As summer transitions to fall, Canada transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, yellow, and gold. From coast to coast, the country offers some of the most spectacular autumn landscapes in the world. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, these scenic routes will take you through the heart of Canada's fall splendor.

The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Often ranked among the world's most scenic drives, the 298-kilometer Cabot Trail winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering dramatic coastal views alongside stunning fall foliage. The maple, oak, and birch trees create a vibrant tapestry against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs of the Cape Breton Highlands.

Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November

Highlights: The most spectacular views can be found at MacKenzie Mountain, French Mountain, and the Skyline Trail. For the best experience, drive the trail counterclockwise to stay on the ocean side of the road.

Don't miss: Small fishing villages like Pleasant Bay and Chéticamp offer charming stops along the route. Take time to explore walking trails and lookout points for the best photo opportunities.

Insider Tip

The weather in Cape Breton can change quickly in the fall. Pack layers and be prepared for varying conditions. During peak foliage season, accommodations fill quickly, so book well in advance.

The Laurentian Mountains, Quebec

Laurentian Mountains in fall

Just north of Montreal, the Laurentian Mountains offer one of Quebec's most beautiful fall drives. The region's sugar maples explode in brilliant oranges and reds, creating a spectacular display against the backdrop of quaint villages and crystal-clear lakes.

Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October

Recommended route: Follow Route 117 north from Montreal to Mont-Tremblant, then take the smaller roads through the heart of the Laurentians, including Routes 323, 327, and 364.

Highlights: Mont-Tremblant National Park offers some of the most stunning scenery, with hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the colorful landscape. The resort village of Mont-Tremblant itself is a perfect base for exploring the region.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Just a few hours north of Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario's fall foliage treasures. The park's vast forests of sugar maples and red maples create a spectacular display, particularly along the Highway 60 corridor that cuts through the southern section of the park.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October

Highlights: The park offers numerous lookout points and hiking trails that showcase the autumn colors. The Track and Tower Trail, Lookout Trail, and Booth's Rock Trail all offer exceptional views.

Don't miss: Algonquin's many lakes reflect the colorful foliage, creating perfect photo opportunities. Consider renting a canoe for a unique perspective on the fall colors.

The Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Running 232 kilometers between Jasper and Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is one of the most scenic drives in the world at any time of year. In fall, the golden larches and aspens contrast beautifully with the turquoise lakes and snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

Best time to visit: Late September to early October

Highlights: Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Columbia Icefield are must-see stops along the route. The vibrant yellow larches are particularly striking against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Wildlife viewing: Fall is an excellent time for wildlife spotting along the parkway. Keep an eye out for elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even bears preparing for hibernation.

Photography Tip

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photographing fall foliage. The golden hour just before sunset can transform an already beautiful landscape into something truly magical.

Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia

The 120-kilometer Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) between Vancouver and Whistler offers a different kind of fall experience. The coastal rainforest features evergreens interspersed with deciduous trees that turn yellow and orange in autumn, all set against a backdrop of mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October

Highlights: Shannon Falls, Brandywine Falls, and the Sea to Sky Gondola all offer excellent viewpoints for enjoying the fall colors. In Whistler, take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for spectacular alpine views.

Don't miss: The cultural center at Squamish offers insights into the indigenous history of the region, while numerous hiking trails allow for closer exploration of the colorful forests.

Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick

Following the Bay of Fundy coastline, this 460-kilometer drive showcases some of eastern Canada's most dramatic landscapes. The route passes through Fundy National Park, where the maple-covered hills blaze with color in autumn, contrasting with the deep blues of the bay below.

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October

Highlights: The Hopewell Rocks, Cape Enrage, and Fundy National Park offer exceptional fall views. The park features over 100 kilometers of hiking trails through colorful forests.

Tides: The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, adding an extra dimension to your fall experience. Time your visit to see both high and low tides for two completely different landscapes.

Agawa Canyon, Ontario

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train offers one of the most unique ways to experience fall foliage in Canada. Departing from Sault Ste. Marie, the train winds through the rugged Canadian Shield landscape, which explodes with color in autumn.

Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October

Experience: The 114-kilometer journey takes approximately four hours each way, with a stopover in the canyon for exploring. The train features large windows and an audio commentary that points out landmarks and shares the region's history.

Don't miss: During the stopover at Agawa Canyon Park, hike to the lookout platform for a panoramic view of the colorful canyon below.

Charlevoix Region, Quebec

Charlevoix in autumn

Just east of Quebec City, the Charlevoix region offers a spectacular fall drive along the St. Lawrence River. Route 362, known as the "River Route," winds between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, offering stunning views of the colorful hillsides meeting the vast river.

Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October

Highlights: The charming villages of Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie are worth exploring, with their art galleries, local shops, and gourmet restaurants. The region is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, making it a perfect destination for foodies.

Don't miss: The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park offers some of the most striking fall vistas, with mountains rising dramatically from the Malbaie River, all dressed in autumn colors.

Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island may be small, but it offers remarkable fall colors across its gentle rolling landscape. The Confederation Trail, built on an abandoned railway line, provides 435 kilometers of accessible paths through forests, farmland, and coastal areas.

Best time to visit: Early to mid-October

Experience: While the trail is popular with cyclists, many sections are perfect for walking. The trail passes through numerous small communities, offering frequent opportunities to stop and enjoy local hospitality.

Don't miss: Visit PEI National Park for stunning views of red cliffs against colorful autumn foliage and the blue Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Tips for Planning Your Fall Foliage Trip

  • Check peak color forecasts: Fall colors peak at different times depending on location, elevation, and yearly weather conditions. Research current conditions before setting out.
  • Book accommodations early: Fall is a popular travel season in many of these regions. Reserve your stays well in advance, especially for weekend visits.
  • Be flexible: Weather can affect both the timing of the colors and your viewing experience. Build some flexibility into your itinerary.
  • Take your time: Allow plenty of time for spontaneous stops, scenic overlooks, and short hikes. The journey is as important as the destination during a fall foliage tour.
  • Pack for changing weather: Fall in Canada can bring everything from warm, sunny days to snow, especially in mountainous regions. Layer clothing and be prepared for various conditions.

Canada's diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities to experience the magic of autumn. Whether you're driving coastal routes in the Maritimes, exploring the maple forests of Quebec and Ontario, or taking in the golden larches of the Rockies, a fall foliage tour is one of the most memorable ways to experience the natural beauty of Canada.