This massive forest near Toronto is free to visit & the fall colours are stunning

Looking for a beautiful spot to observe some fall colours? Then, you have to pay a visit to the incredibly vast York Regional Forest.

Located just a short drive north of Toronto, this forest spans over 2,500 hectares in York Region.

It’s open 365 days a year and it’s free to visit, with 22 Forest Tracts open to the public throughout the region.

That includes regions like East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

There are over 150 kilometres of scenic trails, including almost 7 kilometres that are accessible to wheelchairs, strollers and other assistive devices.

Besides hiking, some of the activities you can enjoy along these trails include horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching.

You’ll want to bring your furry friend because two of these tracts — the Bendor and Graves Tract and the Davis Drive Tract — are completely leash-free!

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This time of year, the sprawling forest trails are a vivid palette of gold, crimson, and orange leaves.

You’ll also come upon some reforestation sites, where Forest Ontario is currently planting 50 million trees throughout the province.

There are so many places outside of Toronto that are worth visiting during this colourful time of year.

Other hot spots include the incredible Dundas Valley Conservation Area and Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, both of which offer panoramic views of valleys below.

If you’re willing to drive more than an hour outside of the city, then you’ll come upon some truly breathtaking fall lookout points.

There are so many spots to cross off your autumn bucket list this year, so lace up those hiking shoes and get to it!

York Regional Forest

Where: See all Forest Tracts here