August 2021

Eastern Ontario Fall Colour Routes

The following ‘Fall Colour’ locations have been provided and developed by the individual destinations or the web site associated with the individual Ontario travel route.

North and East of Toronto

Hills of the Headwaters Fall Colour Drives

The fall colours in the Hills of Headwaters are indeed spectacular. With our many country roads and rolling terrain, any back-road route will deliver an impressive fall show.

Kawartha Lakes-Waterway Wonders: Peterborough Ontario

An hour northeast of Toronto is the Kawarthas. A starting point for this trip would be Peterborough Ontario. The Ministry of Tourism recommends this route as one of the great fall drives north of Toronto.

Northumerland Fall Colours

Northumberland County Ontario borders the north shore of Lake Ontario from Port Hope to Brigton, north to Rice Lake the Trent Hills This area covers the towns to the north east of Toronto, and offers a series of 8 different fall colour routes for a great days drive north of Toronto. One of the more interesting road trips for apple lovers is The Apple Route .

Ottawa-Kingston Ontario Rideau Heritage Routes

One of Ontario’s Oldest travel routes, this route connects Ottawa and Kingston with a circle tour diversion. A starting point would be either Ottawa or Kingston. The Ministry of Tourism recommends this route as one of the great fall drives north of Toronto.

Ottawa Valley Fall Colours

The Ottawa Valley is extensive and runs north and West from Ottawa. There are several recommended trips here to explore the Ottawa Valley fall colours. The Opeongo Line Fall Colour Route close to Renfrew,

York Region Fall Colours (colors)

There are many suggestions here for you to explore fall colours and foliage immediatley north of Toronto during the fall colour season. York Region borders Lake Simcoe one of the favoured tourist destinations for ‘Torontonians’ on vacation.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

August 28, 2021 Uncategorized

Muskoka Fall Colour Routes

Muskoka Ontario via Highway 400 or Highway 11 is always a pleasurable road trip during the Fall Colours season. Getting off the main traffic roads can reveal special places with exceptional fall color settings. Many fall touring routes are available between charming towns and villages from Gravenhurst in central Muskoka, or Port Severn-Honey Harbour in the South to Huntsville and Lake of Bays to the north and East, and Bala and Port Carling to the West. A variety of accommodation awaits including historic lodges, charming country inns, golf resorts, and waterfront cottages. Fall is the best time of year for a canoe or hike or a quick trip over to the Algonquin Park Area along the Highway 60 corridor.

Muskoka Tourism Fall Colour Road Trip Resources:

Mostly Muskoka Fall colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: Travel highway 11, north to the towns of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Port Sydney, travel west from 11, across 141 to Parry Sound and a flight over Georgian Bay with Georgian Bay Airways. Work your way south on Highway 400 to 69 South to 118 East. Either continue south to Bala on 69 , or go east on 118 to Port Carling for a quick side trip. Return to 69 and proceed south to Bala. Travel west from Bala on Muskoka Road 38 to Highway 400. Take Muskoka Road 5 to Honey Harbour to see the south Georgian Bay side of Muskoka. Return to Highway 400 south to Barrie.

Lake of Bays North Muskoka Via Bracebridge, Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, North Portage, Baysville, Bracebridge Fall colours (colors) Route

Driving Directions: This is a beautiful trip through the North Muskoka woodlands with excellent lake views. Take Highway 117 from Bracebridge to Baysville, stay on Hwy 117 to Dorset, turn left on to Highway 35 (look for Dorset Fire Tower). Go north on Hwy. 35 to Dwight, turn left on Highway 60 going west to Muskoka County Road 9. Make a left turn on Muskoka Rd. 9 to North Portage. Proceed along Muskoka road 9 back to Baysville, and west on 117 to Bracebridge.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

August 28, 2021 Travel Tips

Georgian Bay Fall Colour Routes

The Georgian Bay resort area is one of Ontario’s ecology focused destinations. Two International Biosphere reserves give Georgian Bay a unique status. The area is particularly spectacular during the fall colours autumn season.

