Fall colours are getting long in the tooth, but there is still much to see before temperatures dip and the snow flies.
We have experienced higher-than-normal temperatures in September, and that leads to duller colours, experts say.
Day length, tree species and weather conditions are three key factors that determine the colour of autumn leaves, according to experts. The best is close to freezing temperatures — but not frost — combined with bright sunlight to bring out brighter foliage.
Local videographer Neil Brown put together a video showing the beautiful fall colours in the area. The video clips were shot last Sunday in the South River area near Foresty and Chemical Roads.
We've picked the parks closest to us but you can find others in the Ontario Parks' Fall Colour Report
Algonquin - Report Date: October 15, 2024
Dominant Colour: Yellow/Orange
Colour Change: 100 - Leaf Fall: 50
Best viewing: There are spectacular viewing opportunities throughout Algonquin Provincial Park along the Highway 60 Corridor and other access points, such as the Park's trails and day-use areas. Obtain your daily vehicle permit up to five days in advance to guarantee your access to the park. Please use designated parking areas. Do not park on the side of the road, which is dangerous and illegal. To learn more, visit our blog: Fall Colours at Algonquin Provincial Park |
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Arrowhead Huntsville - Report Date: October 15, 2024
Dominant Colour: Orange
Colour Change: 100 - Leaf Fall: 40
Best viewing: Check out Big Bend Lookout, Beach Area #1, or the Arrowhead Lake Trail for spectacular fall colours.
French River - Report Date: October 13, 2024
Dominant Colour: Yellow/Orange
Colour Change: 80 - Leaf Fall: 50
Best viewing: The French River Gorge and the area around the French River Visitor Centre, just off Highway 400, is an amazing place. Scenic, and historic, where the river is lined with towering White Pines. In fall, the waters of the French River reflect the reds, golds, and burgundies of the changing trees mixed between the green pines. Stop in at the award-winning visitor centre for the "Voices of the River" exhibit, and then stroll down the path to the Gorge for some scenic views. For a more adventurous hike, take the 1.5km Recollet Falls Trail along the Gorge to Recollet Falls - maples, birch, and poplar provide brilliant dashes of colour between the pines. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, the trail is rocky and steep in places.
Grundy Lake Parry Sound - Report Date: October 13, 2024
Dominant Colour: Red/Orange
Colour Change: 90 - Leaf Fall: 30
Best viewing: Drive, bike, or stroll down the main road, or through the Poplar and Red Maple Campgrounds (foot or bike traffic only) for fabulous views of the fall colours. Looking for something a little bit more adventurous? Hike or bike down Pakeshkag Lake Trail! Be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables at Pakeshkag Lake landing.
Killarney - Report Date: October 14, 2024
Dominant Colour: Orange
Colour Change: 80 - Leaf Fall: 40
Best viewing: To enjoy the beauty of fall, we recommend hiking to the lookout on the Granite Ridge Trail or bringing a picnic lunch to the bog area of our Cranberry Bog Trail. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, making the trip to Lake of the Woods Trail is sure to reward you with a more solitary experience. For all our trails, we recommend making sure you have sturdy footwear and bring lots of water with you.
Restoule - Report Date: October 11, 2024
Dominant Colour: Yellow/Orange
Colour Change: 90 - Leaf Fall: 60
Best viewing: Predominately surrounded by deciduous trees, the entire park is lovely for fall colour viewing. The best viewing spots include the Fire Tower Trail (best viewing at the lookout) and the River Trail.
Samuel de Champlain Mattawa- Report Date: October 12, 2024
Dominant Colour: Orange
Colour Change: 80 - Leaf Fall: 60
Best viewing: Driving the main road through the park is an easy and accessible way to view reds, yellows, and oranges as the aspens, oaks, and maples start to turn. Campion Portage is another good spot to view the colours along the Mattawa River from shore. If you have a canoe, or rent one from the Park Store, paddling from Campion to the Gut will give you good views of mixed wood forests. The Wabashkiki Trail is a good spot to catch early fall colours.
See the complete fall colours report here.
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