The best fall hikes in Northern Ontario to do before the colours fade
7 Minute Read
Summary
- Northern Ontario trails showcase panoramic views, waterfalls and rugged landscapes amid brilliant autumn foliage.
- Popular hikes range from Sleeping Giant cliffs to Killarney Provincial Park, Algoma fire tower lookout and Manitoulin Island scenic routes.
- Vibrant colours peak in early fall across Sudbury, North Bay, Thunder Bay, Algoma District and beyond.
Northern Ontario in autumn can feel as though you're walking through a Group of Seven painting: fiery reds, glowing golds and vibrant oranges blanket rugged landscapes.
Whether you're chasing peak autumn foliage, scenic hiking trails or unforgettable Ontario road trip stops, these routes showcase the province's most stunning fall scenery before the colours fade. From the towering cliffs of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park to the brilliant forests of Killarney and the Niagara Escarpment, discover why Northern Ontario is one of Canada's top destinations for autumn hiking and fall colour viewing.
Here are some of the best fall hikes in Northern Ontario, featuring spectacular lookouts, cascading waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and panoramic views.
Fall hikes to see the colours near Sudbury
Discover Sudbury’s waterfall viewpoints and rugged trails framed by brilliant autumn foliage.
A.Y. Jackson Lookout Trail
Address: ON-144, Greater Sudbury, ON
Named after the Group of Seven artist, this three-kilometre trail features both a loop and a linear section, with a lookout offering views of a 55-metre-tall waterfall along the linear section. A pedestrian bridge crosses the river, surrounded by rich foliage that turns vibrant come fall. The forested trail bursts into bright reds, yellows, and oranges, contrasting with the dark, rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield.
Granite Ridge Trail
Address: Killarney Provincial Park, 960 Hwy. 637, Killarney, ON
A two-kilometre hiking trail winds through fields and forests, providing breathtaking views of sapphire lakes and La Cloche Mountains, for which this provincial park is known. Enjoy the autumn shades as you walk under the canopy and experience two lookouts over the park. This path is the shortest hike in the park; you can extend your fall adventures by also hiking Cranberry Bog Trail or the more difficult four-kilometre trail The Crack, which takes you up to the top of Killarney Ridge.
Recollet Falls Trail
Address: French River Provincial Park, 20526 Settlers Rd., Alban, ON
Follow the trail along the rim of the French River Gorge, ending at the historic Recollet Falls before turning back to the Visitor’s Centre. In autumn, the river’s water mirrors the red and gold hues of the changing trees, set against the green pines. Take your mind back in time, imagining the generations of Indigenous peoples, voyageurs and fur traders who walked this same path around the falls.
Hikes to see the fall colours near Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay trails offer dramatic Lake Superior vistas surrounded by vibrant seasonal shades.
Top of the Giant Trail
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Address: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, RR1, Pass Lake, ON
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park features more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails, with a wide range of lengths. Catch vibrant vistas of orange and yellow speckled against the bright blue water of Lake Superior, among other ponds. The Top of the Giant Trail leads you to one of the tallest cliffs in the province for a breathtaking lookout over the gorge, bursting with colour in autumn. If the 6.6-kilometre round trip is too much for you, the Sea Lion Trail is 2.4 kilometres from the parking lot and also has bright fall colours.
Poplar Point Trail
Address: Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, 1-41 Luckens Rd., Oliver Paipoonge, ON
Along this four-kilometre loop, you may get lucky with some wildlife spotting. Drive up the road to the main parking lot off Highway 11 #17 so you don't miss Kakabeka Falls during your visit. The 40-metre-high falls are the second tallest in Ontario and can be reached by the accessible 750-metre Boardwalk Trail. Enjoy various viewing points from the top of the waterfall, surrounded by colourful golden hues each fall.
Ouimet Canyon
Address: Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, Greenwich Lake Rd., Dorion, ON
Face a striking combination of fiery red and golden autumn leaves with green evergreens as you look out across a 150-metre-wide canyon. The one-kilometre connected trail features two viewing platforms along the canyon’s edge, offering some of the most dramatic panoramas in the province. These towering cliff faces are shockingly easy to reach, with some of the trail a groomed boardwalk and a bridge surrounded by leaves.
