Fall Hiking Across Canada: 15 Fantastic Fall Foliage Views
Many Canucks will attest that the beauty and experience of Fall Hiking across Canada is second to none when it comes to the most breathtaking views of turning foliage. Trails are less packed, with tourists and bugs, snow has not quite begun to blanket the mountains yet and the vibrant, views of colourful Canadian foliage are abundant all around. Before this short season slips away from you, make sure you head out to enjoy these 15 fantastic spots for fall hiking so you too can take in the best fall foliage views.
1. Judge's Route (Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park)
Situated on the highest and most visible mountain on Southern Vancouver Island is the Judge's Route trail. Located in Mount Arrowsmith Regional Park - the Judge's Route is quickest way to reach the summit of Mt. Arrowsmith — the ultimate fall hike on Vancouver Island for incredible fall scenes. Though the trek is only a mere 3 km ( 1.86 mi.) one-way - the elevation gain of 1,000 metres (3,280 ft.) makes this hike fairly challenging and more than a just a walk in the park.
The best time to hike Judge's Route trail is from September to early October. Usually at this time of year the trail is free from snow and still pretty dry. Grab your perfect opportunity to experience the turning of the seasons with a picturesque autumn view of the Strait of Georgia and Strathcona Provincial Park. With Fall now in full swing, make sure you prepare yourself by layering in warm clothes, packing adequate food and water. Bring your Fall Hiking GPS Maps for South Vancouver Island to ensure your safe return.
2. Joffre Lakes (Joffre Lakes Provincial Park)
Just 23 km (14.29 mi.) east of the incredible Pemberton Valley (30 mins north of Whistler, BC and roughly 3 hours outside of Vancouver, BC), is the perfect day hike for a crisp fall day. Joffre Lakes is a popular trail for locals and tourists, but after seeing the stunning teal blue lakes, you'll quickly realize why. The entire trail, from base to the third lake is 11 km (6.83 mi.), with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the unique British Columbia landscape and vegetation.
The early fall is a great time to head out and enjoy this trail, as it tends to be less crowded and the winter snow has not yet began to settle. Remember to pack a trusty toque and some warm layers as walking under the shade of trees and the glacier winds tend to get quite cold. Always pack enough food, water to stay over night in case you get lost. However you can avoid the above by bringing along a navigational tool like a BC Backroad GPS Maps or a BC Backroad Mapbook.
3. Bailey's Chute Trail (Wells Gray Provincial Park)
Located in east-central British Columbia - Wells Gray Provincial Park dishes out one of the most beautiful fall hikes you will ever experience. Found at the 59 km (36.66 mi.) mark on the Clearwater Valley Road, Bailey's Chute Trail is a quick 2.5 km (1.55 mi.) round trip, stocked full of incredible autumn scenery.
Not only will you be immersed in the dense woodland of one of Canada's biggest parks, but the trail will lead you to a viewing platform to see an up-close look at some massive salmon runs during spawning season, which conveniently also happens in fall! Despite being a short trek, plan to spend a lot on the Bailey's Chute Trail enjoying fall hiking in the Thompson Okanagan region.
4. Johnston Canyon (Rocky Mountains)
A great trail year round, the Johnston Canyon & Creek Trails are a popular for fall hiking in Alberta. With world-famous views, the experience of hiking in the Rocky Mountains is like none other providing exceptionally picturesque views of turning foliage.The 3 km (1.86 mi.) trail leads to an impressive limestone canyon, home to a series of waterfalls. There are a series of multi-day hikes you can connect to, once past the upper falls, but for a picture perfect autumn day trip a stop at Johnston Canyon will get your fill.
5. Hayburger Trail (Elk Island National Park)
Just 45 minutes east of Edmonton, along Highway 16, you’ll find exceptional fall hiking in Southern Alberta. Elk Island National Park is Canada's largest fully fenced national park. One of the best trails among the landscape of boreal forest, wetland and grasslands, is the Hayburger Trail, a moderate 10 km (6.21 mi.) hike perfect for an afternoon stroll to catch some fabulous fall foliage. Not only will you get to see beautiful vegetation, but the park is also bustling with various wildlife. Be sure to say hey to the bison and moose while you're exploring the Hayburger Trail this fall.
6. 70 Mile Butte Trail (Grasslands National Park)
In the heart of one of Saskatchewan’s most unique parks, the 70 Mile Butte Trail will certainly offer you a distinct view of autumn for fall hiking in the prairies. You can choose to hike, bike or even horseback along the challenging 5 km (3.10 mi.) trail leading you to fantastic views of the beautiful fall colours of Grasslands National Park.
