As Toronto finally begins to feel like fall again, the beautiful shades of this season make the colder temperatures and shorter days feel worth it, and we’ve rounded up the best spots in the city to see all the delightful colours Autumn brings.
Grab your neutral colours and coats, and a hot latte, and get ready to welcome the new season, as Now Toronto has compiled a list of the best places to view the fall colours in the city.
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High Park
Location: 1873 Bloor St. W.
Being one of Toronto’s most environmentally-recognized areas, High Park is a resident and visitor favourite when it comes to enjoy nature and wildlife in the city. Around two thirds of the park remains in its natural state, with an amazing selection of rare and beautiful plants. Between natural areas, and beautiful gardens and trails, there’s no shortage of fall sightseeing in the area, including the Maple Leaf Gardens, Hillside Gardens, Perennial Border, the Black Oak Savannah.
The park also offers a series of attractions and activities, including gardening opportunities, dog off-leash areas, sports fields, local cafés, picnic areas and more.
For more information about High Park, click here.
Evergreen Brick Works
Location: 550 Bayview Ave.
Another natural gem in the city is the Evergreen Brick Works, and its beautiful ravines are the perfect spot to take a fall tour. This park used to be a brick factory, but was officially redeveloped into an environmental centre in 2010, becoming a hotspot in the city for hiking, exploring and connecting with all seasons.
Those looking to see the fall colours in this spot are welcome to wander around on their own, or take the Evergreen Brick Works’ incredible Nature Tour, which leads participants through an inspiring visit through the gardens. The site offers free public tours with 20 participants from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays, and paid private tours for 10 participants daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., going for $20 per person.
For more information about this spot and tours, click here.
Glen Stewart Ravine
Location: Glen Stewart Ravine
One of the best spots to watch the falling leaves in East Toronto is the Glen Stewart Ravine. This is a designated Environmentally Significant Area in the city, with 11 hectares of ravine and a great variety of plants and wildlife. The forest is filled with stunning red oak and red maple trees, which make it the perfect fall spot. It is also a great place to go bird watching, as it’s known for having several species of birds that are not so commonly spotted in Toronto.
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For more information about the Glen Stewart Ravine, click here.
Toronto Islands
Location: Central Island, Hanlan’s Point, Ward’s Island
Although the Toronto Islands are mostly associated with summer in the city, its natural vibes and gardens also make it a great place to enjoy the fall views. Across Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point, there are several parks open to the public throughout the whole year.
Right at Centre Island’s Ferry dock, there’s a paved walk filled with perennial flower beds, gentle berms, rolling lawns and clustered trees. Visitors can also explore the site’s horticultural features, including the Avenue of the Islands, William Meany Maze, historical Waiting Shed, and much more.
Besides nature viewing, the Islands are a great place to hang out in the city, with activities like boating, bird watching, cycling, and much more.
For more information on the Islands and their gardens, visit here.
Rouge Park
Location: 7277 14th Ave., Markham
For those willing to travel a bit farther for stunning views and a complete hiking experience, Rouge Park might be a great option. This spot is one of the largest urban parks in North America, with forests, farms, creeks, and amazing trails that you can explore within the GTA.
Rouge Park houses over 1,000 species of plants, and hundreds of animal species, including birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles, including 42 species that are currently at risk of extinction. With its richness in diversity and abundance of forests, meadows, wetlands, thickets, agricultural fields and rivers, this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the golden leaves.
There are several ways to explore the park through its guided free walking trails and hiking, led by volunteers and staff. Tours include wildlife sightings, quiet walks, historic tours, fitness challenges, social events, and more.
For more information, click here.
Etienne Brulee Park
Location: 10 Catherine St.
Besides being a beautiful spot for fall views, this spot is also a valuable place to learn about Toronto’s rich history. The park is named after the first French explorer to venture into Ontario, Etienne Brule, and used to be a major trade route by the Indigenous communities in the area.
With its mesmerizing hiking trails and picnic spots along the Humber River, this park is a great place to watch local nature and just enjoy beautiful views, located between the river, Old Mill and Marshes and the Lambton House Hotel and Lower Humber River Discovery Walks.
For more information about this spot, click here.
Riverdale Park
Location: 425 Carlton St.
This spot is also a resident and visitor favourite for views of the Toronto skyline and mesmerizing golden sunsets. This 18-hectare park is habitat for several native species of plants and animals in the Danforth area. In 1990, the area was redeveloped by the City of Toronto and the Taskforce to Bring Back the Don, which planted native plants and shrubs at the park’s well-known grassy slope. Since then, the park has received even more specials of trees, flowers, sedges, and rushes, which now make it a stunning natural hub, which is resistant to invasive species.
Besides the golden views, visitors can also take part in many activities in the park, including off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment, table tennis, tennis court, picnic sites, a playground, and much more.
For more information, click here.
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