Fall is my favourite time of year and it’s a perfect time to enjoy fall getaways in central Canada.  

The forests here, with an abundance of maple and oak trees, have great potential to produce brilliant orange and red autumn colours, some of the best fall foliage in Canada.  To me, it’s the perfect time for a fall vacation in Ontario and Quebec, not only to get outdoors to enjoy the fall foliage, but also to cozy up by the fire and savour the local harvest.

To be honest, you can go just about anywhere for a fall getaway in central Canada in October to enjoy the colours.

When is the best time to go?  Well, it varies with the weather, but the first two weeks of October are usually good.  To track the status of the colours, you can check the Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report, the Ontario Fall Colours Progression Report or the Quebec Original web site.

Here are five of the best places to visit during fall in Canada in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec,  if you’re looking for a blissful autumn experience, plus suggestions on where to stay. 

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Mont Tremblant is a huge park set within the Laurentian Mountains northwest of Montréal.  In the winter, it’s a bustling ski resort.  But, in the fall it’s a little quieter and it boasts some of the best colours anywhere.  There are plenty of things to do, including hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.  The ski lift to the top of the mountain provides a not-to-miss view.  You can also go on a “Canadian safari” at an amazing wildlife park in the area.

What makes this a perfect getaway experience is the top-notch resorts and restaurants.  After the outdoor activities, I like to have a soak in a spa and dig into a traditional Quebecois feast, or sip some wine by the fire.  That’s what makes the weekend special.

Where to stay and eat: Spoil yourself with a stay at the 5-star boutique hotel on the lake, Hotel Quintessence (see my review).

Check pricing and availability for Hotel Quintessence in Mont Tremblant

Gatineau Park, Quebec

One of the unique things about Gatineau Park in Quebec is that’s it’s just 15 minutes away from Canada’s Capital of Ottawa (pictured at top).  You can go from city to hiking trails in a short drive.

In addition to the outdoor activities, I always enjoy a visit to the town of Wakefield on the Gatineau River.  I like to wander the cute shops, enjoy some treats from the bakeries, and make a mandatory stop at La Confiserie for the best fudge I have ever had (go for the maple flavour).  To top off a perfect afternoon, stop in at the Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa.  If it’s warm enough, you can sit on a terrace and sip a beverage of your choice while overlooking a waterfall and the forest colours.   A very soothing spot!  Even better, stay the weekend to enjoy sumptuous meals and get away from it all spa treatments.

Where to stay and eat:  Check pricing and availability for the Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa

If you prefer to stay in the city, in Ottawa, why not stay in a castle?  Check pricing and availability for the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

Eastern Townships, Quebec

Photo by Rob Taylor from Flickr

I visited the Eastern Townships  in Quebec last summer, and can hardly wait for the opportunity to go in the fall.  This is an area of farmland and rolling hills in the southeastern corner of the province, one of the top fall destinations in Canada.

It’s known for its great fall colours, but also for its charming villages, vineyards and  traditional French-inspired gourmet experiences.  It’s a great place to wander and eat – – my two best things!  See this post for the top must-sees in the Eastern Townships.

Where to stay and eat:  For a luxury lakeside experience, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux, Hovey Manor in North Hatley is the place to be.  Check pricing and availability at Hovey Manor in North Hatley.

If you’re looking for a quiet Bed & Breakfast in the countryside, you’ll enjoy the lovely Auberge Les Pignons Verts in Austin, Quebec.  See my review here.  Check pricing and availability at Auberge Les Pignons Verts in Austin.

Algonquin Park, Ontario

Photo by Sean X. Liu from Flickr

Algonquin Park in Ontario is the place to go if you’re looking for more of a pure nature experience.  It’s a large provincial park made up of maple hills, rocky ridges and thousands of lakes.  It’s a place for those quintessentially Canadian experiences:  canoeing, listening to the loons on the lake, and sitting around a campfire.  Don’t forget the marshmellows!

Campgrounds stay open into the fall, but you do need a Park Permit.

Where to stay and eat:  If camping is not your thing, the 4-star Killarney Lodge offers an all-inclusive experience in rustic, lakeside cabins in the park.

Thousand Islands, Ontario

The Thousand Islands is actually a group of over 1800 islands in the St. Lawrence River between Canada and the United States.  It used to be a fashionable retreat for the elite in the late 19th century, but the focus is on outdoor activities now. 

It’s also home to elaborate island mansions, like Boldt Castle on Heart Island.  It’s a little touristy, but, from Gananoque, Ontario, you can take a cruise around the islands and stop in at the castle.  You can also take a Thousand Islands cruise from Kingston on an old-style paddle wheel boat.  Or, even better, go for the bucket list moment and take a helicopter ride from the Gananoque Heliport over the Thousand Islands to see the colours from above.

When you get hungry, stop in for a meal at the Ivy Restaurant, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.  You can’t beat the views, especially when the autumn colours are putting on their best show. 

Where to stay:  For the closest accommodation to the Thousand Islands, stay in Gananoque on the St. Lawrence River.  Check pricing and availability at The Woodview Inn or the 1000 Islands Bed and Breakfast – The Bulloch House.

If you prefer a more urban atmosphere, stay in nearby Kingston, on Lake Ontario at the historic Rosemount Inn & Spa.  Check pricing and availability at the Rosemount Inn in Kingston.

What to pack for a fall trip to Canada

Algonquin Park

The weather in October and Quebec in October can be variable with pleasant, sunny days with high temperatures up to 16 degrees Celsius (60 F) and cool nights down to around 6 degrees (42 F).  It could get cooler in Algonquin Park or the Mont Tremblant area.  Rain can be expected on average, on 10 days out of the month.

Given the changeable weather, layers are always a good idea, including a fleece layer, fleece-lined leggings like these and wool socks.

If you’re planning to do any hiking in the parks, don’t forget your hiking boots for the rugged terrain.  It’s also a good idea to have rain gear on hand, such as rain pants like these.  This Helly Hansen waterproof jacket has kept me dry through countless downpours.  It goes well with warm layers and can go from the countryside to the city.

Don’t forget your camera  and extra memory cards to capture memories of the stunning fall colours during your getaway in central Canada.

Click here to order extra memory cards for your camera.

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