Canada is renowned for its stunning fall foliage, and there’s no better way to experience it than by hitting the trails during the autumn months. From coast to coast, the vibrant colors of the season transform the landscape into a hiker’s paradise, making it the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Whether you’re in the east, west, or anywhere in between, this list of the best hiking spots across Canada will help you discover incredible trails near you. So, grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable fall hiking adventure!

New Brunswick

Miscou Island Peat Bog Trail

If you’re looking for a breathtaking fall hike, the Miscou Island Peat Bog Trail in New Brunswick is an absolute must. Although the island spans only 15 minutes by car from end to end, its autumn beauty is anything but small.

As you explore the island, you’ll encounter stunning sand beaches surrounded by peat bogs that turn a vibrant scarlet as the season changes. The highlight of the trail is its boardwalk, which leads you through a striking landscape of green softwoods, vivid crimson peat, and the tranquil deep blue of pond waters—an unforgettable fall hiking experience.

Sugarloaf Provincial Park

Nestled in New Brunswick’s ancient Appalachian Mountain region, Sugarloaf Provincial Park offers more than 16 miles of hiking trails, perfect for an autumn adventure. For those seeking a foliage spectacle, the hike—or chair lift—up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain is a must.

This extinct late Devonian volcano provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and come fall, the mountain appears to be wrapped in a patchwork quilt of vivid autumn colors. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply a lover of nature, the views from Sugarloaf’s summit are truly unforgettable.

Québec

Forillon National Park

Quebec is known for its iconic maple trees, and in the fall, they put on a spectacular show of color. Forillon National Park is one of the best places to experience this natural beauty. The Cap-Bon-Ami trail, with its dramatic seaside cliffs, offers some of the most awe-inspiring autumn views in the province.

As you hike along the trail, you might even spot whales or seals off the coast. The Cap Bon-Ami lookout also features stairs that lead down to a serene beach, making it the perfect spot for a picturesque fall picnic.

Les Florents

For a truly unique hiking experience, head to Les Florents, located in Quebec’s stunning Charlevoix region. Here, you can take a fall hike through the middle of a 400 million-year-old meteorite crater.

This hike offers a chance to discover the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site that is renowned for its rich biodiversity and striking landscapes. The region is as famous for its natural beauty as it is for its culinary delights along the Flavour Trail, making it a must-visit destination for both nature and food lovers.

Ontario

Restoule Provincial Park

Restoule Provincial Park is a hidden gem that shines brightest in the fall. With its mature forests, lakes, rivers, and abundant wildlife, it offers a quintessential Canadian autumn experience.

The must-do hike here is the Fire Tower Trail, which winds through scenic forests, over boardwalks, and across rocky ridges. Along the trail, you’ll encounter the historic Fire Tower and a peaceful viewpoint at Amber Lake. For even more breathtaking views, head to the 320-foot-high Stormy Lake Bluff, where the stunning fall foliage creates postcard-perfect photo opportunities.

Silent Lake

Silent Lake offers a quieter way to enjoy Ontario’s fall colors—no motorboats or electric motors are allowed here, adding to its peaceful charm. In addition to hiking, the park is one of the few in Canada to offer extensive mountain biking trails, making it ideal for both adventurers and casual nature lovers.

For hikers, the Lakeshore Hiking Trail is a must, winding through picturesque landscapes that include beaver meadows, hardwood forests, and cedar-black ash swamps. It’s a tranquil and immersive way to soak in the fall scenery.

Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park

Gros Morne National Park is a paradise for hard-core hikers and nature enthusiasts alike, especially during the fall when the landscape bursts into vibrant color. As one of Canada’s most renowned natural sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gros Morne transforms into a fiery display of autumn brilliance.

For those seeking stunning views, the Lookout Hills Trail offers incredible panoramas, while the Berry Head Pond Trail takes you on a journey through serene forests and bogs, making it perfect for leaf peepers. Whether you’re in it for the adventure or the scenery, Gros Morne delivers a fall hiking experience like no other.

