Leaf peepers, unite! ‘Tis the season to enjoy the splendor of fall.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, these parks are sure to surprise you when it comes to fall colors:
Restoule Provincial Park
Park staff often praise Restoule. This lesser-known park near North Bay has oak, maple, and birch forests that burst with color each fall. Dog owners and their canine friends love the pet-friendly beach and playground.
Hikers prefer the 7 km Fire Tower Trail, which leads to a historic fire tower. Mountain bikers can ride over 8km of mixed single and double track trails. The Angel’s Point Trail (2.8 km) offers two mountain biking loops through vibrant hardwood forests and the Ranger’s Point Trail (860 m) is perfect for a casual ride.
Mikisew Provincial Park
Mikisew Provincial Park is located on the western shore of scenic Eagle Lake and is the perfect park for your fall camping trip.
The park’s deciduous forest turns electric in late September and early October. Visitors can hike one of the park’s trails to see a beaver wetland and some of the bedrock of the area’s Canadian Shield. Or enjoy a game of disc golf on the park’s 18-hole course!
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Located on the historic Mattawa River fur trading route in the scenic Mattawa Valley, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park has exceptional fall colors and plenty to keep you busy.
The park has an excellent hiking trail system that will take you through various viewpoints. Enjoy views of the Mattawa River, stroll through tall, majestic red pine forests, or venture to a peninsula in the middle of Moore Lake.
Paddlers of all levels can also explore the park by canoe at one of several access points.
Halfway Lake Provincial Park
Located just an hour from Sudbury, Halfway Lake Provincial Park is a great family camping park with great opportunities to enjoy the fall colors.
The park’s extensive trail system through the rugged southern edge of the Boreal Forest has something for everyone. Choose from trails that offer ample opportunities to experience panoramic views of lakes, glacial ridges, wetlands and more.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
One of Ontario’s great fall drives is located between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa. The fall colors are stunning and nowhere more so than in Lake Superior Provincial Park.
The park is the transition point between Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest of sugar maples, red maples, and yellow birches, and boreal forest dominated by evergreens.
The painters of the Group of Seven recognized its beauty early. Its first exhibition in 1920 was largely inspired by what is now the landscape of the protected park. This year there are 10 hiking routes to choose from. The longest is the 65km Coastal Trail, which you can divide into sections and hike as day trips. salmon fishing in autumn It’s great in this park too!
Don’t forget to get your daily vehicle permit in advance!
Lake Charleston Provincial Park
If you’re in the Ottawa or Kingston areas, try Charleston Lake Provincial Park near Brockville. The highest land point in Eastern Ontario is located in this park and you can hike to it for a spectacular fall view.
Paddlers can explore the beautiful fall colors from the lake’s 75 km of shoreline and its many bays and coves. Parts of Running’s Bay and Slim Bay are designated motorboat-free, so visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the lake. There are a limited number of canoe and kayak rentals available.
If you love stargazing, many visitors head to a field in the park that offers excellent opportunities to view the night sky. If you prefer a roof over your head, there are four yurts available for rent.
Ferris Provincial Park
Photo: Northumberland Tourism
Ferris Provincial Park, near Campbellford, is a two-hour drive from Toronto. Kids love biking the Trans Canada Trail that runs through the park. The Ranney Ferris Suspension Bridge is a highlight of the park and one of the many colorful sights of fall.
Ferris’ 3.2km River Gorge Trail passes through the beautiful Ranney Gorge before heading downstream, passing an old quarry and a historic sheep wash converted into a picnic area. New this year: enjoy a fenced dog exercise area!
Lake San Pedro Provincial Park
Scenic Lake St. Peter Provincial Park is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet fall camping trip.
If you can get away from the stunning views of the lake, you can enjoy the park’s excellent fishing opportunities or three hiking trails. The 2.5 km Lookout Trail crosses rugged terrain, passes near a kettle lake, and leads to a spectacular viewpoint over the lake.
Awenda Provincial Park
Explore over 2,900 hectares of forested land along the picturesque shores of Georgian Bay. The park’s trails, lakes, shorelines, marshes, marshes and campgrounds offer a mix of habitats for a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Did you miss the fall colors? Check out the Bluff Trail. The views of Georgian Bay from this section of the trail are especially spectacular during the leafless season.
Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Located just under 100 km from Toronto, you’ll find plenty to explore at Earl Rowe Provincial Park.
You can watch salmon spawn on the fish ladder (a space for fish to jump over obstacles) or explore one of the park’s many trails. Discover what’s around you on the Resource Trail (1.5 km) or walk the Lookout Trail (4 km) to the platform and see the park and its surroundings.
Can’t choose one? Conquer the Rainbow Run (11 km) that includes all the trails in the park. Fletcher’s Mill Pond is paved for accessibility and is an easy walk around Earl Rowe Lake. No matter your comfort level, Earl Rowe has a trail for you!