Canada’s lustrous and expansive landscapes are notorious among photographers and nature-lovers. While winter is Canada’s most celebrated season, with the blanket of snow and ice covering the country, it truly shines brightest when the fall colours come out to play. The treetops turn a mosaic of deep reds, warm yellows, burnt oranges and coppers. Combined with the crisp air, there’s something truly magical about a Canadian autumn.
With almost 10 million km2 of country to explore, there’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to seeing the sights. But if you’re stuck on where to go, check out this list of the best fall drives in the Great White North. From British Columbia all the way over to the east coast, there’s a surreal forest or a colourful stretch of road waiting for you and your camera.
While you take in the Northern landscape, why not enhance your trip with a soundtrack? With the perfect all-Canadian mix, you’re all set for the ultimate fall adventure.
Muskoka, Ontario
From the shores of Georgian Bay at its most western point to the lush Algonquin Park in the east, the cottage-rich Muskoka region is a favourite. Although highly popular for its many lakes and vacation rentals in the summer, the rolling landscapes take on a whole new beauty in the fall. The area, spanning almost 4,000 km2, is famous for inspiring artists ‘The Group of Seven’ so be sure to keep an eye out for picture-perfect wildlife. Look for deer, moose and hawks as you take in the sights and get inspired!
Laurentian Mountains, Quebec
Venture an hour north of Montreal and you’ll find yourself in the Laurentian Mountains, a maple-tree paradise donned with all the colours of fall. The area is full of photo opportunities, with undisturbed forests and crystal-clear waters. This stretch of landscape is sure to shine bright for your camera in autumn.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Drive your car along the stretch of road on the northern end of Cape Breton Island known as the Cabot Trail. There’s lots to do along the way as you take in the autumn sights, like a stop in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to picnic among the changing leaves. Or, take in the Celtic Colours International Festival in October to celebrate the highland culture. With so much to do, it’s easy to spend a few days exploring the island.
Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Running through Riding Mountain National Park is a long stretch of highway, Highway 10, with a wonderful combination of flora and fauna calling it home. Manitoba’s prairie landscape boasts all the colours of the rainbow in the fall, making the drive a spectacular experience. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife calling Riding Mountain home, including bison, deer, moose, elk and even black bears!
Tofino, British Columbia
With no particular area in mind, why not take your car along the almost 300 km drive from Vancouver to Tofino and enjoy the ride itself. With endless fall foliage and photo opps, the journey is truly the destination. Stop in Englishman River Falls Provincial Park for stunning waterfalls and lush forest, or grab a seaplane ride to soar over Tofino for a bird’s eye view. Any way you look at it, British Columbia is rich with autumn beauty.
With all this Canadian beauty, no doubt you’ll want to get out on the road right away. Make sure you take your vehicle in to your local automotive shop for a preventative maintenance service to get things in tip-top shape for the long road ahead.