7. Spruce River Highlands (Prince Albert National Park)
Among the array of trail networks in Prince Albert National Park, in Saskatchewan, fall hiking on the Spruce River Highlands Trail is one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse of the prairies incredible fall colours. Though the 8.5 km (5.28 mi.) loop is challenging, the views along the way will be what really takes your breath away.
8. Whiteshell River Trail (Whiteshell Provincial Park)
As a transition zone between Boreal forest and Great Lakes forest, the Whiteshell River Self-Guiding Trail, in Manitoba's Whiteshell Provincial Park, is an ideal destination to set out to not only see incredible autumn foliage, but learn about it along the way. The simple 2.8 km (1.73 mi.) loop features an array of plants from the juniper to white spruce and balsam fir, and the trail also provides angler access to catch more than just autumn views while fall hiking in Manitoba.
9. Booth's Rock Trail (Algonquin Park)
Located in the world renowned Algonquin Park, the Booth's Rock Trail offers some of the best fall hiking in Cottage Country Ontario including some of the most exquisite foliage views in the entire country. The moderate 5 km (3.10 mi.) loop begins at the Rock Lake Campground and passes by two lakes to a captivating lookout and returns by an abandoned railway, all the while immersing you in the beauty of fall in Algonquin Park.
10. Top of the Giant Trail (Sleeping Giant Provincial Park)
For fall hiking in Northwestern Ontario, located on the shore of Lake Superior, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park boasts huge opportunities for adventure. The top of the Giant Trail is a 2.7 km (1.67 mi.) climb with numerous switchbacks, and is only recommended for hikers with proper footwear and are in good physical condition. The strenuous path is well worth the views from the top, however, as you get a vantage point of colorful fall fauna stretching as far as the eye can see, and you’ll really feel like you’re on top of the world.
11. Cape Dundas Loop (Bruce Peninsula Park)
The Cape Dundas Loop is a beautiful 6.1 kms (3.79 mi.) journey through huge boulders, mixed forest and the impressive shoreline of Georgian Bay. Fall hiking in Southern Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula Park is an excellent place to catch some scenic colours of reds, oranges and yellows. The trail is a combination of the Pease Side trail and the main Bruce Trail, and offers great views over the water to Barrier Island.
12. Franey Trail (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)
Though it's only a 4 km trail (2.48 mi.), the Franey Trail in Nova Scotia is a difficult climb up 365 metres (1,198 ft.) You can access the trailhead off of the Cabot Trail, just north of the Clyburn River, and head along the fire access road about 1 km. Along the trail you'll get a glimpse of dense autumn forests along the valley to a breathtaking viewpoint at the top. Cape Breton does not disappoint when it comes to fall hiking in Nova Scotia..
13. Fundy Coastal Trail (Fundy National Park)
The Fundy Coastal Trail is a very popular destination for fall hiking in New Brunswick. But be prepared - this trek is one of the more difficult routes for exploration along the stunning New Brunswick coastline. With three main trailheads, you can take your pick at how long your autumn journey will be or you can choose to take on the entire 10.1 km (6.21 mi.) for a longer trek. The various sections of the trail feature everything from ridge-top views of rolling hills and the ocean to lush forest and even a flower pot shaped rock in the bay. You’re sure to have a lot of fun exploring the vast autumn views of the Fundy Coastal Trail.
14. Lookout Trail (Gros Morne National Park)
Beginning at the Discovery Center in Gros Morne National Park Newfoundland is one of the most famous parks in Atlantic Canada. Gros Morne's Lookout Trail is the best fall hiking in Newfoundland with all kinds of sights to discover. The 5 km (3.10 mi.) return trail rises 349 metres (1,148 ft )in elevation to wet meadows and barrens of the plateau. The trail leads to the summit of Patridgeberry Hill and gives some of the best panoramic autumn views in the park.
15. Grey Mountain (Greenbelt Park Reserve – Whitehorse)
Grey Mountain, provides an impressive day hike filled with a kaleidoscope of colourful autumn colours. The 2.5 km (1.55 mi.) hike is moderate, and leads you up along a rocky ledge to a mountain peak with panoramic views of the valley below. While autumn makes for the best views of the valley, it can make the trek quite difficult with changing mountain temperatures, so travel prepared for cold weather and great fall hiking in the Yukon.
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