Best Scenic Drives in Ontario During Fall

There are countless reasons why Canadians love the fall: crackling campfires, cozy sweaters, and of course, pumpkin spice galore.

However, one of the activities that tops our list every year is going on scenic autumn drives. Going for a ride is the perfect way to unwind on a crisp autumn afternoon.

If you're looking for some suggestions, you're in luck — our team has put together a list of the best scenic drives Ontario has to offer. Going for a drive in one of the following locations is guaranteed to help you relax and disconnect from the world around you.

However, before hitting the road, you should take a moment to confirm that your auto insurance is up to date and in proper order.

As you likely know, driving without auto insurance is illegal in Canada. Additionally, if you get into an accident or collision during your scenic drive, you'll be responsible for covering the damage (even if you aren't at fault). With this in mind, you can see why driving without insurance is irresponsible and unnecessarily risky.

Township of Uxbridge

Are you familiar with Uxbridge, ON? This quaint town is located about one hour away from the city of Toronto.

Uxbridge has several unique attractions, including a handful of boutiques and lovely restaurants. However, the real treat lies on the outskirts of the township. Drivers can spend countless hours exploring the picturesque country roads and secluded sidelines. This small township is the perfect place for busy drivers that want to spend an afternoon exploring the countryside.

There's no particular route that you should take in Uxbridge, ON — it's simply a great place to explore if you want to experience some of the best scenic drives in Ontario.

If you want to stretch your legs, Uxbridge, ON is an excellent place for a pit stop. Uxbridge happens to be the "Trail Capital of Canada", and is home to over 300 km of walkable trails. Because of this, Uxbridge is a fantastic spot for fall photoshoots, picnics and family adventures.

Grafton

Nearly one and a half hours east of Toronto, you can find the town of Grafton, ON.

This small town is located on the coast of Lake Ontario. Because of this, you can expect to see some stunning views throughout your journey in Grafton, ON. During the autumn, the roads are canopied by vibrant leaves in a variety of colours and shades.

If you need to bide some time, we recommend taking a detour to the nearby North Cumberland County Trails. This beautiful attraction is full of various wooded areas, marshes and plains, giving you a chance to teach your family about different types of habitats and ecosystems. Be sure to bring a camera, as you might get an opportunity to interact with the local wildlife.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

If you're looking for some of the best drives in Ontario this fall, look no further than Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.

Although many people consider Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON to be a summer destination, there's no denying that it's absolutely gorgeous in the autumn.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON is slightly less than two hours southeast of Toronto, making it a trip that Torontonians can complete in a single day. When you visit Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, in the fall, you get to see this breathtaking area in a new light.

During autumn, Niagara-on-the-Lake's renowned vineyards are in their final days but equally beautiful. Also, you get a chance to cruise down the Niagara Parkway, which features some of the country’s most jaw-dropping sights.

While driving in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, you can visit one of the many historical attractions, like a monument to Isaac Brock and the prior home of Laura Secord. 

Additionally, we can't mention Niagara-on-the-Lake without bringing up Niagara Falls. We highly recommend that you wrap up your day with a quick detour to one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. With this in mind, it's clear why so many drivers feel that this is one of the most beautiful places to drive to in Ontario.

Algonquin Provincial Park

If you want to get up-close and personal with some of Ontario's wildlife this fall, we highly suggest that you take a trip to Algonquin Provincial Park. Algonquin Provincial Park is near Huntsville, ON, approximately two and a half hours north of Toronto.

Algonquin Provincial Park is currently home to a plethora of animals, including 55 species of mammals, 32 species of amphibians and reptiles, and a minimum of 140 avian species. Thanks to the park's incredible biodiversity, you and your family will most likely have an opportunity to come face-to-face with some of Canada's most iconic critters. Additionally, you get to see these animals in their natural habitats, which is truly special.

If you’re unsure which route you’d like to take, we suggest the Highway 60 corridor, as it passes directly through the southern portion of the park.

Bonus — Algonquin Provincial Park is also on our list of top road trip locations from Toronto.

Georgian Bay coastal region

Are you looking for a unique road trip destination? Then you may want to consider taking a trip to Georgian Bay's coastal region.

This part of the province is home to several charming fishing communities that are packed with quaint shops and gorgeous views.

However, as enjoyable as these towns are, our personal favourite aspects of this destination are the strips of road in between said towns. The roadways are often adjacent to Georgian Bay's coastline, which explains why we feel that it's one of the most scenic drives in Ontario, if not the country.

Unlike the other destinations on the list, this trip is quite lengthy (1,350 km, to be exact). Because of this, drivers can't complete the whole trek in a single day. To experience the Georgian Bay coastal region in its entirety, we suggest taking a three or four-day trip. Afterwards, you're going to want to make the excursion on a yearly basis.

Additionally, this is a great opportunity to use your RV or travel trailer (if you have one). Just make sure that you have the proper coverage before you begin your journey.

Have you found your next road trip destination?

Anyone who lives in or has visited Ontario during autumn is aware of how beautiful it is. However, Ontario is a vast province, so not every town or park gets the attention it deserves. We hope that we've inspired you to add one of these scenic destinations to your road trip list!