Fall hikes near North Bay
Explore cascading falls and hidden lookouts along North Bay’s autumn forest trails.
Duchesnay Falls Trails
Address: ON-17 Yellek, ON
The forest seems to be on fire each autumn, as the changing leaves surround this rugged waterfall trail. Mere minutes from North Bay’s downtown, you can follow Duchesnay Creek and go over it on wooden bridges, as it winds through the Canadian Shield. You can spend a full day walking from trail to trail as they loop together, but the waterfall is conveniently located just a short walk from the parking lot.
Fire Tower Trail
Address: Restoule Provincial Park, 8818 ON-534, Restoule, ON
This 4.1-kilometre hike is considered a must-do if you’re visiting Restoule Provincial Park. Explore mature forests, cross boardwalks and traverse rocky ridges as you make your way to a viewpoint at Amber Lake and a historic fire tower. It’s a fairly challenging climb, but the tower offers the best views of fall colour. The park is primarily filled with deciduous trees, making it a colourful spectacle each year. If you can’t make this hike, the River Trail is a shorter option with a less-towering lookout for enjoying the changing leaves. Visit early October before the park closes for winter.
Fall hikes in Algoma Highlands
Experience Algoma’s rugged ridges and forested valleys awash in brilliant autumn tones.
Robertson Cliffs Trails
Address: Robertson Lake Rd., Goulais River, ON
Three scenic lookouts will have your jaw dropping as you stare out at a boreal forest of bright reds and oranges in autumn. The breathtaking valley beneath you is a sea of colours, and you can gaze out to Lake Superior in the distance. There are two loop trail options to explore, both featuring waterfalls along the path, or you can walk directly to the panoramic views and return to the trailhead. The various routes are marked with different colours, so make sure you’re following the correct trail.
Fire Tower Lookout
Address: Fire Tower Rd., Elliot Lake, ON
Soak in the 180-degree panorama of wilderness from the highest point in the Elliot Lake area, where the original ranger tower from 1954 sits. The expansive forest below you turns shades of bright red and orange each fall, a truly stunning view of Algoma’s fall foliage. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly striking. You may even catch a glimpse of Manitoulin Island on a clear day. Walk the trails, bring snacks to enjoy at picnic tables, and let your little ones play on the nearby play structure.
Fall hike in Cochrane District
Cochrane trails showcase golden tamaracks and northern forests at peak autumn colour.
Tamarack Trail
Address: Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, 1350 Municipal Rd., Connaught, ON
Experience the best golden views of a boreal forest by hiking the Tamarack Trail or Kettle Trail. You’ll be surrounded by poplars, tamaracks and ferns that change from emerald green to bright yellow come fall, as you loop around Tamarack Lake on the trail of the same name. It’s a two-kilometre journey rated easy. The Blue Bike Trail is also one of the best places to enjoy autumn colours.
Fall hike in Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin’s rugged escarpment hikes reward you with sweeping autumn panoramas.
Cup And Saucer Trail
Address: 4097 ON-540, Sheguiandah, ON
The highlight of this Manitoulin Island trail is East Lookout, a cliff-edge viewpoint atop the Niagara Escarpment offering panoramic views of forests and lakes. There are about 12 kilometres of trails to explore within this nature reserve, and a five-kilometre loop leads you up a 70-metre rocky climb for a stunning view of autumn colours contrasting with sparkling blue waters. It’s a steep climb over rocky terrain, with sections of ladders and ropes, so wear sturdy shoes and prepare for a workout.
Equip yourself to explore with CAA
Whether you’re deep in the woods or on an urban trail, if you need gear, make sure to use your CAA Membership. Members earn CAA Dollars when shopping at Columbia Sportswear, L.L. Bean, Mountain Warehouse and Decathlon.
Sign up today for as low as $30 a year, or stop by your nearest CAA Store, such as CAA Ottawa.
As you plan your trip, keep in mind that each trail has its own rules. Check whether your hiking spot allows pets and any other environmental considerations to keep in mind. The changing seasons also mean that sections of some trails will close, so do your research in advance to avoid disappointment.
