This Ontario park has a secret waterfall surrounded by fall foliage

It’s time to start planning those fall getaways! One of the best parts about Ontario is how vibrant and beautiful it becomes in the fall, especially if you head a little north. Mattawa is about four hours north of Toronto, home to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park — a spot with scenic views and outstanding fall colours.

The drive from the Toronto area to Mattawa, Ont., is all part of the adventure! The scenic route passes through the Muskoka area, including Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and Huntsville.

Once you arrive at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, you’ll have to pay a park fee to enter.

Fees start at $12.25 per vehicle.

What to do while visiting

Now that you’ve arrived, take a moment to soak in all the stunning changing colours of fall.

From there, get ready for a hike! Samuel de Champlain has several scenic trails, like the Kag Trail. This route boasts views of “tall majestic Red Pine forests,” Gem Lake, and oak highlands.

If you’re an avid hiker, then be sure to try one of the Etienne System Trails. While these routes are marked as strenuous, the four loops have some of the prettiest views, including scenic views of the Mattawa River.

Wabashkiki Trail is an easy hike, a 1 km trail and boardwalk on a peninsula in Moore Lake. For an even more beautiful view, hop in a canoe.

The Mattawa River Provincial Park and Canoe Route extends from Trout Lake.

Be sure to dress appropriately and be prepared to maneuver potentially challenging waters. From Pimisi Bay to Samuel de Champlain, you can expect rapids and some of the most beautiful scenery, like Parreseux Falls. The falls are only accessible by canoe, but are 100 per cent worth the trip.

Fall is coming, Ontario!

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

Where:  6905 ON-17 E, Mattawa, Ont. 

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