Image via Ontario Parks
One of the best parts about autumn in Ontario is when the parks change from shades of green to beautiful fall foliage! Certain Ontario parks are known for the sights and can get quite crowded such as the beloved Algonquin Provincial Park. If you want an alternative that won’t have crowds – we got you. These are 10 Ontario Parks with magical fall foliage that aren’t Algonquin.
If you want an alternative that isn’t too far, this is one of your best bets.
Arrowhead is around 40 minutes by car from the West Gate of Algonquin. There are 12 km of trails to explore and a couple of scenic lookouts you’ll want to check out for fall views.
Big Bend and Stubbs Falls lookout points are a must-see.
Where: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville, ON
When: Open year-round
Keeping it close by at Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls.
This park is for day trips and it’s perfect to visit during fall.
A breathtaking waterfall is the reward after just a short hike and it’s about as close to Algonquin as you can get, just 10 minutes from the West Gate.
Where: 1050 Oxtongue Lake Rd, Dwight, ON
When: Open until October 20th, 2024
Another nearby park to Algonquin, this one 30 minutes from the East Gate.
Lake St. Peter has two hiking trails.
One of the trails leads to a spot overlooking Lake St. Peter and another leads through the ruins of a log cabin, both perfect to stroll around on a fall day.
Where: 356 Lake St. Peter Rd, Lake Saint Peter, ON
When: Open until October 15th, 2024
This park is only open until mid-October so be sure to check it out before then!
The park is known for its sunsets and riverside campsites and it stretches along the shoreline of the Ottawa River on the Trans-Canada Highway between Pembroke and Mattawa.
The fall foliage here can be best enjoyed from the river, so be sure to rent a canoe!
Where: 39520 ON-17, Stonecliffe, ON
Where: Open until October 15th, 2024
Another park you gotta head to before mid-October (but will be totally worth it).
This is a great stop for hikers of all skill levels. “Numerous trails from easy to strenuous are available, all of which have spectacular views of fall colours,” says Ontario Parks.
There are also back-country camping opportunities here if you want to immerse yourself in the fall sights.
Where: 8818 ON-534, Restoule, ON
Where: Open until October 15th, 2024
Located in Eastern Ontario? This could be the spot for you.
The park is located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley and has “an endless autumn landscape that is as colourful as it is rugged,” according to Ontario Parks. Sounds gorgeous!
Where: 4024 Round Lake Rd, Killaloe, ON
Where: Open until October 20th, 2024
Fitzroy is also near Ottawa at the start of the Ottawa Vally.
The park has beautiful changing colours that can be seen from both rivers that wind within it – Ottawa and Carp River.
Where: 5201 Canon Smith Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON
Where: Open until October 15th, 2024
Balsam Lake is for those who love cottage country.
The park is in the heart of the Kawarthas and has plenty of trails, one of which leads to a panoramic lookout – perfect for taking in autumn sights.
There’s also a trail where you can walk through eskers and kames left in the wake of the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago!
Where: 2238 Kawartha Lakes County Rd 48, Kirkfield, ON
Where: Open until October 31st, 2024
About 50 km east of North Bay, on the northern border of Algonquin, is Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
The 14 km of trails zip through Canadian Shield forests which have fall colour viewing opportunities.
Where: 6905 ON-17 E, Mattawa, ON
Where: Open until October 15th, 2024
Add some activity to your fall exploring!
This park is found between Huntsville and North Bay and has an incredible disc golf course within the scenic forest.
Talk about a great view to catch the changing colours of foliage.
Where: 301 Park Rd S, South River, ON
Where: Open until October 15th, 2024
So much fall foliage to check out in Ontario, so little time.
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