This blog post comes from Emma Webb, Head Gate Keeper at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
Driftwood is my favorite provincial park. Don’t get me wrong, I love Samuel de Champlain, but there is something magical about Driftwood. It’s where I started my career in parks.
Although smaller, the park has a lot of heart and even more charm.
Word has spread about visiting Driftwood, so the demand for camping during peak season has become much greater.
But who can blame people for wanting to visit the park known for its serene sunsets and stunning river setting?
So why not visit Driftwood in the fall? The park is open for fall camping and day use through Thanksgiving.
Imagine experiencing the beauty of Driftwood while adding one of the best displays of fall colors our province has to offer. Plus, you don’t have to beat any crowds to experience it all!
Ready for a fall adventure? Here’s what you need to know.
Rower’s paradise
If you visit the park in September or October, be sure to bring your canoes, kayaks, and boats (or rent a canoe or kayak from the park office) because the best place to see the fall colors in Driftwood is from the water.
Paddlers can venture from the shores of Driftwood Provincial Park, cross the bay to the mouth of the Dumoine River in Quebec, or stay in Ontario and explore the park’s shoreline.
You can expect to see forests transforming from green to gold and burnt orange before your eyes on both sides of the river.
Avid anglers have the opportunity to fish in this picturesque setting. Walleye, small and black bass, northern pike and muskelunges have been caught near Driftwood.
Make sure you have a valid fishing license with you if you plan to cast a line!
The importance of prioritizing safety when going out on the water in the fall is crucial. As the air temperature drops, so does the water temperature.
Be sure to bring all necessary safety equipment, including extra warm layers, safety kits, and life jackets (PFDs).
Stunning hikes
If picking up a paddle isn’t on your fall camping to-do list, you can observe the fall colors from the forest floor!
Driftwood has some amazing hiking trails to explore.
The Oak Highland trail system, which features two trails, Riverview and Beaver Pond, is a wonderful option for those looking for a moderate hike accompanied by stunning views.
Be sure to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at Riverview Clearing, which offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape.
Hikers have even reported seeing bald eagles flying overhead from the Oak Highland Trail system.
Spectacular sunsets
It’s not a camping trip to Driftwood if the days don’t begin with a dreamy sunrise and culminate with a sunset of vibrant fiery colors.
These two examples of nature’s beauty are even more spectacular in autumn than in summer.
With the sun rising later in the day, you don’t have to be an early riser to witness the dew settle or the fog move over the river and into the Quebec landscape.
This is a wonderful sight to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea or apple cider.
While it’s a little sad when the days get shorter, signifying the end of summer, in Driftwood, the end of the day is an event worth waiting for.
Fall sunsets in Driftwood transform the entire sky into a painting of red, orange, and pink.
It is incredibly difficult to capture the wonder of fall sunsets in Driftwood.
Pictures cannot fully capture the depth of color and words cannot convey the power of what is unfolding in front of you.
The only way to take it all in is to come and experience it yourself!