Photo via Township of Algonquin Highlands
Nothing beats Ontario’s scenic panoramic vistas – especially from up top. This fall season, make it a goal of yours to not only embark on thrilling hikes through dazzling displays of fiery reds, oranges, and golds but also embrace these views from the highest points. We’ve put together a list of the best fall spots to soak up Ontario’s fiery foliage from above.
From thrilling rides to hilltops and everything in between, here’s where to go!
The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is an all-season experience that speeds past mountain terrain, up to 42km per hour.
You can take it slow and steady, and really take in all the sights. Or you can ramp it up to its maximum speed for a more exhilarating ride.
It’s only a two-hour drive from Toronto and offers a ton of fun and excitement.
Where: 150 Jozo Weider Blvd, Unit AY2, The Blue Mountains, Ontario
When: 10 AM to 6 PM (Until October 27th)
Cost: Pricing varies
According to Conservation Halton, every weekend you can soar above the trees on a chairlift ride up or down the Escarpment to get an unbeatable view of the fall colours.
This is one of the best viewpoints to enjoy a canopy of red and gold as we embrace the fall season.
Chairlift tickets are valid for two trips, in any combination of up or down running from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Where: 5234 Kelso Road, Milton
When: Every weekend from September 28th to October 27th, 11 AM to 5 PM (including Thanksgiving Monday)
Cost: $8 online, $10 on site
This former forest fire lookout tower is now a tourist attraction that offers 360-degree views of the Haliburton Highlands and Lake of Bays from 465 feet high.
You’ll have to hike your way to the tower and climb your way up, but the fall views from the top are well worth it.
Where: 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Road
When: 10 AM to 5 PM (Last entry at 4 p.m.) until October 27th, 2024
Cost: Starting at $5.33 and up
Head east past Port Perry and you’ll come across this little piece of paradise. Fleetwood Creek Natural Area sprawls across 900 acres of land and is managed by Kawartha Conservation for the Ontario Heritage Foundation, according to Conservation Ontario.
Since we’re here for the views, head along The Valley Trail, that’s where you’ll find the observation platform. You can spot a beautiful view of the surrounding land.
Where: 902 Ballyduff Rd – Pontypool, ON
When: 7 AM to 9 PM
Cost: N/A
Take a stroll down the Spillway Trail, a 1.3km trek that guides you through the canyon, clifftops, and 30-metre rock faces.
But to get there, you’ll need to embark on the Carriage Trail first – equally as long. It then connects to the Spillway Trail.
Since it won’t take you long to complete, you can also explore the other trails at the park.
Where: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne
When: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset
Cost: Ontario Parks Day Pass – price varies
To get to Rattlesnake Point, you’ll need to embark on a trail that offers panoramic views from the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment which are especially beautiful in the fall season.
The conservation area is also full of stunning sheer cliffs, cave systems, and rock crevices.
Where: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton
When: 9 AM to 9 PM, every day
Cost: $10.50 plus tax online, $12 plus tax at the gate.
Located just northeast of Wiarton, Ontario is the Skinners Bluff scenic lookout. According to Destination Ontario, the lookout can be found on “an extension of the Bruce Trail.”
The entire Skinner’s Bluff Trail system is 19 km long which may sound appealing to avid hikers.
But if you’re just here for the views, you can make your way from the parking lot to the lookout spot in just 15 minutes, according to Destination Ontario.
Where: 502729 Grey Road 1, east of Wiarton
When: Anytime
Cost: Free
Located within Ferris Provincial Park, the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is an ideal destination if you’re looking for an easy hike and picturesque views.
The bridge hovers 30′ above the Ranney Gorge just south of the falls in the park.
One of the coolest parts of making your way across the 300-foot-long bridge is that you will feel it sway slightly below your feet!
Where: Trent Dr, Campbellford, ON
When: Open year-round
Cost: Ontario Parks Day Pass – price varies
According to Destination Ontario, Temagami Tower is “one of the best spots to view the surrounding landscape’s vast forests, dotted with crystal-blue lakes.”
And in the fall season, it’s even better!
Where: 112 Jack Guppy Way, Temagami, ON
When: At your leisure
Cost: Free
The Vista Trail at Rouge National Urban Park is a breathtaking escape right here in Toronto.
This 1.5 km trail will take you to a two-level viewing platform that overlooks the spectacular valleys below.
On a clear day, these views cannot be beaten, but they are even more special in the fall as the leaves change colour.
In fact, Parks Canada says it is one of the best places in all of Toronto to observe autumn colours.
Where: North trailhead at Zoo Road, south trailhead at 55 Twyn Rivers Drive
When: Open year-round
Cost: Free
And there you have it, these are the best fall spots! Where will you be starting first?
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