Georgian Bay Resort Area Road Trip Ideas

Bruce Peninsula-Owen Sound to Wiarton Return Fall Colour Trip

Owen Sound can be reached by Highway 6 heading north from Guelph, or via Highway 26 heading west from Collingwood. When heading out of Owen Sound you want to turn right on Grey County Road 1. Grey County Road will take you all the way to Wiarton and Georgian Bluffs. Along the Georgian Bay Shores. Consider a side trip to Balmy Beach where the road runs along the Bay and returns to Grey County Road 1. Go through Wiarton to the Spirit Rock Conservation area where you can hike a portion of the Bruce Trail to Spirit rock (moderate 90 minute hike return), then drive back into Wiarton and drive along the west shore of Colpoys Bay to the detailed historical sign and look up to where you stood at Spirit Rock. Head back to Owen Sound via Highway 6.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Driving Time: Allow a Minimum of 4-6 hours including hikes and attraction visits and a stop for a meal. This will be best experienced as a road trip of one full day trip.

Bruce Peninsula-Northern Section

Owen Sound to Tobermory via Hope Bay & Lions Head Fall Colours Route

Discover the beauty of the northern Bruce Peninsula with a direct drive from Owen Sound Via Highway 6 to the cut off for Colpoys Bay via County Road 9. Follow the signs to Cape Croker Indian Reserve on County Road 18 and proceed to Light House Road. Proceed to the end where the Cape Croker Light house is located at the end of the road. The view is worth the drive see photos. Travel back through the Reserve to County Road 9 and turn right towards Hope Bay. There is a nice sand beach at Hope Bay. As well, the Bruce Trail is accessible. Drive back out to County Road 9 and proceed north to Lion’s Head. Drive through Lion’s Head and keep to your right, to a series of back roads (mostly gravel), some along Georgian Bay. You will drive along Isthmus Bay Road, 40 Hills Road, and Cape Chin Road South. Signage is not prominent and you have to do a little exploring as you drive. There is a short trail which is part of the Bruce Trail at the Provincial Nature Reserve called Smokey Head White Bluff. Note: It takes you down to the cobble rocks on the beach. About 40 minutes return.

Continue driving until you see directions to Cape Chin North Road. Follow this road until you see the sign for Devil’s Monument. Drive to the end (gravel road) and hike about 20 minutes to the Devil’s Monument, you can also hike down to the beach, however the section below the monument is rugged and rocky. Drive back out to Highway 6 and Drive to Tobermory, Explore the town, and visit the new Visitors Centre at Fathom Five National Park. Drive back to Hope Bay—or to Owen Sound. See Photos.

From Tobermory you can catch the MS Chi-Cheemaun passenger-vehicle ferry to Manitoulin Island.the largest island in a freshwater lake in the world.

Driving Time. This will be a full day touring, hiking, and enjoying attractions and scenic views.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Collingwood Beaver Valley Fall Colours Route

Driving Directions:Take Highway 400 to Highway 27 north in Barrie. Go north to Highway 26, and proceed west to Collingwood and Thornbury. Proceed south again on County Road 13 to the Beaver Valley, and then go back north to Meaford, return through Thornbury and Collingwood. Enjoy family fall fun picking apples along the way.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Georgian Bay (Midland to Parry Sound) Fall Colours Road Trip

Driving Directions:Take Highway 400 North to 93 northwest to Southern Georgian Bay and the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. Combine your fall drive with a fall colour cruise from Midland or Penetanguishene to capture the beauty of the 30,000 Island fall colours. A visit to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons or the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is fun for families. Take Highway 12 through Midland, picking up the 400 again north to Muskoka Road 5 to Port Severn & Honey Harbour. Return to Highway 400 and proceed north to Parry Sound for a spectacular float plane air tour. Continue north again on Highway 400 to the French River, and Point au Baril. Return via Highway 400.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Georgian Bay resorts, lodges, inns, cottages, hotels

Old Fort Road Fall Tour to Midland Ontario Colours

Driving Directions:This route will take you past Simcoe County Forests, rolling rural country side, vistas of hills with spectacular fall colours, antique shops, farms with fresh farm eggs and honey for sale, through the charming villages of Wye Vale, Hillsdale and Waverly in the heart of Simcoe County. Detailed Fall Foliage touring route with mileage, places to see and suggested links to overnight accommodation stops.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Coldwater to Big Chute-Port Severn: Trent-Severn Historic Waterway

This road trip can features a driving road trip from Coldwater to the Big Chute Marine Railway. Taking time to do both will give you great water views and the drive will take you on a different perspective along some of the back roads and cottage country locations along the Trent-Severn Historic Waterway.

