7 Of The Most Magnificent Places To See The Fall Colours In Canada
There are stunning views in every province and territory!
7 Of The Best Hikes To See The Fall Colours In Canada
Whether you like it or not, summer's coming to an end. While the hot weather and seasonal sunshine were great while they lasted, there's nothing quite like autumn in Canada.
As September arrives, there comes a refreshing crispness to the air and leaves change from green to deep shades of red, orange and yellow. Plus, pumpkin spice lattes will be back on the menu with spooky season just around the corner!
Fall is the perfect time to go out into nature to take in the stunning sights across Canada. Whichever province or territory you're in, there are seasonal vistas and serene trails waiting for you.
With the right equipment, spending hours discovering the vibrant colours and breathtaking scenery that Canada has to offer can be an easy and accessible way to unwind. According to Harvard Health Publishing, stepping into nature can actually have a huge impact on mental health — but anyone who's spent more than five minutes in the cool autumn air could've probably told you that.
So, grab your favourite hiking boots and prepare to take in all that autumn has to offer right in your own backyard. Here are seven great places to start.
Algonquin Park In Ontario
Price: Up to $21 per person
Address: Ontario 60, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: For stunning fall scenery, look no further than Ontario's Algonquin Park. While you're hiking the trails to catch a glimpse of the colours, be careful not to disturb the diverse wildlife living in the park. Follow existing paths and pick up any litter after you enjoy your fave on-the-go snacks.
Plan your visit for the last week of September or the first week of October — this is the peak time to catch those autumn colours.
Butchart Gardens In British Columbia
Price: Up to $36 per person
Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay, BC
Why You Need To Go: The west coast of Canada is home to some of the country's most astounding natural scenery, from vast ocean vistas to towering mountains. British Columbia's Butchart Gardens is just one of many spots in this western province where you can enjoy autumn's rich colour palette.
Admire the vivid fall hues as you explore this 55-acre garden, teeming with over 900 plant varieties.
Mont-Tremblant In Quebec
Price: Up to $9 per person
Address: Mont-Tremblant, QC
Why You Need To Go: This spot in Quebec is a year-round destination for outdoor adventures, but when autumn arrives, Mont-Tremblant comes alive with the colours of the season.
Presenting visitors with a nearly panoramic view of orange, red, yellow and gold, this Laurentian town is a great spot for snapping some 'gram-worthy photos. Soak in your surroundings as you make your way on foot or by bike — just be sure to pack your most comfortable hiking gear, like Merrell's newest Moab collection. These boots are eco-friendly, light and flexible enough to accompany you on almost any excursion.
Cape Breton Island In Nova Scotia
Price: Free
Address: Cape Breton Island, NS
Why You Need To Go: The fall season in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, is so incredible that they have a festival dedicated to it. The Celtic Colours Festival celebrates the vibrancy of autumn and the island's culture.
While the festival is online this year, you can still head out to Cape Breton Island yourself to check out the colours (while respecting social distancing practices). After all, there's nothing quite like connecting to nature.
Rocky Mountains In Alberta
Price: Free access to the Rockies, various prices for different historical sites and national parks
Address: Alberta's Rockies, AB
Why You Need To Go: The Rocky Mountains in Alberta are stunning at any time of the year, but the views are particularly spectacular during the fall, with peaks of orange and red spread across the impressive mountain range.
The drive along the highway into Banff and surrounding areas is one of the best routes for a sightseeing road trip, or you can hike up to Lake Agnes to catch the sights from above. Remember to respect the local wildlife on your journey. Try to plan your visit ahead of time as you'll likely encounter rugged terrain in the Rockies. Depending on the trail or landmark you're visiting, suitable footwear that gives you loads of grip and underfoot protection is a must.
Qu'Appelle Valley In Saskatchewan
Price: Free
Address: Qu'Appelle Valley, SK
Why You Need To Go: Saskatchewan is known for its sprawling fields, and the picturesque prairies are especially dazzling in the fall. The drive up to Qu'Appelle Valley passes through slopes of bluestem grass that give everything a golden hue.
The route from Regina to Qu'Appelle Valley is just as scenic as the destination, with winding village roads that are dappled with crimson and honey-coloured flora.
Tombstone Territorial Park In The Yukon
Price: $12 per person
Address: Dempster Highway, Dawson, YT
Why You Need To Go: If you want to enjoy the autumn season in northern Canada, head to Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon. Fall here only lasts from September to October, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
In these two months, not only will you get a chance to take in the fall views, but you can also spot the aurora borealis (or northern lights) and a herd of caribou for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or someone who likes to start slow, make sure you have the right footwear as you explore the country's dynamic landscapes this fall. Make the most of your adventure with hike-appropriate shoes from Merrell, like the Moab Speed or Moab Flight, which allow you to go further and explore longer than you could in any old sneakers.
You don't have to be an expert to hit the trails in a pair of Merrell shoes or boots— the new Moab Collection offers a variety of styles based on your preferred activity or experience level so you'll have everything you need to get outside confidently. Plus, they're made of sustainable materials and are vegan-friendly so you can vibe (guilt-free) out in nature.
Merrell is on a quest to share the simple power of being outside with everyone. With a goal of making the outdoors a more accessible, inclusive and equitable place, Merrell is inviting everyone to participate in their Shared Steps Go Further Challenge, where Merrell will donate $1 for every mile you log to Big Brothers Big Sisters up to $40,000! Share your tracked movement to flex your moves — walk, hike, run or roll — and help more people experience the profound power of being outside.
Whether you're an athlete or a curious traveller, find a trail near you to meander in the fall season — there's no better time to get outside and start exploring.
To learn more about the Moab collection, check out Merrell's website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.