Although you’d be hard pressed to convince us during the bitter weeks of January, Dame Nature often saves her best work for Canada. In many regions of the country, autumn is far and away the prettiest time of year, when chillier temperatures kick off an all-natural fireworks display in the nation’s parks and forests. And while there are literally millions of hectares of awe-inspiring woodland views out there, not all of them are accessible by car. Here are seven of Canada’s best fall foliage views that you can drive to.

Banff National Park, Alberta
Fall comes early in the Rockies, sometimes as early as the Labour Day weekend. The area in and around Banff National Park explodes in yellow and gold as the aspen and sub-alpine larch begin to change in the early weeks of September. And it’s not just the trees that are out in force; a full complement of wildlife—including grizzly bears, elk, golden eagles and bull trout—can also be spotted in the park at this time. Several excellent hiking trails are still open and with the summer crowds gone you’ll have the trails almost all to yourself.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Located a reasonable drive from both Toronto (approx. four hours) and Ottawa (three-and-a-half hours), Algonquin Park is one of the best and most accessible fall-colour viewing spots in Ontario. Algonquin Park’s forests actually go through two dramatic colour changes in autumn: the maples turn gold and red in late September/early October, while the aspens, red oaks and tamaracks flourish just before the start of November. Best experienced by bike or canoe, Algonquin’s trails are also free of bugs in the chillier autumn months.

The Niagara Parkway and Wine Country, Ontario
Described by Winston Churchill as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,” this stretch of road along the Niagara River in Ontario’s wine region offers more than just a great view. Many fierce battles were fought here during the War of 1812, and the Parkway is dotted with historical sites, including Brock’s Monument in Queenston, which marks the spot where British general Sir Isaac Brock made his heroic last stand against the Americans. The colours are at their best in early- to mid-October, and the wine is always delicious. The scenic Bruce Trail is also nearby.

The Laurentian Mountains, Quebec
The sugar maples and yellow birches of Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains are so famous for their fall colour display that the resort town of Mont Tremblant hosts an annual festival in their honour. During Symphonie des couleurs, which runs from early September through the last week of October, Tremblant becomes a haven for hikers eager to see the foliage pop scarlet and gold, for music fans in town for the open-air concerts and for golfers eager to slip in a few more rounds before winter.

Prince Edward Island
Running the gamut from tangerine orange to blood-red crimson and all shades in between, P.E.I.’s fall colours rank among the most varied and vibrant in the country. The comparatively warm temperatures of the Northumberland Strait and Gulf of St. Lawrence also help to create one of the longest viewing seasons with best results visible from mid-September to late October. The hundreds of bike trails and unpaved heritage roads that snake through the back country give nature lovers plenty of options, and the bear- and hunter-free forests help ensure that your wanderings will be safe ones.

The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Another breathtaking drive, the scenic Cabot Trail curves around Cape Breton Island’s northern shore, lavishing fall-foliage spotters with a smorgasbord of vivid reds, oranges and golds. Best experienced in early- to mid-October, the sugar maples, white birches and mountain ashes of the highlands around Pleasant Bay, Port Hood and Cape North are a sight to behold, as are the spectacular ocean views accessible from Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The Fundy Trail, New Brunswick
Thanks to its unique mix of deciduous (hardwood) and boreal (softwood) forests, New Brunswick claims to have the most varied fall colour palette in Canada. Come see for yourself during the first two weeks of October when the lipstick-red maples, pumpkin orange elms and goldenrod-yellow ironwoods are at their peak. And while you’re there, sneak in a round of late-season golf, and gorge yourself on the region’s world-renowned lobster, scallops and clams.

Planning an autumn road trip to soak up the fall colours? Plan your journey with a CAA TripTik® or TourBook® to discover the sights, sounds and tastes along your route before you go. Contact your local CAA Travel office for more information.

Visit CAAMagazine.ca for automotive tips, travel advice and more.

Tips for taking awesome autumn photos.

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