As the leaves turn from green to a tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows, North America offers a plethora of destinations where you can enjoy the autumn spectacle. While New England and the Rocky Mountains are well-known for their fall foliage, there are many hidden gems across the continent where the colours of autumn create a stunning display. Discover these 10 fantastic locations in North America where you can admire the fall colours.
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Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick
Nestled along the coast of New Brunswick, the Fundy Coastal Drive offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Fundy, framed by a vibrant array of fall foliage. The coastal mists and the world’s highest tides contribute to the region’s unique ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of tree species that put on a spectacular colour show in autumn.
Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Riding Mountain National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a splendid location for fall colours. The park’s mix of deciduous and coniferous trees creates a striking contrast of evergreen amidst the fiery hues of aspen and oak trees. The park’s elevated terrain offers panoramic views of this colourful spectacle.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island may be small, but its fall colours are mighty. The island’s patchwork of red soil fields, lined with sugar maples and red oaks, turns into a canvas of warm colours as the seasons change. The scenic drives along the coast, with the ocean as a backdrop, make for a picturesque autumn adventure.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is renowned for its wildlife and the towering peak of Mount Denali. In the fall, the park transforms as the alpine tundra takes on golden hues, and the birch and aspen forests light up in yellow and gold, creating a stark contrast against the ever-present snowcaps.
Algoma Country, Ontario
Algoma Country is a region where the fabled Canadian artists known as the Group of Seven found their inspiration. The area’s rugged landscape is a tapestry of colour in the fall, with red maples, yellow birches and orange oaks reflecting off the serene waters of the many lakes and rivers.
San Juan Skyway, Colorado
The San Juan Skyway offers a dramatic journey through the Colorado Rockies. In the fall, the aspen groves turn a brilliant yellow, contrasting with the red and orange of the scrub oaks, creating a dazzling display along this mountainous route.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks might be known for its winter auroras, but its autumn colours are just as impressive. The birch and aspen forests surrounding the city become a sea of gold and yellow, with the occasional red of a berry bush adding to the mix.
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a fall-colour destination that rivals some of North America’s more famous spots. The dense forests of maple, birch and oak create a fiery landscape, especially stunning when viewed against the backdrop of the Great Lakes.
Sea-to-Sky Highway, British Columbia
The Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is a journey of ever-changing landscapes. In the fall, the route is lined with a mosaic of colours from the broadleaf and coniferous forests, with vistas of the ocean and mountains at every turn.
Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
While Vermont is no secret to leaf peepers, the Northeast Kingdom is a less-travelled area that offers a serene fall experience. The rolling hills and valleys are covered in a quilt of colours, with quaint farms and forests dotting the landscape.