While Canada is a wonderful destination year-round, its brilliant autumn colors shouldn’t be missed. If you’re looking to be dazzled by fall colors, these 5 Canadian destinations are calling your name.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is located off the eastern coast of Canada, nestled between the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Due to the warm Gulf temperatures, you’ll find one of the longest fall foliage seasons in Canada, lasting from mid-September to the end of October. Enjoy the views while walking or hiking the Confederation Trail. Take in the beautiful rolling hills, quaint village, and seascapes. Visitors in September can coordinate their trip with the annual Fall Food festival to enjoy tasting local fare. Runners should plan their visit in October to coincide with the Prince Edward Island Marathon and associated festivities.
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Fredericton serves as the ideal base from which to explore New Brunswick’s Fundy Coast. Just a short drive from Maine, this Canadian isle offers much to see and do.
Few places on Earth are as awe-inspiring as New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy. A visit to this special place will reward you with magnificent tides, breathtaking coastline and endless adventure.
Enjoy the autumn colors, see the world’s highest tides, and go on a whale watching adventure during your stay. Plan your visit in September to coincide with the world-renowned Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
Tofino, British Columbia
Located on Vancouver Island, Tofino is a nature lover’s paradise. This small community prides itself on its commitment to its history and sustaining it for the future.
On the remote west coast of Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, sits the village of Tofino. Nestled in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Tofino is a prime destination for year-round surfing, beach time, exploring the outdoors through a number of guided activities and seeking inspiration from the wild.
Visitors to Tofino in the autumn will enjoy the annual Queen of the Peak surfing competition. Also in September are the two annual arts festivals, Carving On the Edge and the Cultural Heritage Festival.
Banff Town, Alberta
Sitting high in the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is a must-see for the fall traveler. It is the oldest Canadian National Park, founded in 1885. From the snow-capped mountains to glacial lakes, it is truly a sight to behold. Autumn paints the park golden yellow. Because of this, hikes to see the larch trees are quite popular with visitors.
Be sure to visit the Caves and Basin National Historic Site while you are there. Afterward, relax in the park’s natural hot springs while you gaze over the mountain landscape.
Whitehorse, Yukon
Whitehorse was established as the Yukon’s capital city in 1953 and this small, bustling town has attracted visitors ever since. With gorgeous scenery and a vibrant city scene, it is the perfect Canadian destination.
The city is chock full of restaurants serving everything from Caribbean to Japanese to northern fusion cuisine. Our eclectic coffee shops are the perfect place to pick up inside tips from locals. And the vibrant music and arts scene has something for everyone’s taste. And to top it all off, we have close to 24 hours of daylight in the summer so you won’t have to waste any time sleeping.
Visitors in the fall can try to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, hike to waterfalls and hot springs, or drive the Alaska Highway. It is an adventure waiting to happen!
Which of these Canadian cities would you choose to visit first? For more outdoor adventures read about these Natural Wonders to See in Your Lifetime.
