The Best Places To See Fall Colours in Canada
Published September 7th, 2023
With over 300 million hectares of forest, it’s no surprise that Canada is one of the top fall destinations! Fall in Canada allows visitors to take in Mother Nature’s masterful artistry as the forests erupt into breathtaking shades of red, orange and yellow. Start planning an autumn getaway to one of the following best places for fall colours in Canada!
British Columbia
Image via Tourism Victoria
Vancouver
Take a stroll through Stanley Park in Vancouver to find some of the most beautiful fall foliage in British Columbia. Located 4 hours from Victoria, Stanley Park has plenty of Instagrammable fall photo-ops, like along the picturesque seawall.
Victoria
Fall in British Columbia’s capital city provides endless opportunities to soak in the fall colours. Explore Beacon Hill to take in the perfect blend of autumn foliage and manicured lawns. A thrilling way to experience the fall colours in Victoria is ziplining at WildPlay Victoria.
Alberta
Image via Banff Lake Louise Tourism
Lake Louise
One of the most beautiful places for fall colours in Canada is Lake Louise. Nestled in Banff National Park, it’s just over 460 km south of Edmonton. The lake’s striking turquoise colour is an incredible addition to the backdrop of golden larch trees and mountains.
Elk Island National Park
Close to Edmonton is the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve Elk Island National Park. Take the 30-minute drive east of the capital to hike around Astotin Lake. The trail around the picturesque lake is accented by golden fall colours.
Saskatchewan
Image via Tourism Saskatchewan
Prince Albert National Park
Hop in the car and drive nearly 5 hours north of Regina to experience the best fall colours in Saskatchewan. Along Highway 263 through Prince Albert National Park, you’ll discover a striking blend of bright yellow, green and golden foliage.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
On the border of Alberta, 400 km west of Regina is Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. This park is home to a diverse mix of vegetation and terrain, making for incredible sights. The best place in Cypress Hills to witness the fall colours is at Conglomerate Cliffs lookout point.
Manitoba
Assiniboine Park
In the heart of Winnipeg lies Assiniboine Park. This enchanting city park is one of the best places to see fall colours in Manitoba. Wander the tree-lined pathways with leaves a blaze in vibrant colour. Along with the foliage, the park’s gardens and sculptures add to the magical scene in the fall.
Whiteshell Provincial Park
Enjoy leaf peeping in Manitoba with a hike at Falcon Lake. The lake is set within Whiteshell Provincial Park, which is an hour and a half east of Winnipeg. A 4km trail leads hikers out to an awesome view that includes the lake and pops of yellow, orange and green.
Ontario
Image via Jay Kana
Algonquin Provincial Park
Within 2.5 hours of Toronto is the most popular place in Ontario for fall colours, Algonquin Park. Visitors descend on the park every September and October. The park is home to a number of hiking trails leading to sweeping lookouts over the fall foliage.
Sault Ste. Marie
One of the most unique ways to experience fall colours in Ontario is aboard a train from Sault Ste. Marie. While the drive from Toronto is just over 7 hours, it’s worth it. The Agawa Canyon train tour takes visitors through forests, a canyon and offers spectacular fall scenery.
Quebec
Image via Wikipedia Commons
Mont-Tremblant
The pedestrian village of Tremblant provides a dreamy getaway in the autumn, under 4 hours from Quebec City. Along with the colourful village, the area boasts fantastic fall colour, with crimson reds and rich ochres. Take the gondola up to the summit for panoramic fall views.
Canyon Sainte-Anne
Home to a number of adventures, Canyon Sainte-Anne offers thrilling ways to take in the fall foliage in Quebec. Under an hour from Quebec City, Canyon Sainte-Anne has three suspension bridges, trails, and a ride through the air. All of which boast incredible fall colour views.
New Brunswick
Image via Tourism New Brunswick
Fundy Coast
Another one of the best places to see fall colours in Canada is along the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. Embark on a 2 hour road trip from Fredricton to the Fundy National Park. Cruise along the Fundy Trail Parkway or soak in the views from Melvin Beach Lookout.
Miscou Island
Off the Acadian Coast, 300 km east of Fredricton, sits Miscou Island. The Island is covered in peat bogs that come alive with colour in the fall. Enjoy a scenic drive along Route 113 on Miscou Island and watch as crimson coloured bog passes by your window.
Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island
Hop in the car and enjoy one of the most scenic fall drives in Canada along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. With rolling hills leading to panoramic vistas of fall colours paired with ocean views, it’s worth the 4-hour drive from Halifax.
Halifax
There’s no need to leave the capital city as Halifax is a fantastic spot for fall leaf peeping in Nova Scotia. Visitors can head to many of the parks in Halifax to see vibrant fall colours. Check out Sir Sanford Fleming Park and Shubie Park.
Prince Edward Island
Morell River
Paddle along the Morell River, 30 minutes outside of Charlottetown. Stretching out before you are the crisp blue water with a backdrop of forest set ablaze with the colours of autumn. Or hike Peggy’s Trail, a 1.9 km loop that circle’s Mooney’s Pond for a different perspective.
Newfoundland & Labrador
Image via Destination St. John’s
Corner Brook
In late September the maple trees and birches turn to vibrant fall hues on Newfoundland’s west coast. Take a scenic drive along the Trans Canada Highway out of Corner Brook through the Humber Valley. The route offers views of pops of fall colours between the greens of the conifers.
St. John’s
In the heart of the capital city, you’ll find a beautiful backdrop for fall colours in Newfoundland. St. John’s is home to various places to catch the russet and yellow leaves. Hike the East Coast Trail for magnificent views of the ocean, cliffs and fall colours.
Yukon
Tombstone Territorial Park
Along the scenic Dempster Highway in northern Yukon is a unique spot to experience fall. Tombstone Territorial Park is a massive swatch of untamed wilderness that for a short period showcases fiery fall colours of crimson reds and crisp yellows. In addition to the autumn colours, fall means the caribou migration and northern lights.
Midnight Dome
Minutes from Dawson City is one of the best places in the Yukon to see fall colours. With a short window to catch the fall foliage, head to the Midnight Dome Viewpoint. From here you’ll see an epic view of the Yukon River, Ogilvie Mountain Range in the distance, and golden yellow trees.
Northwest Territories
Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park
Over 450 km south of Whitehorse is a top location in the Northwest Territories for fall colours. Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park is home to two waterfalls that make the perfect backdrop for a fall photo. At Alexandra Falls you’ll spot pops of yellow, orange and red leaves that perfectly frame the gorge and waterfall.
Nunavut
Kugluktuk
Chasing fall colours in Nunavut takes on a new meaning. Kugluktuk is located over 2000 km east of Iqaluit, so you’ll have to board a flight to enjoy fall in this remote part of Canada. Here, you’ll find a blanket of rich fall colours in the form of the tundra floor.