Leaf-peeping is an Ontario fall must. Leaves start to turn first in Northern Ontario, but by mid-October, fall foliage should be at its brilliant best in Southern Ontario, too.iStockPhoto / Getty Images
One of our favourite ways to spend a sunny fall afternoon is by taking a drive along some of the province’s most scenic rural routes. If you’re looking to let the bursts of fiery fall colour set the tone and dive – or rather, drive – into a picturesque autumn getaway right in your own backyard, read on for our ultimate fall colours driving guide. All you need to do is get your GPS ready, load up your snack bag and cue up your favourite Great Taste of Ontario playlist (we’ve curated six stacked with all-Ontario artists to cover off every musical taste!)
The Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Stretching over 200 kilometres, the Rideau Canal is a gorgeous marvel any time of the year, but it’s most stunning in the autumn. Get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Rideau waterway – and the prettiest fall colours – by making your way over to the soaring Rock Dunder lookout. To get there, head south on Highway 15, then take the Stanley Lash Lane exit.
Where to eat: The Opinicon in Elgin, Ont.
Snake Road, Burlington
These charming boroughs boast tranquil, foliage-dense roads that eventually merge into the most aesthetically-pleasing countryside views. For the ultimate treat, start in Burlington and drive north along Snake Road towards the town of Waterdown. It’s an aptly-named route; this winding, tree-canopied road uncoils itself through a golden leafy corridor, making it any driver’s delight.
Where to eat: Cascata Bistro in Carlisle, Ont.
The iconic Memorial Clock Tower in Niagara-on-the-lake overlooks Queen Street, the town’s main thoroughfare.iStockPhoto / Getty Images
The Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
The Niagara Parkway is a part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route and is the awe-inspiring bit of road that Winston Churchill himself described as the “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” Take in the luscious fall hues – and views of the Niagara River – as you make your way from Niagara-on-the-Lake all the way up to Fort Erie, where you can take in views of the mighty and thundering Niagara Falls itself. While you’re there, give yourself the road trip cherry on top and stop for a glass of vino in Niagara’s striking wine country.
Where to eat: Queenston Heights Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Great Fall Drive, Northumberland
Northumberland’s rolling hills offer plenty of vantage points to indulge in fall colours. Stretching along a 50-kilometre route going east from Port Hope, the Great Fall Drive lives up to its name. Wildly sweeping views of Lake Ontario are consistent from Camborne all the way along Telephone Road. Don’t forget to plan a stop at the Big Apple, a can’t-miss roadside attraction that serves fresh-baked apple pies and bread.
Even the Big Apple, the charming tourist attraction on Orchard Road in Colborne, Ont., is COVID-ready.Supplied
Where to eat: The Social Bar & Table in Port Hope
Highway 60, Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park – Canada’s oldest provincial park – is the best place to visit to be immersed in fall hues. But you don’t need to go hiking to enjoy the views. Highway 60 is the only highway that cuts through the iconic park, offering drivers a 250-kilometre stretch of foliage-lined roadway. To ensure you can really take in some fall colours at the peak of their beauty, time your trip using The Friends of Algonquin Park Fall Colour Report. And if you’d like to stretch your legs, you can stop and dive into several hikes, some leading to a lookout for even more leafy views.
Where to eat: Abbey Gardens in West Guilford
Southwood Road, Muskoka
Southwood Road is an underrated treasure of Muskoka. With 33 kilometres of uninterrupted twists and turns, you’ll want to slow right down so you don’t miss any of the incredible scenery. The countless corners that come with this winding road goes through beautiful birch tree forests and delicately zig-zags its way around the thrusting rocks of the Canadian Shield. Starting in a semi-residential area and ending up as a wild ride through cottage lake country, you can access Southwood Road just north of Severn Bridge off Highway 11.
Where to eat: Eclectic Cafe in Orillia
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