Best places to see fall colours in the Toronto area

Fall leaves can be seen in this photo taken at High Park in Toronto on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

It’s that time of year again.

Days are getting shorter and temperatures colder.

And while we all have to accept the fact that the days of frozen extremities, ice on windshields and endless snow shoveling are coming, we can at least enjoy the fall colours while they last.

Here are our five picks for the best places to see fall foliage in or near the Toronto area.

Photo credit: Lou Wise

Rouge National Urban Park: Located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Toronto, Rouge Park is one of the most accessible national parks in Canada. And its abundance of black maple and oak trees promises an array of beautiful fall colours each year.

The best spot to see fall foliage is Glen Eagles Vista, which offers a view of Little Rouge Creek, the Rouge River, and of the park’s many square kilometres of tree-lined hills.

Rouge Park is also accessible by public transit.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park: This Oakville park is a popular day trip destination thanks to its proximity to the GTA. While the park might be better known for its outdoor pool and Children’s Farm, fall is the best time to enjoy the area’s numerous walking trails and take in the forest’s changing colours.

Photo credit: @Escarpment_NEC / Twitter

Niagara Escarpment: For those willing to venture a bit further, the Niagara Escarpment is one of the best spots to see fall colours in the entire province. The escarpment spans from New York State, through the Niagara region and up to Georgian Bay, offering countless spectacular views and hiking adventures.

Rattlesnake Point, Mountsberg and the Christie Conservation Area offer some of the best views of fall colours in Ontario.

These locations are all within a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Toronto Islands: A popular destination for beachgoers in the summer, the Toronto Islands tend to be much quieter in the fall. The result is not just the wonderful colours of the islands’ changing leaves, but a sense of tranquility that can be hard to find in the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Photo credit: The City of Toronto / Flickr

High Park: Located just west of downtown Toronto, High Park is the best compromise for fall foliage destinations. It’s right in the city, but still offers enough green space to really experience the changing leaves, and offers a variety of other family-friendly activities.