Photo via David Lawes on Ontario Parks
Before we know it, the season of autumn sightseeing will be over. If you’re hoping to soak up the last bit of magical views before the holiday season kicks off, there are plenty of places you can check out without the crowds. These lesser-known destinations have some of the best fall views in Ontario, and depending on when you visit, you could practically have it all to yourself.
Ready for your Ontario adventure? Here are some lesser-known provincial parks in Ontario worth visiting:
This little piece of nature is a family favourite destination, according to Ontario Parks. It offers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and spotting wildlife. During the fall season, it’s a tranquil spot perfect for viewing the changing fall colours.
Where: 148 Woodvale Rd., Lansdowne, Ont.
Located less than 100 km from Toronto, this provincial park is filled with trails of all types, including a lookout trail that takes you to panoramic treetop views that are truly spectacular in the fall. Autumn is also the season of spawning salmon, and you can catch a glimpse of them at the fish ladder inside the park.
Where: 4998 Concession Rd. 7, Alliston, Ont.
Soak up the autumn vistas from the suspension bridge at this provincial park located two hours from Toronto. You can hike along the stunning Ranney Gorge and past an old quarry to a historic “sheep’s wash” turned picnic area, or explore the park by bike on the Trans Canada Trail.
Where: 474 County Rd. 8, Campbellford, Ont.
Explore this park’s trail system that takes you along the rugged southern edge of the Boreal Forest. Here you can feast your eyes on the scenic vistas over lakes, glacial ridges, wetlands, and more.
Where: Old Cartier Road, Levack, Ont.
Picture this, a peaceful fall morning with stunning lake views and fall foliage. The air is brisk, and you’ve wrapped yourself up in your favourite scarf as you embark on a fall hike, channelling your inner Selena Gomez.
Lake St. Peter Provincial Park offers several hiking trails that lead to scenic experiences like no other.
Where: 356 Lake St. Peter Rd., Lake Saint Peter, Ont.
The deciduous forest at this park on Eagle Lake “turns electric in late September and early October,” says Ontario Parks. It’s also home to beaver wetland and Canadian Shield bedrock, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course.
Where: 301 Park Rd. S., South River, Ont.
A park so beautiful that the Group of Seven made artwork inspired by it! Neys Provincial Park can be found in Terrace Bay, known for its scenic vistas.
Pic Island is where you’ll find views worthy of a painting. The breathtaking view of Pic Island’s vistas and Thompson Channel inspired Group of Seven painter Lawren Harris.
Where: 1004 ON-17, Neys, Terrace Bay, Ont.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is located in the gorgeous Batchawana Bay area near Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Ontario. Coming from Toronto or the GTA? You can expect the journey to take you around eight hours by car.
Where: 12729 Highway 17N, Batchawana Bay, Ont.
This park in Parry Sound is an absolute paradise for hikers, and in the fall, the oak, maple, and birch forests light up in bright hues as the leaves change. This spot has plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails to explore, as well as a dog-friendly beach.
Where: 8818 ON-534, Restoule, Ont.
Enjoy the great outdoors, Ontario!
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