Canada is one of the top places in the world to see fall foliage at its finest! The climate makes the trees come alive in September and October as they show off in stunning yellows, simmering oranges, and fiery reds. Wondering where the best spots in Canada are to take in the sights? Check out our top 10 favourite places in Canada to see the fall colours!

Algonquin Park, Ontario

Algonquin Park is located only a few hours from Toronto and even less from Ottawa. With 2,955 square miles of land, it’s one of the most popular parks in Ontario. As the oldest provincial park in Canada, Algonquin Park boasts a spectacular fall colour display due to the 20+ species of trees that change colour. Sugar and red maple trees, aspens, tamaracks, and red oaks are best appreciated from mid-September to mid-October. A fun fact is that the tamaracks are the only species of pine tree in the park that will turn yellow and drop their needles before winter. They give the most beautiful golden glow!

Enjoy the colours across the park by camping, hiking, canoeing, or biking. The leaves are best witnessed along the trails or across the lakes. The fall is also a great time to see moose during the day and to hear wolves howling at night.

Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is renowned for its vistas and natural beauty year round. Corner Brook is a city on the west coast, full of maple trees and birch trees, which turn the land into a crimson red blended with yellows and oranges. Hike along the coast during late September to early October and take in the breathless landscapes!

Bruce Peninsula, Ontario

The Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, located between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, features a spectacular display of fall colours! It features one of the best portions of the famous Bruce Trail, an almost 900-kilometre hiking trail, that allows you to be surrounded by the forest. Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory, Ontario is an incredible sight during the fall as the vibrant leaves contrast against the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.

Laurentian Mountains, Québec

The Laurentian Mountains are a sight to behold in Québec! Sugar maple trees, provincial yellow birch, and American beech turn into spectacular shades of red, yellow, and orange across the mountains and are best viewed from mid-September to late October. Mont Tremblant, a popular tourist destination, is located near the Laurentian Mountains. As a resort, it’s a great place for a fall weekend getaway to enjoy the leaves. They offer hiking, four-wheeling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and ziplining as outdoor activities. If you’re looking for something a little less physically active, you can take a journey in a cable car up the mountain and have a bird’s eye view!

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, at only 110 miles long, is considered one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most beautiful and scenic drives, is located on the northern shore. The trees of the island change over to the fiery colours of fall in October and can be appreciated by driving or hiking the Cabot Trail. You can also hike the rolling hills and valleys of Cape Breton Highlands National Park for reds, oranges, and yellows as far as the eye can see. Set against the coastline, the contrast of fall colours against the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean is something special!

During the second week of October, the island holds an annual autumn festival called Celtic Colours that honours Cape Breton’s traditional culture through various events including concerts, farmer’s markets, a late-night festival club, and more!

Rocky Mountains, Alberta

You’ve most likely heard of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and how incredible they are. When the leaves begin to change, they are so much more! Golden yellow from alpine larch and aspens are beautiful against the backdrop of the mountains and clear, blue lakes. Hike around Lake Louise or Lake Agnes in Banff to best enjoy these vistas. Be sure to pay a visit to the historic 1905 Lake Agnes Tea House, which sits on the mountain and offers 100 different types of loose leaf tea, as well as a daily selection of sweets, soup, and bread. Jasper National Park is also a sweet spot for some great fall viewing with its numerous hiking and bike paths. Fall is the best time to visit this popular tourist destination as it’s typically much less busy than in the summer.

Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick

Take a drive along the southern coast of New Brunswick and take in the spectacular fall colours overlooking the Bay of Fundy. With some of the highest tides in the world, this is a unique place to take in the leaves. The colours typically peak in October and you might just catch sight of a North Atlantic Right Whale while you’re there. A portion of the population remains in the Bay of Fundy at this time of year.

Gatineau Park, Québec

Less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park has some incredible lookouts and viewing spots for fall colours. With endless trails to choose from on more than 361 square kilometres, you’ll be able to go multiple times to see the leaves as they change during the month of October. Pink Lake and King Mountain trails in particular give beautiful views of the reds, oranges, and yellows. As the second-most visited park in Canada, it’s best to go during the week or to less popular trails on weekends as parking lots and trails can get quite busy.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, British Columbia

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in British Columbia is famous for the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450-foot cedar plank bridge that takes you into the treetops. Only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, this amazing wonder is situated 230 feet above the Capilano River and takes you literally into the fall colours with golden cedars. It’s best experienced in October.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a lovely fall foliage period with its moderate climate and generally warmer fall weather. You can witness the entire expanse of fall colours with many changing trees including maple, cherry, sumac, poplar, birch, and more! Walk or bike around the island on the Confederation Trail, which runs from tip to tip and is 273 kilometres long on the main trail. Equestrians even have access to some portions of the trail in early fall!

The best time of year for fall colours on PEI is mid-September to late October. The island hosts the Fall Flavours Festival for about 2 weeks starting October 1st, taking place in various communities during the harvest season. It’s a brilliant celebration of PEI food and culture that’s sure to make you feel like an islander!