3 Scenic Road Trips In Ontario For The Best Fall Colors

06.09.2023 - 13:59 / forbes.com

The season for pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and fall foliage is almost here. Ontario is beautiful in all seasons but leaf peeping in autumn is particularly special as nature puts on a vibrant colorful show with leaves of bright fiery reds, golden hues of orange, and shining yellow ambers. As temperatures start to dip it’s the perfect time to hit the open road and head to a destination to appreciate the great outdoors and fall in Ontario. Canada’s second largest province is home to rugged beauty, forests, and natural landscapes making it a great road trip journey whether you live in Canada or are coming from the United States. Here are three Ontario destinations where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.

Peterborough & The Kawarthas are a top Ontario destination for fall road trips. Peterborough is located in the Kawarthas region just north of the TransCanada Highway. From Toronto it’s just over an hour and a half drive and from Ottawa just over three hours. It’s a beautiful and vibrant place with fun activities for families, friends, and couples. This natural paradise is extra special in autumn and is the gateway to popular cottage destinations if you choose to spend the weekend. There are several scenic driving tours to choose from including a route called Turn Over A New Leaf. The route is 103 km (64 miles) and will take a few hours starting from Peterborough Lift Lock, a famous must-see attraction and a National Historic Site of Canada located on the Otonabee River section of the Trent Canal.

Other stops along this autumn trail include a farmers market where you can pick up a festive pumpkin and Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, a cool series of seven caverns formed with melting glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. Explore the limestone caverns on an adventurous autumn hike or consider renting a canoe to witness glorious fall colors from the river.

A road trip from Toronto to Muskoka Lakes will put you in the fall spirit for sure. Known for natural and rugged beauty, the Township of Muskoka Lakes is home to hiking trails, parks, beaches, natural wonders, and be on the lookout for the famous Muskoka chairs. From Toronto the drive to Muskoka Lakes is about two and a half hours. Once at your destination, a perfect fall driving route is Peninsula Road from Port Carling to Rosseau. Admire the red, yellow, and orange leaves of cottage country and the trees reflecting on the water. This drive takes you past Lake Joseph and Rosseau as well as views of old Muskoka cottages and boathouses.

Extend your Muskoka Lakes adventure with a visit to Torrance Barrens, North America’s first dark sky preserve and a biologically diverse destination where stars shine bright and wildlife roams.

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