What to know
- Ontario’s fall colours are beginning to emerge as the season gets underway.
- These six provincial parks offer hiking, paddling, camping and scenic views.
- Parks on the list range from about 2.5 to nearly four hours from Toronto.
- Several destinations are also popular spots for viewing migratory birds and other wildlife.
- Check park conditions and seasonal hours before heading out.
Fall has officially arrived in Ontario, and what better way to celebrate this time of year and take in the autumn atmosphere than hiking through a beautiful park?
The Northwestern hemisphere is known for its beautiful fall colours, filled with vibrant yellow, copper, and orange hues. If you are looking for parks to visit this fall and enjoy the start of the season, Now Toronto has compiled a list of some of the best destinations in Ontario.
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Selkirk Provincial Park
Location: 151 Wheeler’s Sideroad, Rural Road #1, Selkirk
Located about 15 minutes east of Port Dover, and 2.5 hours from Toronto, the Selkirk Provincial Park is known for its relaxing atmosphere and quiet campground that make for a perfect fall day destination.
There are several options to explore the park, including following along a 1.5-kilometre Wheeler’s Walk Trail surrounded by marsh wetland and forested sections full of fall colours, on-site camping, or paddling on Spring Creek.
Rondeau Provincial Park
Location: 18050 Rondeau Park Rd., Morpeth
Said to be Ontario’s second oldest park, Rondeau Provincial Park is home to some of the country’s oldest forests and is also a prime spot to see migratory birds and butterflies at this time of the year.
Those looking to explore will find seven trails extending through 30 kilometres, with opportunities to see vibrant fall colours, wildlife, and lake views. This park is about 3:40 hours away from Toronto.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Location: 148 Woodvale Rd., Lansdowne
If you are looking for a variety of activities and different fall views, the Charleston Lake Provincial Park might offer just that. The park is about four hours away from Toronto, and features islands, coves, bays, and rocky shoreline views, as well as several mixed forest and wetland trails.
This might also be the spot for those hoping to camp, as it offers over 250 campsites for visitors, including backcountry sites or roofed accommodations.
There are also hiking trails for all levels at this park, ranging from 2 kilometres to 10 kilometres, including forests, wetlands and rocky terrains.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Location: 328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton
If you’re looking to spot the migratory birds this fall, the Presqu’ile Provincial Park might also be a great option, as hundreds of species are set to fly by this area at this time of the year.
Located about 2:40 hours from Toronto, the Presqu’ile Provincial Park includes woodlands, meadows, wetlands and a beach area, with visitors being invited to explore a beautifully maintained Marsh Trail boardwalk, hike through several trails and visit the province’s second oldest operating lighthouse.
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Location: 1589 Silent Lake Park Rd., Bancroft
About three hours away from Toronto is the Silent Lake Provincial Park. As the name suggests, this spot is known for its serene atmosphere that is perfect for a quiet fall day of paddling or hiking.
Fall colours are everywhere throughout the park’s scenic trails, with several plant species from maple trees to oak to black ash and pine.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Location: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd., Huntsville
Although Arrowhead Provincial Park is best known for its winter activities, it also includes some beautiful trails that are great for fall views.
Located in the Muskoka region, about three hours away from Toronto, this park is filled with lakes and beautiful trees, as well as a waterfall and a pedestrian bridge, with about 15 kilometres of hiking trails.