Manitoba

Riding Mountain National Park

For a unique fall hiking experience, head to Riding Mountain National Park and explore the Ominik Marsh. Known for its captivating wetlands, this area comes alive with the changing autumn landscape.

The floating boardwalks of the Ominik Marsh Trail provide sweeping views of wildlife-rich bogs and dense forests, creating a serene and scenic hike. It’s common to spot beavers swimming through the reeds, busily preparing their dens for the winter, adding a touch of wildlife charm to your fall adventure.

Riverwalk at The Forks

Fall may be the ideal season to enjoy the Riverwalk at The Forks, Manitoba’s premier tourist destination. This picturesque promenade follows the riverbanks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, offering stunning views as the fall colors transform the landscape.

The trail winds from Esplanade Riel to the Manitoba Legislative Building, with interpretive signs along the way that provide fascinating insights into the history of the area. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration during the fall season.

Saskatchewan

Pike Lake Provincial Park

Just a short 20-minute drive south of Saskatoon, Pike Lake Provincial Park offers some of the most spectacular fall color displays in the country. Nestled along the South Saskatchewan River, the park is home to nature trails that transform into a vibrant palette of autumn hues.

It’s not just about hiking though—Pike Lake is also a fantastic spot for water activities like swimming and canoeing, making it a great all-around destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park even features an outdoor pool with a water slide, adding a fun twist to your fall escape.

Prince Edward Island

Confederation Trail

The Confederation Trail, stretching from one end of Prince Edward Island to the other, offers a stunning journey through the island’s autumn beauty. Built along abandoned railway lines, this 270-mile trail takes you through picturesque towns where you can stop to shop or enjoy a meal at local restaurants.

Especially breathtaking in fall, the trail’s gentle gradient and smooth surface of rolled stone dust make it perfect for a family bike ride. Whether on foot or by bike, the Confederation Trail is a peaceful and scenic way to experience PEI’s vibrant fall colors.

British Columbia

Kootenay National Park

Located in southeastern British Columbia, Kootenay National Park offers a diverse landscape of arid grasslands, lush forests, and awe-inspiring glaciers. One of the park’s main attractions in the fall is the larch trees, whose emerald needles turn into dazzling golden spikes as the temperature drops.

Autumn visitors should also explore Marble Canyon, a dramatic natural wonder, and relax at Radium Hot Springs, one of the province’s top-rated natural hot springs. Kootenay National Park is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal fall destination.

Yukon

Tombstone Territorial Park

For those seeking a truly wild and secluded autumn adventure, Tombstone Territorial Park in the Yukon offers some of Canada’s most pristine landscapes. With its dramatic tundra and mountain vistas, this subarctic terrain showcases fall in all its rugged beauty. Wildlife enthusiasts will be treated to incredible viewing opportunities, while serious trekkers can embark on the renowned 5-day Backcountry Hike.

This challenging route culminates at Talus Lake with breathtaking views of Tombstone Mountain, a peak aptly named for its resemblance to a grave marker. Tombstone is a destination for hikers looking for a true wilderness experience.

Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers an unforgettable fall experience, with lush forests, towering cliffs, and the striking contrast of azure waters. The park is home to a section of the famous Cabot Trail, one of Canada’s most scenic coastal drives, known worldwide for its breathtaking views.

For the ultimate autumn hike, the Skyline Trail is a must-see, offering sweeping vistas of the coastline framed by vibrant fall foliage. To make the experience even more magical, guided sunset walks are available, providing a perfect end to a day of hiking and exploration.

Alberta

Banff National Park

Famous for its emerald lakes, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife, Banff National Park also offers a unique fall foliage experience. The park’s larch trees—deciduous conifers whose needles turn a brilliant yellow before shedding in winter—create an enchanting autumn spectacle.

Larch Valley in Banff is one of the best places to witness this transformation, offering a range of hikes suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, Banff’s fall beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Best Places in Canada for a Fall Hike