in a bathing suit, with the foliage surrounding you as you melt into an outdoor Scandinavian bath, proves to be quite the lovely juxtaposition.
Check out more hidden gems across Canada.
Bask in fall colours in Ontario’s Muskoka Region
Need evidence that Ontario’s favourite cottage retreat boasts unparalleled fall foliage? There have several driving tours dedicated to leaf peeping through Muskoka, with added bonuses along the routes including waterfalls and historic landmarks like Dr. Norman Bethune’s birthplace. Consult the provincial colour report to plan the perfect time to visit.
Don’t miss this showcase of the most stunning fall pictures of Canada.
Vancouver’s best park for fall colours
In Vancouver’s 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park, the blend of coniferous trees (the woody types that stay green year-round) and deciduous trees (the chameleon types that lose their leaves when they’ve matured) are about as close as you can get to a rainbow without having to endure a sun shower. The main Quarry Garden, once a massive excavation site, includes a dramatic array of shrubs, flowers and, of course, foliage. The north Quarry Garden offers an Asian-inspired rendition of the sort complete with an arching bridge and stream.
Discover the most beautiful botanical garden in every province.
Fall colours at the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
Hike or stroll through this natural amusement park of open roads, campgrounds and high tides spanning all the way from the tip of Maine to the edge of Nova Scotia. But you won’t need to paint the town red; Mother Nature does that for you when the leaves are brightest mid-September. Don’t forget to pack binoculars to get a closer look at all 360 species of birds perched in the Bay’s fern and cedar trees.
Check out more essential experiences on the east coast of Canada.
Savour fall colours on Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island
The fact that it was voted the #1 island in Canada and the US by Travel + Leisure magazine is just one of this maritime gem’s selling points. From September to mid-October, enjoy a theatrical display of ruby reds and pumpkin peaches that grace the trees down the famous Confederation Trail. Make sure to cycle slowly to savour the colours as you travel down this abandoned railway, reimagined as 410 kilometres of bike-friendly paths overlooking rolling hills and charming villages.
Now that you know the best places to see fall colours in Canada, check out the roadside attractions to watch for en route.
