Top Canadian destinations for the fall

Canada’s fall foliage brings gorgeous colour to our forests, mountains, bays and cities, making the season an ideal time to be a tourist in your own nation. Here are some top destinations for experiencing fall in Canada, whether you're seeking a natural or urban getaway.  

If adventuring outside your province, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance. Your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) may not cover all health needs if you are travelling in another province or territory. Some expenses that may not be covered in this instance could include accidental dental injury, ambulatory transportation, and prescription drugs. Emergency medical coverage by Allianz Global Assistance can help fill coverage gaps. Our plans also provide  trip cancellation benefits for certain medical and non-medical reasons, and baggage protection due to loss, theft or delay, and a range of other benefits.

Imagine walking the cobbled streets of Old Quebec and passing architecture dating to the 17^th and 18^th centuries, with a backdrop of trees turned yellow, gold, and red. Fall temperatures are mild in this provincial capital city, and you won’t have to fight the throngs of tourists present during the summer travel season. Walk, bike or run along the picturesque St. Lawrence and St. Charles rivers.  The Parc linéaire de la rivière Saint-Charles spans the Saint Charles River for 32 km, from the Old Port to Saint Charles Lake.  Enjoy public art, sweeping lawns, and fountains as you take a stroll along the Samuel De Champlain Promenade, which runs along the Saint Lawrence River for over 4km. Hop in your car for a trip to Montmorency Falls Park, just a 15-mile drive outside Quebec City. The park’s main attraction is the impressive Montmorency Falls. Standing 83 meters high, the falls are nearly 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls.  

Take advantage of the region’s relatively dry weather in September and October, perfect for exploring. Fall is uniquely stunning here. On forest hikes, aspens and bright yellow sub-alpine larch trees abound. Visit Lake Louise in Banff National Park, where you’ll be awestruck by mountains surrounding turquoise waters. As a bonus, hotel rates are lower after the summer peak season, and dip further by November. Also in Banff National Park is the popular day hike Johnston Canyon. Trails to the canyon’s upper and lower falls span rapids, limestone cliffs, and catwalks. Hike along Pocaterra Ridge in Kananaskis Country for a leisurely hike without killer elevation gain, considering you’ll be in the Rockies. It’s the perfect place to view spectacular fall foliage and the peaks of Mount Rae. Road bike over rolling hills on the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, a 26km paved route that runs from Canmore to Banff.    

Tourists from around the world flock to this mountain village on the highest peak of the Laurentians to enjoy some of the best fall colours in the world. If you want the most idyllic fall landscape for your visit, be sure to check out the Fall Colour Index; a detailed indicator of Mont Tremblant’s fall colours in real time. Board the panomaric gondola for a bird’s eye view of the trees. See vistas, lakes, streams and waterfalls while walking 11 trails in the area for all levels, with distances ranging from 1 to 11 kilometers. Witness powerful, trained falcons soar above the Laurentians during the Birds of Prey Show by Experience Environment Faucon. You can also take flight above the tree canopy by zooming along a zipline with  Ziptrek Écotours. Relax on the gentle waters of Lake Tremblant on a cruise by Croisières Mont-Tremblant  If you enjoy a good gamble, try your luck at Casino de Mont-Tremblant, or practice your swing at the unique and challenging Le Diable golf course. 

The gray and rugged seaside cliffs of Cape Breton Island offer some of Canada’s best fall scenery. And if you’re a lover of arts and culture, don’t miss the Celtic Colours Festival held annually from the Oct. 7-15. The festival draws thousands of visitors from around the world to enjoy traditional Celtic music and participate in workshops showcasing Celtic history, dance and crafts. Hike the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, for views of the coastline, mountains and winding roads. Along the way, a dramatic headland cliff offers panoramic water views that make the 8.2 km loop worth the trek. Watch for whales on the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the trail’s viewing decks. You may also spy moose, bald eagles, black bears, and boreal birds. If you want a challenge, hike the steep Meat Cove trail. Its amazing summit offers views of Meat Cove, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the northern highlands of Cape Breton. If you're in the mood for a leisurely dirve, the Cabot Trail is a remarkably beautiful route that features incredible fall colours, particularly in early October.

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Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.