Whether you’re drawn to the spectacular outdoors, the charm of a small town or cozy cabins, autumn is a great time to explore Canada. As days get shorter, nature finds a way to naturally brighten its look with bright yellow, burnt orange and fiery red autumn leaves dotting trees from coast to coast. The season's name is apt—crisp air, crunchy leaves and the promise of a warm beverage will most definitely make you fall for the change of seasons.
Unbearable beauty in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Spot the wildlife seemingly playing hide-and-seek amongst the changing leaves in Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park. Visiting Canada's oldest provincial park or neighbouring parks from mid-September to mid-October is sure to deliver a kaleidoscope of colour thanks to 24 native species of deciduous trees. Check out the fall colour guide and be in the know about which trees are changing, percentage leaf fall and dominant colours, allowing you to capture the perfect photo. Plan your driving route and aim to visit mid-week to enjoy the region with fewer people.
City sights in Vancouver, British Columbia
Biking along the Seawall is arguably one of the most scenic ways of discovering Vancouver. In fall, mild temperatures (which Vancouver boasts year round) and vivid colours make for a perfect time to explore this city on the edge of nature. Rent a bike and start exploring the 28km-long Seaside Greenway through Stanley Park and down to Spanish Banks Park. Or join a guided tour through Stanley Park to learn about the biodiversity of the temperate rainforest, the First Nations Peoples that call the area home, as well as secrets from the park's 125-year history.
Rustic & rugged stays across the country
Take your pick of bed and breakfasts around the country and cozy up in a cute cabin. Explore local trails, grab some harvest produce and enjoy the sights and sounds. From a safe distance, spot the abundance of Canadian wildlife: chipmunks gathering their winter supplies, young northern gannets leaping off perilous cliffs, prairie rattlesnakes giving birth, golden eagles journeying south, arctic foxes donning a whiter coat and the deer family in their key mating season-including the otherwise solitary moose.
Mirrored lakes of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
A crisp morning in Quebec's Parc national du Mont-Tremblant is the perfect time to reflect. The region is home to trees that transform into brilliant red tones that evoke the stylized 11-point maple leaf. The tone of each red is unique as it's determined by the sugar accumulation in the sap and the soil composition in which the tree is grown. Enjoy the bounty of the area in autumn, crave the comfort of local produce, stroll cute boutiques and galleries before riding the gondola to the highest peak of the Laurentians for panoramic views.
Autumnal skyscrapers in Calgary, Alberta
Even if a dusting of snow signals the changing seasons in Calgary, wind down in the city with a backdrop of rich, golden foliage. Order your pumpkin spice latte in cafes and shop local boutiques, wander the Bow River or wind down with a massage in the mountains.
Enjoy the journey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Fall is one of our favourite seasons to go on a road trip, especially in stunning spots like those found in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There is no shortage of things to do, starting with a cruise along the bucket-list worthy Cabot Trail. Weave your way through Cape Breton Highlands National Park's rolling hills and valleys decked out in their autumnal shades. The colours begin to change around late September and are often at their peak during early to mid-October.
Coastal colours in Newfoundland and Labrador
Explore the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline offering the full spectrum of colour in addition to the year-round green and blue tones of the ocean. Stay on shore to see the pops of red among the yellow moss close up or enjoy from afar aboard a boat tour and spot the last of the humpback whales heading south for warmer waters. You can also head out on one of the province's 300 hiking and walking trails including the East Coast Trail where you can catch the first sunrise of North America or a geyser powered by the powerful Atlantic waves.
Autumn aurora in Yukon
Be one of the first to see the early season aurora dancing above the fall colours in Canada's North. The golden glow of the aspen forests surrounding Whitehorse, Yukon will set the stage for green northern lights. Discover the culture and wildlife during the day before heading out for the evening show at an aurora viewing site or from the warmth of a purpose-built glass chalet.
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