Fall is the best time to experience Ontario’s natural beauty. From cool, crisp air to farmers’ markets and pumpkin patches, there’s so much to explore right in our own backyard. An explosion of riotous colour lies around every bend in the road.
Now is the time to jump in the car for an unforgettable Ontario road trip and perhaps do some camping along the way. Here are three suggestions to get your motor running:
The Niagara Parkway
For some of the best Southern Ontario scenery, head down to Fort Erie and hop on the Niagara Parkway. This 55-kilometre drive winds northward along the Niagara River and passes by several notable landmarks, including Old Fort Erie, Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls city attractions, the Botanical Gardens and the Butterfly Conservatory. It winds up in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home to well-known wineries like Peller Estates and Inniskillin.
If your mission is to take in the fall colours, the Niagara Parkway serves up stunning vistas set against the backdrop of the meandering Niagara River. Try to schedule a stop at Dufferin Islands Park, a series of small, forested man-made islands that explode with colour every autumn. It’s well worth the diversion.
Muskoka’s Lake of Bays Drive
Just alongside Algonquin Park is Ontario’s premier cottage country, including Muskoka’s Lake of Bays. Set aside a whole day or more to cover this 80-kilometre loop around the lake, with stops along the way in the picturesque towns of Dorset, Dwight and Baysville. Sample homemade baked goods, fine cuisine and the region’s own craft beer.
Although the Dorset Fire Tower is closed this year due to Covid-19, there are plenty of other vantage points where you can stop and marvel at nature’s brilliant fall canvas. One suggestion is to plan a picnic at the Oxtongue Rapids Park in Dwight. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in Muskoka, which is saying a lot.
The Grand Algoma Drive
If you have more time for exploring, head north to follow the Lake Superior shoreline from Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa. In roughly 2.5 hours, you’ll cover some of the most spectacular scenery this province has to offer—even though it’s best to set aside two days to really explore this beautiful country. Follow Highway 17 as it hugs the shore and immerse yourself in vibrant fall landscapes. Stop for a picnic at Batchawana Bay Provincial Park (open until October 12), where stunning views of Lake Superior are always on the menu.
Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park (open until October 13) is also a must-see on the way to Wawa, where you will of course see the famous Wawa Goose monument.
There’s no better time to see fall in all its majesty.
Get more with CAA
Need a car for your road trip? Don’t forget that you can always rent one through CAA Travel.
Image credit: iStock.com/Elenathewise