The very best fall day journeys (should you stay in Toronto)
As Toronto settles into sweater climate and pumpkin spice season, nature is placing on its most vibrant present.
From fiery forests to peaceable lakeside trails, Ontario’s provincial parks are bursting with autumn appeal — and plenty of are only a brief drive away from the town!
We’ve partnered with our road-trip loving mates at Subaru Canada to share among the prime parks close to Toronto you’ll want to try:
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Silent Lake Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2.5 hours northeast, on the way in which to Bancroft
For those who’re trying to fall off the grid (pun meant), Silent Lake is your go-to.
This peaceable park is surrounded by sugar maples that explode into color every autumn. And with fewer crowds, late fall is a good time to identify the wildlife that decision Silent Lake house!
Paddle throughout the mirror-like Silent Lake, hike the rugged trails, or keep in a single day in a comfy yurt or cabin to soak within the full fall expertise.
Assure your entry to Silent Lake by reserving your car allow upfront!
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Darlington Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 45 minutes east, close to Oshawa
Darlington is a good GTA vacation spot simply off Freeway 401, minutes from Oshawa.
The Burk Path winds by means of golden meadows and forests earlier than opening as much as a surprising Lake Ontario lookout — splendid for a crisp morning stroll and a thermos of scorching apple cider.
The park additionally includes a lengthy sandy seaside, glorious day-use and picnic services, and group areas for bigger gatherings or tenting journeys.
Nature lovers can discover further trails like McLaughlin Bay and Robinson Creek, whereas households can get pleasure from open areas for video games and leisure.
Assure your entry to Darlington by reserving your car allow upfront!
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Sibbald Level Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: simply over 1 hour north, 20 minutes outdoors Beaverton
Fall transforms Sibbald Level from a bustling summer season hotspot right into a peaceable retreat for nature lovers.
Whereas the seaside attracts crowds in hotter months, autumn brings understated magnificence — goldenrods and asters bloom throughout meadows, attracting butterflies, beetles, and birds like goldfinches.
The Maidenhair Fern Path is a perfect spot for getting out in nature. This path is pretty flat, simple to journey, and options interpretive indicators in regards to the habitats alongside the trail.
With fewer guests within the fall, migrating warblers, cool-weather fungi, and elusive wildlife like Pink Foxes and Wild Turkeys change into simpler to identify.
Assure your entry to Sibbald Level by making a reservation upfront!
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Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2 hours 7 minutes northeast
Balsam Lake is a hidden gem within the fall.
The park’s calm lake is ideal for paddling, and anglers will get pleasure from fishing for bass, walleye, and muskellunge.
The Lookout Path presents panoramic views of the Kawartha Lakes area, painted in autumn hues.
Fall additionally brings quieter trails and higher probabilities to identify wildlife like loons, hawks, and migrating songbirds.
Assure your entry to Balsam Lake by making a reservation upfront!
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Awenda Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2 hours 20 minutes north, close to Penetanguishene
Awenda is a fall favorite and for good purpose!
Positioned on Georgian Bay, Awenda’s trails, lakes, shorelines, fens, bogs, and campgrounds supply a mixture of habitat for a wide range of wildlife viewing alternatives.
The Bluff Path presents sweeping views over the bay, which is particularly beautiful when framed by fiery Pink Maples in late autumn.
Awenda additionally has a barrier-free path referred to as the Beaver Pond Path.
It’s a 700 m loop situated in a nature reserve zone. Guests in wheelchairs can comply with the platform to the water’s edge for a view of the gorgeous lake.
Don’t neglect your digital camera — that is a type of locations the place each flip looks like a postcard!
Assure your entry to Awenda by making a reservation upfront!
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Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 1 hour 20 minutes northwest, close to Alliston
Earl Rowe is a family-friendly vacation spot with a unbelievable system of trails, that includes choices for brief jaunts and longer half-day treks.
The Rainbow Run Path loops by means of forest and area, providing a peaceable stroll by means of autumn’s finest. Maintain an eye fixed out for deer and Wild Turkeys alongside the way in which.
The Boyne River can be a fantastic place to view salmon spawning within the fall.
Assure your entry to Earl Rowe by making a reservation upfront!
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John E. Pearce Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2.5 hours southwest, close to St. Thomas
Perched atop the Lake Erie bluffs, John E. Pearce is a must-see for fall color seekers.
This small however mighty park includes a uncommon Carolinian forest that glows with golden hues in autumn.
The Spicer Path has fifteen interpretive stops winding by means of century-old hardwoods, resulting in a surprising lookout over the lake.
The Wetland ‘Storey’ Path meanders by means of a major wetland restoration space the place guests can benefit from the panorama from a viewing platform. Birders will love the number of species discovered right here, particularly throughout fall migration!
Assure your entry to John E. Pearce by making a reservation upfront!
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The place will you go to in 2025?
With so many unbelievable parks only a brief drive from Toronto, there’s no higher time to hit the highway and soak within the season (and the gorgeous fall colors!).
Try this record of must-haves for the proper fall colors expertise.
And you’ll want to guide your each day car allow or campsite upfront to ensure your spot!
Ontario Parks thanks company companions like Subaru Canada for his or her assist.
