When autumn rolls around in Ontario, the fall colours put on a show you won’t want to miss. The air is crisp, the leaves turn vibrant shades of gold, red, and amber, and the scenic lookouts? Absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re scaling a historic fire tower, trekking up rocky cliffs, or strolling along boardwalks, Ontario has a lookout spot for every fall lover. So grab your hiking boots and explore these jaw-dropping fall colours lookouts as part of your next fall getaway!
Southeastern Ontario Fall Colours
Spy Rock Lookout
Westport Hidden in the Foley Mountain Conservation Area, Spy Rock offers one of the most stunning panoramic views of the fall colours in the Rideau Valley. Atop a granite ridge, you’ll get an eyeful of Upper Rideau Lake and the charming village of Westport. With five trails to choose from, including a wheelchair-accessible one, there’s something for everyone here.
Nearby Attraction: The 1000 Islands Tower offers another bird’s eye view of the St. Lawrence River, complete with a 400-foot-high observation deck.
Where to Stay: Check into The Cove Country Inn for lakeside vibes and small-town hospitality.
Rock Dunder Nature Reserve, Gananoque
A four-kilometre hike through the Thousand Islands Frontenac Arch Biosphere leads to one of the best lookouts in the area: Rock Dunder. Morton Bay’s glistening waters and vibrant fall colours make the trek well worth it. Just be sure to grab your hiking pass in advance!
Where to Stay: Explore Gananoque’s cozy inns or B&Bs for a restful night.
Greater Toronto Area
Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto
The Scarborough Bluffs are a lakeside treasure right in the city, offering dramatic cliffside views of Lake Ontario. For fall colours lovers, the foliage pops against the bluffs’ rugged edges. Walk along the Bluffer’s Park trails or head down to the beach for a different angle on this autumn wonderland.
Where to Stay: Stay in style at Hotel X, a waterfront retreat that offers stunning city and lake views.
Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe Fall Colours
Skinner’s Bluff, Wiarton
On the Bruce Peninsula, Skinner’s Bluff feels like a secret lookout for those in the know. Perched on the eastern escarpment, it boasts awe-inspiring views over Colpoy’s Bay. It’s a quick 15-minute jaunt from the parking lot, but tread carefully — the rocky terrain can be a bit tricky!
Where to Stay: Opt for the cozy waterfront charm at Waterview Resort or unwind at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain after your hike.
Hamilton, Halton, and Brant
Rattlesnake Point, Milton
Rattlesnake Point’s cliffs and caves make it a fall climber’s paradise, but it’s also perfect for a scenic hike. The Buffalo Crag Trail offers a gentle route to incredible lookout points over the Nassagaweya Canyon. The fiery autumn colours are unforgettable!
Nearby Attraction: Less crowded but equally beautiful, Mount Nemo Conservation Area offers vistas of the Toronto skyline on a clear day, and there are chairlift rides available to the top.
Where to Stay: Treat yourself at the elegant Langdon Hall Country Hotel & Spa in Cambridge.
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Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Eagle’s Nest Lookout, Calabogie
For a relatively easy hike with a major payoff, the 1.5-kilometre Eagle’s Nest Trail takes you to a breathtaking cliffside view over the Calabogie wilderness. For more of a challenge, the nine-kilometre Manitou Mountain Trail offers multiple scenic stops, culminating at Eagle’s Nest.
Where to Stay: Stay at Somewhere Inn Calabogie for boutique motel charm or opt for mountainside condos at Calabogie Peaks Resort.
Dorset Scenic Tower, Algonquin Highlands
Built in 1922, the Dorset Scenic Tower offers one of the most iconic fall views in Ontario. The 100-foot-tall structure overlooks Lake of Bays, offering panoramic views of the Haliburton Highlands. You can hike up to the tower for an extra challenge, or simply drive to the base.
Nearby Attraction: In nearby Huntsville, check out Lion’s Lookout for another beautiful vantage point.
Where to Stay: The luxurious Deerhurst Resort or charming Firehouse Lodge offer great accommodations nearby.
York, Durham, and Headwaters
Cheltenham Badlands, Caledon
This alien-like landscape of rust-red, eroded shale makes the Cheltenham Badlands one of Ontario’s most unique fall destinations. The rippling waves of red rock framed by autumn leaves create a surreal scene you won’t want to miss.
Where to Stay: Relax and rejuvenate at Millcroft Inn & Spa, just a short drive away.
Muskoka, and Parry Sound
Tower Hill Lookout
For a classic Georgian Bay view, climb the 130 steps to the top of Tower Hill Lookout in Parry Sound. After soaking up the panoramic views, explore the Heritage Garden and the local museum to dive deeper into the area’s history.
Where to Stay: Book a room at the Bayside Inn for a comfy stay in the heart of Parry Sound.
Huckleberry Rock
Come experience the magic of Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, a cherished local gem that has been a scenic hiking destination for over a century. Nestled at 1057 Milford Bay Rd in Muskoka Lakes Township, this trail is renowned for being one of the best spots to catch a stunning sunset in Muskoka, Ontario. The trail spans over 120 acres of township park, thanks to recent land donations from adjacent landowners, providing public access to the lookout. A well-marked 2.5 km loop trail, identifiable by white ribbons on trees and white markings on rocks, makes navigation a breeze. The rocks along this path are among the oldest in the world, dating back over a billion years, yet it’s the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that truly captivate visitors.
Where to Stay: For a cozy retreat after your hike, consider staying at Touchstone Resort, which offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to the trail, ensuring you can fully enjoy the beauty of Muskoka.
Northeastern Ontario
East Lookout, Manitoulin Island
The Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island offers one of the most thrilling lookouts in Ontario. You’ll have to climb ladders and navigate rope sections to reach the top, but the view over the island’s vibrant forests and lakes is beyond rewarding.
Where to Stay: The Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre combines modern comfort with Indigenous cultural touches.
Temagami Tower, Temagami
Nestled in the ancient White Bear Forest, the Temagami Tower offers views of the surrounding landscape that stretch as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of its sister tower on Maple Mountain, one of the tallest points in Ontario.
Where to Stay: Check in to Temagami Shores Inn and Restaurant for dining and a cozy stay close to the action.
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