Thanksgiving, Halloween, back to work, pumpkin and apple picking… It’s always a busy fall in Montreal.
How would you like to get away every other day, take a walk in the woods and eat apple cider donuts in an Adirondack chair on top of a hill, watching the sun go down? Yes. Unfortunately, we have to work or – horror – go to school.
If we only have time for one road-trip this fall, we’ ll go to Muskoka, ON….
The “Hamptons of the North
Muskoka is an original Hallmark setting, with golden trees, sparkling lakes, dense forests and a wilderness that’s still domesticated enough to take you on a carefree stroll.
In autumn, the region takes on flamboyant hues, adding a magical touch to the landscape. Lakeside cottages, mature forests, rocky coastlines and the ultra-chic, slightly shabby waterfront have given it the nickname “Hamptons of the North”.
Muskoka is also sublime in its own right. We recommend a visit to Algonquin Park, Lake Rosseau, Lions Lookout and Canada’s most adorable little town.
Muskoka’s enchanting autumn
Muskoka is known for its splendid autumn, offering a symphony of colors and picturesque landscapes. Hiking trails wind their way through this vibrant natural environment, while cruises on Lake Rosseau plunge you into the heart of the seasonal metamorphosis.
Lions Lookout and the Dorset Panoramic Tower are must-see vantage points for admiring the city and its surroundings bathed in autumnal radiance.
If you’re looking for culture and history, don’t miss visits to Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm, Muskoka Steamships and Sawdust City Brewing.
Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm, for fudge: 2389 Muskoka District Road, Muskoka, ON
Muskoka Steamships, for a lake cruise: 185 Cherokee Lane
Gravenhurst, ON
Sawdust City Brewing, for a microbrew: 397 Muskoka Rd N, Gravenhurst, ON
The perfect time to admire Muskoka’s colors
The ideal time to visit Muskoka is from September to October, with the colors peaking in the first or second week of October, depending on weather conditions.
Muskoka is surrounded by provincial parks that reveal the splendor of autumn.
Algonquin Provincial Park, in particular, sparkles with forests, rivers and lakes, offering sublime hiking trails like the Spruce Bog Trail.
Arrowhead Provincial Park unveils magnificent autumn landscapes along its 15 kilometers of trails, some of which lead to Stubb’s Falls. Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park is home to Gravel Falls, ranked among “Ontario’s Top 10 Waterfalls.”
Hardy Lake Provincial Park features ice-age lakes and trails leading to an island.
Finally, Six Mile Lake Provincial Park features three trails through landscapes inspiring artists.
Enjoy your visit to Muskoka!