Yes, we’ve all seen those amazing videos and photos from Algonquin and Muskoka, but Toronto has plenty of great places to see fall colours without leaving the city and spending $100 on gas. From ravines and waterfront trails to neighbourhood parks, you can find bright and beautiful trees almost anywhere in the city.
Here are 15 places worth visiting this fall, whether you want a short walk, a longer hike or a good spot for photos.
High Park
High Park is an obvious choice, but for good reason. Toronto’s largest public park has almost 400 acres, much of it covered by beautiful forest. In October, the park’s red oak, black cherry, maple and birch trees put on a colourful show. There are plenty of trails, and Grenadier Pond makes a particularly good backdrop for fall photos.
Don Valley Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works is one of the city’s best places for a walk anytime of the year, but especially fall. The gorgeous site is surrounded by trees, trails and gardens, with the Don Valley around it. Walk up toward the lookout for views across the valley and back toward the city. The trails around the Brick Works can also be combined with a longer walk through Rosedale Ravine and other areas.
It’s an especially good day on Saturdays when you can combine a walk with a visit to the farmers’ market.
Glen Stewart Ravine
If you live in the east end, Glen Stewart Ravine is one of the easiest places to get a taste of the forest without leaving Toronto. The 1.3-kilometre trail winds through mature trees in the Beaches, with a boardwalk and staircase along the route. Start at Kingston Road and Balsam Avenue and walk through the ravine then keep going to the lake.
University of Toronto Scarborough
In Scarborough, off Old Kingston Road a parkette trail leads behind the U of T campus to a stunning park setting that offers incredible fall colours alongside Highland Creek. There is also an opportunity to link up trails to the south through a series of parks to Lake Ontario.
Humber River Trail
The Humber River offers one of the city’s best longer fall walks. The multi-use trail follows the river through wooded areas, parks and open spaces, with plenty of trees changing colour along the way. There are numerous places to join the trail, including around the Old Mill and Humber Bay.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
You don’t have to head into a ravine to see fall colours. Trinity Bellwoods is one of the best places to enjoy autumn in the west end while staying close to the neighbourhood and enjoying all the fun that happens at this Queen West park. It’s also a good option if you want to grab a coffee or lunch nearby and make an afternoon of it.
Edwards Gardens
Edwards Gardens is a popular place for a quieter fall walk in North York at the intersection of Leslie and Lawrence. The manicured gardens sit beside the Don River and connect with trails in the surrounding ravine system. Combine a walk through the gardens with an extended riverside stroll down to Serena Grundy Park.
Cedarvale Park and Ravine
Cedarvale is one of the city’s most accessible ravine areas, running through the middle of Toronto between St. Clair West and Eglinton. The trails pass through wooded sections and open parkland, giving you a mix of fall scenery. It also connects with the Beltline Trail for a longer hike.
Crothers Woods
Crothers Woods is part of the Don Valley trail system and feels remote considering how close it is to central Toronto. It is a good choice for people looking for a longer, more active walk rather than a paved park stroll, but beware it is also an active mountain biking area.
The Beltline Trail
The Beltline Trail follows an old railway corridor through several parts of midtown Toronto and provides a different way to experience the city’s fall colours on foot or by bicycle. Head to Mount Pleasant Cemetery and hop on board.
Sunnybrook Park
Sunnybrook Park is a large green space in the Don Valley with extensive trails, wooded areas and open fields. The mature trees around the park provide plenty of fall colour, while the relatively flat trails make it a good choice for walking or cycling.
Scarborough Bluffs
The Scarborough Bluffs are one of the city’s most dramatic landscapes at any time of year, but the surrounding trees add another layer of colour in the fall. Bluffer’s Park provides access to the waterfront, while nearby parks and trails offer views of the Bluffs surrounded by fall colours.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are another good option for a fall day outdoors. The crowds are generally smaller once summer is over, while the islands’ trees and paths take on their autumn colours.
Rouge Park
Toronto’s national urban park on the eastern border is gorgeous in the fall. There are numerous hiking options from short scenic loops to longer trails. It is busy so get there early.
East Don Trail
The newly opened East Don Trail is a gorgeous new walking and cycling path through a beautiful stretch of forest alongside the East Don River. Numerous bridges, wildlife and mature trees make this one an ideal fall destination.