11 trails from downtown ravines to Algonquin, organized by drive time. Peak colour timing, dog rules, parking, and tick warnings.
By Onslow's Team · Published September 2026
When do the colours peak?
Track it live at ontarioparks.ca/fallcolour
| Trail | Drive | Leash | Difficulty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crothers Woods | 15 min | On-leash | Moderate | Free |
| High Park | 15 min | Off-leash area (Dog Hill) | Easy–Mod | Free |
| Humber River Trail | 10 min | On-leash | Easy | Free |
| Rouge National Urban Park | 30–45 min | On-leash | Easy–Mod | $4/hr |
| Rattlesnake Point | 50 min | On-leash | Moderate | $10.50 |
| Cheltenham Badlands | 1 hr | On-leash | Easy | ParkPass |
| Forks of the Credit | 1 hr | On-leash, 2 m max | Moderate | $12–$22 |
| Mono Cliffs | 1 hr | On-leash, 2 m max | Moderate | $12–$22 |
| Dundas Peak | 1 hr | On-leash | Moderate | Reserve |
| Elora Gorge | 1.5 hr | On-leash, 2 m max | Moderate | Check grandriver.ca |
| Algonquin Park | 2.5–3 hr | On-leash, 2 m max | Varies | $21 |
South of Millwood Rd, Don River Valley
Ravine canopy views 15 minutes from downtown
1873 Bloor St W
Off-leash play plus Grenadier Pond fall reflections
Multiple access points, Old Mill area south
A long, easy walk through varied fall colour
Eastern Toronto / Scarborough
The Vista Trail viewing platform for panoramic fall colour
7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON
Dramatic escarpment cliff views over fall canopy
1739 Olde Base Line Rd, Caledon
The contrast of red badlands against golden foliage
Forks of the Credit Rd, Caledon, ON
Cataract Falls waterfall surrounded by fall colour
The parking lot is small and fills fast on fall weekends. Book your permit early.
795086 Third Line EHS, Mono, ON
Dense sugar maple canopy and cliff-top lookouts
Park access is controlled by automated gates. Purchase your permit before you arrive.
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Hamilton
The single most dramatic fall panorama near Toronto
Weekday visits strongly recommended. Weekends are packed during peak colour.
7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON
Limestone gorge with fall colour canopy overhead
Dogs are NOT allowed at nearby Elora Quarry (separate property). Don’t confuse them.
Highway 60, between Huntsville and Whitney
The best fall colour in Ontario, if you’re willing to drive
Dogs NOT allowed on Mizzy Lake Trail.
Tick check after every hike
Tick season doesn't end in summer
The entire Greater Toronto Area is an established blacklegged tick risk zone. Fall is one of the highest-risk periods, and ticks remain active into November or December during mild years. Ensure your dog is on year-round tick prevention.
By mid-October, sunset is around 6:30 PM. After daylight saving ends in late October, it’s dark before 6 PM. Carry a headlamp and finish your hike well before sunset.
Fallen leaves cover rocks, roots, holes, and trail edges near cliffs. Extra caution on boardwalks, stairs, and escarpment sections.
Ontario’s archery deer season runs from early October through December. Firearms deer season is typically early-to-mid November. Wear bright or blaze orange (for you and your dog) outside of provincial parks. Parks do not allow hunting.
Fall temperatures drop fast at higher elevations. Bring water for your dog, watch for hypothermia signs in short-coated dogs on cold wet days, and keep wildlife encounters in mind. Dogs must stay leashed.
Typically mid-to-late October for the GTA. Algonquin peaks 2–3 weeks earlier (late September to early October). The Niagara Escarpment (Mono Cliffs, Forks of the Credit) peaks early to mid-October. Track it live at ontarioparks.ca/fallcolour.
Dundas Peak for a single panoramic view. Algonquin’s Lookout Trail for the overall experience. High Park’s Grenadier Pond for an in-city option. Cheltenham Badlands for a unique red-against-gold contrast.
High Park has a designated off-leash area (informally called Dog Hill). Evergreen Brick Works has an off-leash dog park adjacent to the trails. All provincial parks and conservation areas require dogs on-leash.
Yes, for most popular spots. Ontario Parks (Mono Cliffs, Forks of the Credit, Algonquin) requires advance permits. Book up to 5 days ahead. Cheltenham Badlands requires ParkPass. Dundas Peak requires reservations during peak colour. Rattlesnake Point recommends booking online.
Yes. Blacklegged ticks remain active well into November or December during mild years. Fall is one of the highest-risk periods. Keep your dog on year-round tick prevention and do a thorough tick check after every hike.
Sources: Ontario Parks (ontarioparks.ca); Parks Canada, Rouge National Urban Park; Conservation Halton; Hamilton Conservation Authority; Grand River Conservation Authority; Ontario Heritage Trust; City of Toronto Parks; High Park Nature Centre.
Related: hiking trails · off-leash parks · apple picking
All 11 trails with directions, dog rules, and peak colour timing. Free on iOS and Android.