Orillia & Lake Country Fall Driving Routes

Ontario’s Lake Country is located just one hour north of the GTA, a perfect location to enjoy the peacefulness away from the busy city life and take in the breathtaking fall colours. Escape and book one of our many distinctive fall getaways. Enjoy this beautiful and picturesque region on your choice of driving tours, cycling routes, scenic tours by boat or hiking the stunning trails along our waterways and scenic landscapes. There is something for everyone to Fall in love with Ontario’s Lake Country.

Come to picturesque Orillia & Lake Country and travel the beautiful roadways with the vibrant autumn colours that connect the lakes and waterways throughout the region. The recommended routes provide suggestions of places to stop and dine, shop or play along the way.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

August 28, 2021 Travel Tips

Lake Simcoe Fall Colour Routes

Barrie is the perfect starting point for Simcoe County-Lake Simcoe road trip. Travel to Barrie via Highway 400 or Highway 11 and make this a focal point for backroad trips. This is a “close to Toronto Day Trip” destination for GTA residents or a trip that could easily evolve into a Barrie hotel or resort stay depending on your time.

Barrie, Orillia, Georgina Fall Colours

Trips start in Barrie with a circle option back to Barrie. We offer several options with side trips on back roads including spectacular fall colour maple sugar bush areas in Simoce County such as Alliston, Horseshoe Valley, Orillia, Wasaga Beach, Elmvale and Minesing with recommended events, festivals and fall fairs. The south east side of Lake Simcoe, Sutton and Jackson’s Point in Georgina Township are must see destinations and will lead you back to the GTA.

Lake Simcoe Fall Colours Circle Tour

Driving Directions: One of the interesting fall colour routes close to Toronto is a tour around Lake Simcoe using a combination of Highway 400, Highway 11, and a number of side roads that take your through Barrie, Orillia, Lagoon City, Beaverton, Sutton, Keswick, Holland Landing. This tour route can be started on the East Side of Lake Simcoe, or the West Side going north. For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colours Leaf Change Central Ontario

Barrie To Elmvale, Wasaga Beach Return via Minesing Fall Colours

Driving Directions: From Highway 400, Take Highway 27 North (Bayfield exit) through Barrie to Elmvale. At the junction of 92 and 27 in Elmvale turn left on to Simcoe Road 92, proceed all the way to Wasaga Beach. When leaving Wasaga Beach take Highway 26 (South & East) to Minesing. Turn right on the George Johnston Road which proceeds south to Highway 90, turn left at Highway 90 and return to Barrie by going East on Highway 90. Recommended Side Trip: Tiny Beaches Road to Balm Beach (turn right at Simcoe Road 29) and drive to Tiny Beaches Road which runs along Georgian Bay to Midland. For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colours Leaf Change Central Ontario.

Barrie to Horseshoe Valley to Orillia Return to Barrie Fall Colours Route

Driving Directions: Take Highway 400 past Barrie to Simcoe Road 22 (The Horseshoe Valley Road) drive to Craighurst, Horseshoe Valley, Coulson, Jarratt to Highway 12 where Horseshoe Valley Road ends. Take Highway 27 North (Bayfield exit) through Barrie to Simcoe Road 22 (The Horseshoe Valley Road) turn right through Craighurst, Horseshoe Valley, Coulson, Jarratt to Highway 12. Turn right at Highway 12 and proceed East to Orillia. Upon leaving Orillia, take Highway 11, South to Barrie, or take the Old Barrie Road (Ridge Road) and work your way towards the Lake for a combination of great water views and colourful shorelines. For latest fall colour (color) changes please see Fall Colours Leaf Change Central Ontario

See the complete Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation Fall Colour (colors) Report
A number of fall drives, travel routes, circle tours, regional Ontario travel and tourism association routes, and suggested Ministry of Tourism great fall drives have been identified in addition to the fall drives and road trips above.

Lake Simcoe Tourism Regions

Lake Simcoe tourism encompasses the regions of Simcoe County, Durham, York Region and the Kawarthas. The major Cities of Orillia and Barrie are right on Lake Simcoe. Visitors with boats are encouraged to get out on the water for spectacular views or visit a Lake Simcoe Park along the waterway to get the mix of the blues with the traditional fall reds, yellows, and orange maple leaf changes.

August 27, 2021 Travel Tips