Autumn is Ontario’s most dramatic season, with Mother Nature giving us an awe-inspiring performance of breathtaking colour. Unfortunately, it’s also our shortest season. So don’t waste a minute! Get yourself front row seats to the critically acclaimed fall foliage show on one of these aerial or rail tours before the curtain drops on this year’s production.
Image credit: Blue Mountain Resort
Open-Air Gondola, Blue Mountain
A spectrum of spectacular emeralds, golds and scarlet blanket the Niagara Escarpment in fall and the open-air gondola at Blue Mountain Resort provides the perfect 360-degree view of this natural wonder. Don’t waste another second. The gondolas run until October 14.
Image credit: Georgian Bay Airways
Georgian Bay Airways, Parry Sound
Set out on the tour of a lifetime with Georgian Bay Airways’ popular Fall Colours Tour. Aboard a floatplane, you’ll soar above Muskoka’s scenic lakes, islands and resorts all bathed in rich fall colour.
Image credit: York-Durham Heritage Railway
York-Durham Heritage Railway, Uxbridge
All aboard the historic rail coach that chugs from Uxbridge to Stouffville across the picturesque Oak Ridges Moraine. Book a Fall Celebration ride in a classic 1950’s heated heritage car. Weekend trips are fully wheelchair accessible and last about an hour and a half. Choo Choo!
Image credit: Great Lakes Helicopter Tours
Great Lakes Helicopter Sightseeing Tours, Cambridge
Combine three of Ontario’s most beloved things in this epic afternoon adventure: fall colour, craft beer and scenic lakes. Take a roundtrip flight from Grand Bend along the picturesque Lake Huron coastline, over the fields and foliage of Huron County, and arriving at Cowbell Brewing Co. in Blyth for a VIP tour, a local farm-to-table meal and award-winning craft beer. Cheers!
Image credit: South Simcoe Railway
South Simcoe Railway, Tottenham
Climb into a restored 1920s rail coach in Tottenham and ride the rails along the century-old line that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood. Today, the train travels through Beeton Creek Valley on an hour-long roundtrip. Get your Fall Colour Excursion tickets ASAP as these sell out fast!
Image credit: George Fischer for 1000 Islands Helicopter
1000 Islands Helicopter Tour, Gananoque
Choose from planned tours or customize your own excursion for stunning views of the amazing 1000 Islands. Book ‘The Works Tour’ to see it all – the historical sites of Kingston, sunken ships, and landmark castles.
Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Sault Ste. Marie
This 182-kilometre rail tour takes you deep into the Canadian Shield and offers views of pristine northern lakes, granite rock formations, dense forest and native wildlife. Passengers are treated to an onboard audio guide that identifies points of interest and recounts the region’s rich history with stories of the Ojibwe, fur traders, explorers, entrepreneurs and the famed Group of Seven painters.
Photo credit: Air Display
Air Display, Barrie
Hot air ballooning is next level exhilarating! Air Display operates out of Barrie and offers sunrise tours for groups of up to five, or you can private charter your own party. Flights last about an hour, followed by a traditional champagne toast.
After your thrilling fall foliage tour, you’ll need a toast-worthy meal and a comfortable place to dream in colour. Find great dining and accommodation options, as well as more ways to view the beauty of autumn.