About an hour north of Toronto, a hidden boardwalk offers a magical way to explore the fall colours, with a winding wooden pathway that takes you high above the forest floor.
The Clifford Perry Boardwalk is tucked away in Newmarket and stretches more than 300 metres through peaceful woodland, giving beautiful views of the surrounding trees and forest below.
The elevated walkway is part of Newmarket’s Dave Kerwin Trail and rises up to 16 feet above the ground, so you’ll get a unique view of the surrounding forest. And with trees turning shades of gold, orange and red, this GTA gem is a perfect spot to enjoy one last fall adventure without travelling far from home.
Unlike a typical straight boardwalk, this one curves and winds its way around the trees, across a steep hillside and over a small stream, creating a scenic little adventure through the woods (it’s also a great spot to snap a few Insta pics of the changing leaves from above).
The boardwalk was designed by Fiberwalk and features a gently sloping pathway with protective railings, so it’s fully accessible to people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
And the best part: the entire experience is completely free.
Start your visit at Environmental Park on Woodspring Ave. This is where you’ll park, but you’ll also find a playground, picnic tables and washroom facilities, so very family-friendly.
From there, follow the paved trail toward the boardwalk, which connects to the larger Dave Kerwin Trail network (just stick to the maintained paved route, as the smaller paths through the surrounding woodland aren’t maintained!).
Since Newmarket is so close to Toronto, make a day of it and explore well beyond the forest.
Head to Main Street, a charming stretch known for its heritage buildings, indie boutiques and Euro-style cafés. Stop by Metropolis Mercantile + Café for a specialty coffee and a freshly baked cinnamon bun. The two-storey space also has a rustic upstairs café called The Cabin, along with a mercantile shop filled with unique gifts and vintage finds and locally made goods (early Christmas shopping, anyone?).
If you’re craving something sweet, Cocoa40 specializes in handcrafted chocolates and artisanal gelato, while The Maids’ Cottage is a must-visit for its famous homemade butter tarts.
For even more fall scenery, make your way to Fairy Lake Park on Water St. The picturesque lakeside park is pretty year-around and features winding trails and scenic waterfront views, with the Tom Taylor Trail offering another beautiful spot to enjoy the autumn colours!
And if you’re looking for other hidden gems near the GTA, this charming Ontario town has a giant waterwheel and a downtown core straight out of a storybook.