10 Destinations You Shouldn’t Miss in Autumn in Canada

The iconic Niagara Falls with red and orange autumn foliage.

Posted by on 29 May 2023

Experience the captivating allure of autumn in Canada. The country's majestic mountains and serene lakes transform into a breathtaking tapestry of red and orange foliage.

Capture the essence of the season with cosy jumpers, scenic photographs and warm lattes. Whether you're visiting during Thanksgiving and Halloween or seeking a tranquil getaway, Canada offers numerous destinations to explore.

If you’re planning to go on holiday in Canada in the autumn months, here are the 10 spots you don’t want to miss.

Banff National Park, Alberta

Autumn in Canada wouldn't be complete without a visit to the stunning and awe-inspiring Banff National Park. During the autumn months, the park becomes a haven of tranquillity, making it the perfect destination for a peaceful holiday surrounded by the beauty of nature.

With fewer crowds, it's an ideal time to explore the park and immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the season.

There are lots to see and do in Banff in autumn, from taking a dip in the hot springs to seeing Aurora Borealis if you’re lucky.

Soak up the picturesque vistas at Lake Louise and capture photos of the verdant foliage set against the majestic Rockies. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife in the park, including bears getting ready for hibernation and magnificent deer gracefully wandering through the woods.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the oldest parks in all of Ontario. In the fall, it lights up with warm hues of yellow, orange and red in its captivating foliage.

This park offers fantastic opportunities for leisurely hikes and canoeing on its serene lakes and rivers.

With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the park's wildlife, ranging from graceful hawks to majestic moose. It's an ideal destination to embrace the great outdoors of Ontario.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Autumn in Canada isn’t just for the countryside. Big cities like Vancouver in British Columbia also get stunning views, making it the perfect autumn destination for city dwellers.

The best way to explore the city in the fall is by bike. Check out Vancouver must-sees like the harbour and Canada Place. Then, travel to the cosiest Vancouver spots that showcase the autumn foliage, like the VanDusen Botanical Garden.

If you want to experience the best of both worlds and enjoy a vibrant city in the fall while having access to beautiful forests and nature spots to admire the foliage, our Vancouver Experience might tickle your fancy.

Laurentian Mountains, Quebec

Just an hour away from Quebec City are the glorious Laurentian Mountains. This area is breathtaking during autumn, not just because of the maple trees everywhere, but also the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers dancing around it.

A popular destination in the Laurentian Mountains is Mont Tremblant, a resort town with a quaint, colourful village surrounded by lush mountains and greenery.

This area is also known for being a gastronomic haven. Autumn is harvest time for the juicy, refreshing grapes of the Laurentian Mountains, so make sure you get a taste of them and the delectable wines and cheeses the area is abundant in.

La Mauricie National Park, Quebec

In the east of the Laurentian Mountains sits La Mauricie National Park, a park that boasts of jaw-dropping foliage in what seems like a never-ending, lush forest.

This park is a dream for anyone who loves to get active in the autumn. You can hike the park’s trails to get up close and personal with the red and orange foliage or paddle through the many lakes in the area.

Niagara Parkway, Ontario

Niagara Parkway is the scenic road that takes you to the legendary Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most beautiful autumn road trips you can take in Canada.

You’ll see lush fall foliage in gold and red tones, the cool Niagara River, and at the end of your journey, the sublime beauty of the iconic waterfall. This area also has tons of vineyards if you want to take a break and sip on delicious wines!

Jasper National Park, Alberta

You can’t say you’ve truly experienced autumn in Canada if you don’t visit the Rockies. One of the most jaw-dropping places to visit here is Jasper National Park. The park is known for its impressive valleys and striking canyons, as well as the many lakes you’ll see in the area.

As early as August, the park’s forests start to turn amber and gold, until the autumn leaves are in full swing in their red and orange glory in September and October. Admire this foliage when you visit some of the park’s iconic stops, such as the 23-metre-high Athabasca Falls—a must-see in the Rockies.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Experience the rich Celtic culture in Cape Breton, an island in Nova Scotia that celebrates the Celtic Colours International Festival every autumn.

Not only will you get to see the enthralling red and orange foliage and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean in the area, but you’ll be entertained by concerts, food festivals and storytellers that honour Celtic culture.

Butchart Gardens, Victoria

Off Vancouver is the city of Victoria, where you’ll find the beautiful Butchart Gardens. This area is known for its intricately landscaped areas inspired by Japanese zen gardens.

In autumn, the colours come alive in a myriad of reds, golds and oranges, making these gardens even more enchanting. It’s the perfect autumn spot if you want a tranquil, serene view of the foliage in the city.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Lastly, we have Halifax, the capital of faraway Nova Scotia. It’s the perfect destination to explore if you want to be away from the crowds but still be in the city during autumn.

There are plenty of areas to see the beautiful colours of autumn in this city, from the Halifax Public Gardens to the city’s waterfront boardwalk. You can bask in the scenic views of the city’s parks, like Point Pleasant Park.

There’s Nothing More Glorious Than Autumn in Canada

There are plenty of places in Canada to visit during the autumn months. Whether you’d rather be in the big city of Vancouver, see the iconic Niagara Falls in Ontario or visit the more relaxed areas of Nova Scotia or Alberta, there’s always a place that will suit anyone’s taste.

The great news is that anywhere you go in the country from September to November, you will be greeted by the breathtaking red and orange foliage and cosy warmth that the Canadian autumn is known for.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out Entire Travel’s plethora of Canadian destinations and book your autumn holiday soon!

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