CanaDream’s 7 Heavenly Fall Holiday Routes
Canada is stunning in every season, but fans of fall know that the most visually appealing views arrive in autumn, with smatterings of technicolour leaves against crisp, sapphire blue skies. For travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of Canada’s fall foliage, there are innumerable options to choose from coast to coast; a leaf peepers’ paradise if you will.
As the temperature drops, breathtaking foliage-focused destinations throughout the country emerge, boasting striking hues which attract visitors, campers and photographers arriving from near and far. With plenty of idyllic autumn routes to explore, you can sit back, sip on your steaming pumpkin spiced latte or coffee, and plan where you will stop and enjoy the view this fall.
CanaDream’s #1 Heavenly Fall Holiday Route~
Cabot Trail Rd., Nova Scotia (Baddeck, N.S. – Cheticamp, N.S., 298 km Route)
Cape Breton is known for its penetrating natural beauty, plethora of seabirds, and more famously, the Cabot Trail. The Cabot Trail, in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is one of the world's most photographed scenic fall destinations and is featured on and in countless magazines showcasing this magical season. Leaf lookers will enjoy the opportunity to feast on more colours here than anywhere else in Canada thanks to a diverse blend of trees resulting from unique climate patterns sustaining a total of 749 southern and northern plant species.
A deconstructed rainbow of colours peppers the trail’s edge, comprised of dramatic reds, and burnt oranges of sugar maple trees in the valleys. Canary yellow aspen and golden straw tamarack interlace with evergreen trees on the mountainsides sporting burnt sienna and maroon needles of dense taiga tree groupings. Add to this idyllic route the stunning coastal views, the Cabot Trail is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful fall drives. Be sure to check into Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground for restful nights after full days of sea air and leaf hunting.
CanaDream’s #2 Heavenly Fall Holiday Route~
St. Agathe-des-Monts, QC - Mont Tremblant, QC (40 km Route to National Park)
Enjoy the incredible drive through St. Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec, to the breathtaking and highly rated areas of Mont-Tremblant and Mont-Tremblant National Park. From mid-September to late October, the sugar maple trees on the rolling Laurentian Mountains shift to fiery reds, bright yellows, and vibrant oranges, setting this region ablaze. Bonus features this area offers are numerous lakes and trails; explore to learn what adventures the area has to offer you. Fall foliage tipsters advise exiting Highway 15 at St. Sauveur to take 364 through Morin Heights and Arundel to experience the best array of colours and a quieter route.
Besides the kaleidoscopic-style hills of vibrant hues, tourists flock towards Mount-Tremblant for its lively atmosphere, events, and deluxe amenities. Enjoy a stroll through the bustling pedestrian village, consider attending Quebec's Tremblant Symphony of Colours or delight in some ‘boos’ at the annual Halloween Festival. Besides skiing, Mont-Tremblant is known for its numerous well-maintained and serene novice and advanced hiking and biking trails, attracting adventure lovers worldwide. Enjoy your stay at Camping Mount-Tremblant National Park where campers relax in forested glory until early October.
CanaDream’s #3 Heavenly Fall Holiday Route~
Sea to Sky Highway, Vancouver, B.C. – Pemberton, B.C. (163 km Route)
The Sea-to-Sky Highway is easily one most visually astounding roads in North America, if not the planet. Drivers can complete the partially coastal route in about two hours, and we remain curious if any first-time Sea-to-Sky driver has achieved the task? Awe-inspiring and ethereal natural lookouts, historical and modern attractions, and quaint towns with rows of unique shops and delicious eateries create a route too tempting to transit through without stopping for a gander.
Autumn delivers striking fire-engine red, sunshine-yellow, and rusted-iron orange foliage to the temperate West Coast. Travelers heading north between Vancouver and Pemberton enjoy the walking trails forged into hills and up mountainsides as they explore the lovely leafy landscape between Vancouver and Pemberton, notably Tunnel Bluffs, Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief (expert), Nairn Falls, Joffre Lakes, Cool Creek Canyon, and One Mile Lake. Those interested in stretching their legs in foliage frolic will enjoy the fresh air and sounds of crisp leaves crunching beneath the balls of their feet. For those who prefer the gain with no pain, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola offers high-line views of rugged coastal mountain wilderness, showcasing painted patches of terrific reds and electric yellows amidst the dark pine and fir forests. Fresh, cool air and crunchy leaves will greet you at the top of the gondola; no missing out here, except perhaps blisters! Campers traveling on the Sea to Sky Highway are thrilled Riverside Resort Campground, at the north end of Whistler Village, is open year-round and close to restaurants, as well as top-rated amenities such as a Scandinavian spa, fine dining, and world-class resorts.
