Fall’s crisp, cool air and vibrantly coloured leaves make it the perfect season to explore the outdoors. In Canada, we’re lucky enough to be home to a number of incredible national parks, all of which provide ample opportunity to take in this particularly picturesque season. Watch trees come alive in colours of red, yellow and orange, or catch a final glimpse of wildlife before winter’s hibernation period. Whether you’re exploring Ontario or escaping to Newfoundland, we’ve rounded up a few scenic national parks to complete your Canadian adventure this autumn.

Photo: @algonquinparkig on Instagram

Algonquin Park – Ontario

If you want to take in the sights of fall foliage from a canoe or a bike, a trip to Ontario’s Algonquin Park may be in order. Located 3 hours from Toronto, this 7,725 square kilometre park is one of Ontario’s most popular parks, and it’s not difficult to see why. With a number of bike and hiking trails, as well as canoe-rental shops, this park is perfect for those hoping to get a bit of exercise while enjoying the cool air and beautiful colours of fall.

Gros Morne National Park – Newfoundland & Labrador

With waterfalls, mountains, and sandy beaches, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Gros Morne National Park has the best of what nature has to offer. Aside from its beautiful views of blue lakes and rolling mountains, the park is also internationally recognized for its unique geology and the amazing animals that call the park home. If you’re lucky, your trip to Gros Morne could include beautiful sights of fall leaves and a sighting of the park’s many caribou inhabitants.

Photo: @montremblant on Instagram

Mont Tremblant Park – Quebec

Quebec’s Mont Tremblant Park is typically favoured in the winter months for Montreal dwellers looking to escape the city for a day of skiing or snowboarding. However, this park offers a number of exciting activities during the fall months as well. Mont Tremblant is the highest peak of the Laurentians, Quebec’s 540 million-year-old mountain range, and offers hiking trails, six lakes for canoeing, and zip-lining tours. If you’re hoping for a more relaxing way to take in Quebec’s famous fall colours, the park is also home to a number of luxurious spas and trendy boutiques.

Elk Island National Park – Alberta

Known as a retreat for bison, Alberta’s Elk Island Park is also a popular spot for Albertans hoping to enjoy a relaxing day in nature. Take a drive through the Elk Island Parkway, or better yet, take a hike through one of the many trails the park has to offer. Elk Island offers lakeside picnic amenities like tables and fire pits, making it a perfect destination to enjoy a dinner outside by a cozy fire. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, officially known as the Aurora Borealis and celebrated for their stunning, kaleidoscope colours.