We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we only have a little over a month left of fall. Which means that our leisure weekends spent looking at fall foliage and going apple picking are coming to a bitter end.
So you need to make the most of the remaining warm fall days and head out to experience the beauty of the season. We highly recommend heading out on a fall road trip so you can take in our province in all its fall glory,
Here are 10 of our favourite fall road trips from Toronto that are all within a few hours of the city.
Heart-Shaped Lake, Oompah, ON
Located just over three hours east of Toronto, near Ompah, ON, you’ll find this incredible heart-shaped lake, which is truly a sight to see. Whether you’re looking for a ridiculously adorable date idea, perhaps an incredibly unique place to propose, or maybe you’re just looking to escape the city and see some fall foliage, we highly recommend paying the heart-shaped lake a visit before the end of fall.
Prince Edward County
Drive 2.5 hours east of the city and you’ll see nothing but vineyards, scenic beaches, and lush countryside as far as the eye can see. PEC is easily one of the best road trips in Ontario, and it’s just as good an idea in the fall as it is in the summer. Spend your days checking out the beautiful fall foliage and the famous Sandbank Provincial Park and complete your trip by eating your way through the Taste Trail which features artisanal cheese makers, cafes, wineries, and restaurants that serve dishes made from fresh local ingredients. If you stay the night, we highly recommend staying at Sanctuary in the County, a beautifully renovated loft inside a former Methodist church.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Filled with history and unparalleled vineyards, breweries, and restaurants, Niagara-on-the-Lake is even more stunning in the autumn months. Spend the weekend either on foot or on a bicycle, and explore the tree-lined streets, the wineries, and the lake. Autumn is also the perfect time to visit the falls as they aren’t as overrun with tourists, as well as the many apple orchards and pumpkin patches throughout the region.
Muskoka
Muskoka is always a good idea. But, experiencing Muskoka during the fall months when the leaves are changing is almost magical. Muskoka’s signature maple trees are now fiery red, creating a fall foliage scene that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. The best part is, you can spend the weekend checking out the scenic views in a number of adventurous ways with kayaking, ATVing, hiking, zip lining, and boating being popular options.
Blue Mountain
Regardless of the season, there’s always lots to do in Blue Mountain and fall is no exception. From zip-lining and downhill roller coasters to Scandinavian baths and indulgent food, you’ll be able to keep yourself busy from sunrise to sunset.
St. Jacobs
While any time of the year is a great time to check out St. Jacobs, November is particularly good as it tends to be less overrun with tourists. Steeped in history and set in a charming location along the Conestoga River, St. Jacobs has a unique Mennonite history that’s unlike anything you’ll ever experience in the city. From the beloved St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and antique stores to the horse-drawn trolly tours and the iconic covered (kissing) bridge, you’ll find plenty of things to do while in town.
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park is the oldest provincial park in Canada and consists of thousands of lakes, rolling canopies of Sugar Maple Trees, and a variety of campsites that are suitable for all campers – from those who prefer comfort to those who like to rough it. Canoeing is a popular activity, as the Park’s interconnected ecosystem joins up with a variety of lakes and rivers, creating a truly remarkable experience. Hiking is also a preferred activity, especially during the fall as visitors can truly take in the beautiful fall foliage. Make sure to keep in mind that Algonquin is known for its wildlife, so be sure to keep your distance.
Tobermory
Four hours north of the city you’ll find Tobermory, a quaint harbour village on the Bruce Peninsula. we recommend heading here to rent a cottage with some friends for a guaranteed unforgettable trip. Spend a weekend exploring the Bruce Peninsula National Park or hiking the Cyprus Lake Trail, which leads to an incredible grotto that shows off the crystal clear waters of the Georgian Bay.
Awenda Park
Located 90 minutes north of the city you’ll discover Awenda Park, located in Tiny Township along the Georgian Bay. Known for its pristine crystal-clear waters and superb biking and hiking trails, this is the perfect escape from the city. Spend an afternoon strolling along its rocky beaches and then explore the trails and take in the bold yellows, reds, and orange leaves before they change.
Dundas Peak
For those who don’t want to commit to a lengthy car ride, Dundas Peak provides incredible views of the changing leaves and is only under an hour away from the city. Home to arguably the best lookout point in the province, Dundas Peak is located just outside Hamilton and offers everything you need for the perfect fall day: two waterfalls, an incredible hike, and, of course, optimal views of the changing leaves.
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