CanaDream’s #4 Heavenly Fall Holiday Route~
Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, A.B. to Jasper, A.B. (233 km Route)
Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains attract thousands of visitors each year to world-class downhill skiing and snowboarding resorts for thrills in Canada’s chill. Majestic and challenging Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff’s Sunshine Village and Jasper’s Marmot Basin are some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in North America for good reason! But have you had an opportunity to feast your eyes on Banff or Jasper’s beauty in the fall? If not, you’ll want to add this route to your autumn to-do bucket list as this is one iconic drive not to be missed.
During the months of September and October, leaf peepers can marvel at shades of neon yellow foliage reflecting off lakes of contrasting ethereal turquoise. The 230-kilometre-long Icefields Parkway connects Banff National Park to Jasper National Park and is home to some of the best views in the world any time of the year.
Want to make a ‘special’ moment on your fall trip, spectacular? Explore the Rocky Mountain alpine zone’s lovely leafy views until late October on the Jasper SkyTram. Stroll the accessible boardwalk and hike the 1.4km Whistlers Summit Trail to stand atop Whistlers Mountain for a 360° view of six mountain ranges including Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
CanaDream’s #5 Fall Heaven Holiday Route~
Algonquin Park, Hwy. 60, Ontario (Algonquin Corridor, 80 km)
Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario is well-known for its copious camping sites and bewildering beauty along scenic routes in this natural area, amassing an astounding 7630 square kilometres three hours north of Toronto. Highway 60 provides Guests a picturesque hour-long cruise and features a colourful show of foliage during the fall months with bonus wildlife sightings all year long. Enjoy one or several of the 230 pristine lakes or explore a dozen of the 1600 canoe routes at this water wonderland while taking in the views!
September and October are undoubtedly the best months to enjoy your Algonquin Corridor road trip. Enjoy an autumnal day at Dorsett Fire Tower, or a hike on Oxtongue Rapids Trail in Oxtongue Rapids Park while you find your way to Algonquin Provincial Park for a leafy amble next to a crystalline river on springy carpets of gold and earthy brown moss. Consult Ontario’s Provincial Colour Report to learn when the colours are ready to impress. Ease into ample allotments while parking your RV at year-round Mew Lake Campground in Algonquin Park on Highway 60; enjoy that first satisfying stretch while you soak in the scenery and breathe in vast solitude.
CanaDream’s #6 Heavenly Fall Holiday Route~
Baie-Saint-Paul, Q.C. to La Malbaie, Q.C via Route 362, Quebec (58 km Route)
Get ready to roll in fresh fall vibes and crisply coloured leaves in Quebec's Charlevoix region. From Baie-Saint-Paul, take the scenic route along the river to La Malbaie and experience one of the most scenic drives in Canada. As you trundle through the quaint St. Lawrence Route, feast your eyes on and bellies in picturesque pubs, restaurants, boulangeries and shops in quaint and friendly fall-scape villages.
Heading toward La Malbaie, the leafy splendor-topped mountains will be to your left and the river to your right. As you drive through the rolling hills you will be treated to magnificent views; the cool river glistening so intensely it would appear diamonds were gently bobbing along rolling ripples. Interested in maximizing your fun along the way? Check out Musée Maritime de Charlevoix where the rich history of the schooners, shipyard and coastal navigation of the Saint Lawrence River is shared. Guests are invited to explore five exhibitions, four antique boats, a quay, 8 km of breathtaking mountain trail, the ''majestic'' park, an adventure course, a plant labyrinth, arboretum, and playground!
CanaDream’s #7 Heavenly Fall Holiday Route~
Elk Island National Park, Alberta (20 km Route)
Guests looking for the ultimate nature experience will want to head 60 km north of Edmonton to Elk Island National Park where buffalo, bison, elk, and deer roam unfettered in grassy plains and throughout aspen parkland foliage. September’s end sees larch trees transform from verdant greens to burnished golds offering gorgeous views. While browsing the fall foliage, check out the Living Waters Boardwalk, the discovery dome and make your way to the Beaver Pond (Range Rd 200, Fort Saskatchewan, AB), where visitors report spectacular sightlines.
Elk Island National Park offers camping sites for RV’s and tents from mid-May to Thanksgiving, weather permitting and hosts several festivals throughout the year including the Bison Festival, Paddlefest, Gateway to The Stars or the Dark Sky Preserve Star Party!
Conclusion
Traveling in a luxurious CanaDream RV as you explore leafy landscapes, and soak in the contrasting coat of colours around you, is arguably the coziest way to experience a family fall foliage holiday! Consider visiting a small-town café to purchase a freshly baked cinnamon apple pie or spiced pumpkin pie with whipped cream to add to the warmth and overall cozy fall-feel to your holiday. And please post your fall pictures and tag us at #CanaDream! We will try our best to avoid fall foliage FOMO!
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Are the mountains ... and wheels calling your name this fall? Check out our West Coast Mountain Biking blog for fall vacation inspiration!
