Home
Canada Travel Blog- Canada in autumn: The best attractions and activities
Canada in autumn: The best attractions and activities
Canada in autumn: The best attractions and activities
Canada is a beautiful country whenever you visit, but exploring in autumn adds a whole new dimension to its epic scenery.
Autumn is truly one of the best times of year to explore Canada, as the country is renowned for its dramatic autumn colours, especially in the forests of Ontario, Québec, and the Atlantic Provinces. Combining this with towering mountains, picturesque lakes, scenic hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, visiting Canada in autumn is an easy decision.
If you like the idea of spending autumn in Canada, this guide introduces you to some of the best attractions and activities to look forward to.
An image description goes here.
Where to see autumn foliage in Canada
- Algonquin Park, Ontario
- Laurentian Mountains, Québec
- Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
Algonquin Park, Ontario
If you want to experience the best of Canada’s autumn foliage, Algonquin Park is a great place to start. This popular provincial park in Ontario is famous for its breathtaking autumn scenery, with maple trees turning brilliant red, orange, and yellow. Try your hand at hiking, canoeing, or wildlife spotting for moose and beavers while enjoying the colourful backdrop.
Samantha, a former Ontario resident and blogger over at the Continuous Roamer, has shared her love of the park in Autumn: “I have been to Algonquin Park around five times, but visiting Algonquin Park in autumn is a highlight of mine.
“One of the best ways to avoid the crowds when trying to see the fall colours in Algonquin Park is by going out on the water. You can rent a canoe (or bring your own) and spend the day exploring Algonquin from the various lakes.”
An image description goes here.
Laurentian Mountains, Québec
The Laurentian Mountains in Québec are another must-visit location for autumn scenery. The mountains are known far and wide for the contrast between their maple and birch forests. There are lots of ways to experience the Laurentian Mountains in autumn, such as scenic drives, hiking, and canoeing. Or how about trying your hand at rafting, horseback riding, or maybe a relaxing gondola rides in Mont Tremblant?
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is one of the world’s most iconic road trips. In September and October, the island offers gorgeous ocean views and forests decked in lovely autumn hues. Exploring Cape Breton Island is highly recommended, with the Cabot Trail boasting many spectacular lookout points to stop at while taking in the coastal scenery.
Riana is a Canadian from the travel blog Teaspoon of Adventure and thinks Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Sharing her love for visiting in the autumn, Riana says:
“October on Cape Breton was beautiful with the fall foliage, and there were way fewer crowds than in the summer. However, I think the perfect time to visit Cape Breton Island would be late September. That way, you get the beginning of the leaf-peeping season, and all of the park facilities and seasonal shops and restaurants are still open.”
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island on Canada’s east coast is an excellent destination for an autumn holiday in Canada, boasting fields and woodlands of vibrant colours framed by the island’s stunning coastline. This beautiful maritime province is known for its lighthouses, red-sand beaches, and farmland.
Visitors can experience the autumn colours at pumpkin patches, farm tours, and woodland walks. There’s also the Victorian Harvest Feast at Orwell Corner Historic Village and the Downtown Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival.
READ ALSO: The most colourful destinations in Canada this autumn
Top Canadian attractions to visit in autumn
- Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Montréal Botanical Garden
- Stanley Park
- Lake Louise
Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara Falls is one of the best attractions to visit in Canada at any time of year, but autumn brings out a unique side to this most romantic destination. The beauty of the falls set against a backdrop of autumn colours is a sight to behold. You can experience the magnificence of Niagara in autumn on boat tours, helicopter rides, or on foot.
Lauren, from the travel blog Justin + Lauren, shares this tip for another way to experience Niagara Falls in autumn: “White Water Walk is one of the best places to view the fall colours and get up close to the waters of the Niagara River. It’s a little-known gem in Niagara Falls, and I highly suggest that you check it out. You’ll be able to witness the spectacular Niagara River rapids before your eyes.”
Niagara-on-the-Lake is another must-visit location close to the falls – a town that sits quietly on the shores of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its wineries and tranquil atmosphere, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy an autumnal excursion amid the important harvest season.
An image description goes here.
Montréal Botanical Garden, Montréal, Quebec
The Montréal Botanical Gardens is one of Montréal’s top attractions and the perfect way to spend a few hours amid nature during your time in the city. The gardens are made up of 75 hectares of thematic gardens and greenhouses.
Autumn brings a unique charm to the Montréal Botanical Gardens and the "Gardens of Light" event is a great way to experience the attraction. Running from September to October each year, visitors can enjoy illuminated displays at night in the Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens.
Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities, and Stanley Park is one of the most picturesque places to experience its splendour. This massive urban park takes up half of Vancouver's Downtown peninsula.
In autumn, the park transforms with vibrant fall colours. To experience the delights of Stanley Park during your holiday, consider a leisurely bike ride or a walk along the Seawall for picturesque autumn views. Foodies can also grab a bite at one of the many eateries that are located within the park, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean.
Lake Louise, Alberta
Lake Louise in autumn offers a captivating blend of vibrant colours and majestic mountain scenery. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views without the summer crowds as the trees turn golden against the backdrop of the turquoise lake and snow-capped peaks.
Cooler temperatures make it ideal for hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House or the Plain of Six Glaciers, both of which offer unforgettable vistas. The nearby Fairmont Chateau provides a cosy retreat, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Must-try autumn activities in Canada
- Scenic drives
- Hiking
- Fall festivals
- Wildlife watching
Scenic drives
A fly drive or motorhome holiday in Canada is the perfect way to take in the country’s natural beauty in the autumn. Top autumn road trips include the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton, offering stunning coastal views and vibrant foliage; the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, where towering mountains meet golden forests; and Ontario's Lakeshore Road, showcasing scenic drives along Lake Ontario with brilliant autumn colours.
Kate from the travel blog Adventurous Kate can’t speak highly enough of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail: “Driving through Cape Breton Highlands National Park is like driving in a cartoon. The roads are so windingly photogenic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful roads as I did in Cape Breton!”
READ ALSO: Your guide to the ultimate Canada road trip
An image description goes here.
Hiking
Autumn is the perfect time of year to enjoy one of Canada’s greatest activities, hiking. Thanks to the country’s epic landscapes of mountains, forests, lakes, and coast, there is a wide range of breathtaking hiking routes to explore.
For stunning foliage, try Tunnel Mountain in Banff National Park, a family-friendly hike with panoramic views. Gros Morne Mountain in Gros Morne National Park offers a challenging trail for experienced hikers. In Algonquin Park, the Lookout Trail provides an easy yet rewarding hike with spectacular autumn colours.
Another hike to consider comes via Luis from the travel blog Lost with Luis, who recommends the Centennial Ridges Trail in Algonquin Park: “Centennial Ridges Trail is an incredible 10.4 km hike with breathtaking views. I had no clue that views like this even existed only a few hours away from the city. It’s stunning. Large rocky ridges jut out into the sky, towering over the valleys of rivers and lakes. There are several great lookout points, each offering something different. I can’t imagine a better way to view the fall foliage.”
Fall Festivals
Canada is also home to various great autumn festivals to look forward to, taking place at different locations across the country. For example, Pumpkinferno in Ontario is a magical outdoor exhibit of carved pumpkins in Upper Canada Village.
Or how about the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton? This is a celebration of Celtic culture, music, and dance set against stunning autumn scenery. There is also Oktoberfest, the largest celebration taking place in Kitchener-Waterloo, featuring celebration with parades, music, and local brews.
Wildlife watching
Wildlife watching is a quintessentially Canadian activity; and autumn is a great time of year to participate. Autumn is prime time for whale watching in places like Tadoussac, Québec, and the Bay of Fundy. Different species can be seen in these parts, including humpback and blue whales.
Autumn is mating season for elk, and visitors to Banff and Jasper can witness these majestic creatures and even hear their calls. You can go bird watching in Point Pelee National Park and Kejimkujik National Park to see migratory birds like hawks and warblers.
READ ALSO: Canada's Best Safari Location
As you can see, there are numerous ways to embrace the magic of autumn in Canada. If you want to visit Canada in autumn for vibrant landscapes, rich culture and outdoor activities, book a Canada holiday with Canadian Affair.
We are the Canada travel experts and can tailor-make an autumn holiday that includes everything you want to see and do.
Latest Articles
What to pack for the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise
Janet Irons
01/10/2024
If you love an adventure and the great outdoors, then just imagine how incredible it would be to explore the Rockies and Alaska in one trip.
The best museums in Toronto
Oliver Moughan
30/09/2024
From art galleries to shoe museums, some of the city’s best attractions are its museums and this guide looks at the best museums in Toronto.
Top 10 things to do in Alberta during winter
.jpg)
Aimee Levajac
19/09/2024
Alberta is the perfect winter holiday destination, a scenic wonderland packed with activities. Discover the 10 best things to do in Alberta in the winter.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Yukon for Adventure Seekers
Aimee Levajac
12/09/2024
Yukon is one of Canada’s most beautiful and epic destinations. If you are looking for an adventure, discover the 10 must-see attractions in Yukon.
