This elevated boardwalk near Toronto loops around a rare lake hidden in a red and gold forest

Fall is the ideal season to get outdoors and explore some of Ontario's beautiful scenery. The crisp air, crunchy leaves, and gorgeous glow of the foliage make every trail feel like a scene from a storybook.

This stunning conservation area is just under an hour from Toronto, and it's a beautiful spot for an autumn outing.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a scenic park in Milton, known for its vibrant turquoise waters and picturesque trails. The destination feels extra magical as the leaves start to change, blanketing the pathways in hues of red and gold.

For a short but stunning hike, you can follow the 1-kilometre Crawford Lake Trail, which twists along an elevated boardwalk circling a rare lake.

The glassy surface of the water reflects the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the surrounding trees, creating a stunning fall spectacle.

The lake is meromictic, meaning its water layers don't mix—a rare feature that gives it a beautiful, turquoise hue.

If you're up for a longer trek, the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail leads you to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the fall foliage below. At 9.4 kilometres round-trip, it's perfect for a full-day adventure.

In addition to its scenic trails, Crawford Lake boasts a reconstructed 15th-century Longhouse Village, where you can explore local history and learn what life was like 600 years ago.

Reservations are recommended for Crawford Lake, so be sure to book online before you head out.

If you're looking for a beautiful fall hike without driving too far from the city, this majestic boardwalk trail at Crawford Lake is worth an autumn road trip.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.