Autumn in Northern & Eastern Ontario

The gorgeous northern Ontario landscape is home to several scenic towns – including Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Dryden, and Cochrane – yet some of the most vibrant fall colours are found along the northern shore of Lake Superior and Algonquin National Park.

Start in the town of Kakabeka Falls on the Kaministiquia River, and maybe hike through the Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park before heading toward the lake. From there, head to Thunder Bay – northern Ontario’s second most populous city.

In Thunder Bay, stop by the Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Thunder Bay Historical Museum, and Magnus Theatre – or remain outdoors for sites of autumn erupting in northern Ontario.

Visit downtown Port Arthur's Heart of the Harbour for views of fall foliage on the Sleeping Giant – or just head for the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park where you can hike the 40-kilometer Kabeyun Trail and check out some great fall colours come early September.

Moving southeast, but remaining in northern Ontario, the Algonquin Provincial Park lies as one of the best examples of fall colours in the nation from late August to early November – peaking in September. A National Historic Site of Canada, the park may be entered from the north along the Trans-Canada Highway – and sits just two hours east of Ottawa.

Algonquin’s autumn visitors may immerse themselves in fall foliage with brisk hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and mountain biking. The 7,653-square-kilometer Algonquin Provincial Park is immediately surrounded by Ontario towns like Pembrook, Renfrew, North Bay, Huntsville, and Bancroft – each of which have their own colours to show off near the Ottawa Valley.

Speaking of, the Ottawa Valley hangs with the best of them during the autumn season. Drive or motorcycle down County Road 31, also known as Lookout Road, for views of the Laurentian Mountains in fall, or check out Bonnechere River Valley and Champlain Hill. As you explore eastern Ontario this autumn, be sure to join the annual Rural Ramble in the Ottawa Valley – a self-guided driving tour and online event running in September and October.