5 Reasons To Make Algoma Your Fall Adventure Destination

When the leaves start changing colours, you’ll want to be in this northern part of Ontario! Here are five reasons why it’s never too early to book your autumn getaway in Algoma Country (with tips and some suggested things to do!)

As a Torontonian who’s officially lost count of the number of visits to Algoma Country, fall has to be my favourite season to travel here. Just thinking about autumn in Algoma Country brings back vivid and sensory moments like waking up to the cinnamon-ny scent of freshly-made apple fritters; feeling the warm breeze with a light mist of rain while standing at a scenic lookout point; paddling and admiring the fall foliage along rugged shorelines; sitting outside on an uncrowded, sunny patio in Sault Ste. Marie and sitting on the dock outside our waterfront cabin, watching a dramatic sunrise while delighted by early signs of the northern lights starting to dance across the sky!

When people ask me why fall is, in my opinion, the best time to visit Algoma Country, here are my top five reasons: 

1. The leaves start to change colour early.

If you want to be ahead of the game when it comes to seeing the first sights of the colourful fall foliage, Algoma Country is the place to be.

Every year, around late August, checking the Ontario Parks Fall Colours Report excites me. I’ll see several of the little maple leaf symbols for the parks in Algoma Country start showing up as yellow and some even red when almost all the other parks in southeastern Ontario are still a vibrant green.

Whether you plan on admiring the colourful scenery of the changing leaves while strolling through town or a fun day hike somewhere new, there are so many ways you can experience autumn in Algoma Country. You can even squeeze in the last few days of late-summer paddling without having to wear a drysuit!

2. No crowds. No mosquitoes!

If you like Algonquin Provincial Park but don’t like the massive crowds that the park gets, visit Mississagi Provincial Park located in Elliot Lake. One funny thing about Mississagi is the sign at the entrance that clearly warns people of the mosquitoes. I’ve only visited the park in the fall months and was never devoured by mosquitoes compared to other remote parks I’ve spent time in (and I am usually the main attractant for mosquitoes!) 

The park offers scenic hikes like the Helenbar Lookout Trail, a 7 km loop and serene paddling spots like Semiwite Lake (canoe rentals available in the summer).

Another stunning park that is also crowd-free and quiet (other than the sounds of the waterfall) is Aubrey Falls Provincial Park. Located between Chapleau and Thessalon, this remote Ontario Parks spot offers impressive waterfall views and a scenic suspension bridge! 

Not bumping into crowds of people at different attractions in Algoma Country also means less traffic while on the roads, making it a great time to explore this region by bicycle or motorcycle. 

3. Cute and cozy cabins.

When the sun starts to set early in fall, spending the cooler evenings inside a cozy log cabin in front of a fireplace is one of the most pleasant ways to unwind from a day of adventure. In Algoma Country, there’s no shortage of cozy and cute cabins and cottages, many of which have lakefront views, amenities, and activities that let you fully take in the autumnal vibes during your stay!

Here are some suggested spots (that all have waterfront accommodations):

• Granary Lake Retreat, Blind River – A four-season cottage resort with various accommodations on a quiet lake with a massive cliff to check out from the water! Kayaks and a pedal boat are available on site for guests. 

• Northern Skies Resort, Thessalon – With different styles of accommodations on site, guests can enjoy secluded vintage cottages nestled under tall trees for a truly tranquil getaway from the city. From guided paddles to mini artist markets, there’s always an event to look forward to, whether you’re staying the night or stopping by during a scenic drive. Check out their new gathering space for group retreats to be open this fall!
• Ranger Lake Resort, Searchmont – Located on a large open lake, 1.5 hours from Sault Ste. Marie, guests can experience staying at a remote, wilderness lodge without hopping on a float plane.

Did you know there’s also a wood-burning sauna at all these locations?

4. Still full of outdoor adventure!

As an established outdoor hub, adventuring in Algoma Country in fall means still having access to all the scenic lookouts, hikes, and paddling adventures, but now with the colourful fall foliage as the backdrop. Best of all, the weather is usually breezy without consecutive days of scorching heat or humidity!

TIP: Do pack for a mix of warm and cool days. You just never know what the weather forecast will call for! When I visited in fall 2024, the temperature was still in the double digits, with only one overcast day during a week-long stay. In previous years, I was told it would rain a lot more, so pack for a mix of weather and all the activities! 

If the weather is not promising, here are some mostly-indoor activities (without totally being indoors): 

• Agawa Canyon Tour Train – While the main destination of this historic 10-hour scenic rail adventure is outdoors, this train experience is a must-do Northern Ontario excursion. Opt for the Indigenous Experience, presented by local guides, Thrive Tours, Ontario’s 2024 Indigenous Tourism Operator of the Year!
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre – You don’t have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy this exciting attraction!
• Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site – Explore this historical and culturally significant landmark that was once the world’s longest lock. 

Read more about the SSM Canal Historic Site here!

5. Fall fairs, festivals and food!

The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of fun, yummy food, outdoor community events and gatherings. Here are some ways to enjoy the changing of the seasons:

• Bruce Mines Fall Fair – From demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and other fair activities, this is a fun, local fair in mid-September.
• Ernie’s Coffee Shop is one of my favourite restaurants in Sault Ste. Marie, that feature seasonal ingredients and items. If you have already visited in the summer, here’s your nudge to stop by again to see what they might offer in the cooler months!
• Enjoy another afternoon out on a patio at Laurentian Lodge in Elliot Lake, then visit the Elliot Lake Fire Tower to take in fall colours at sunset.

• Thomson Farms’ Fall Family Fun – From mid-September to the end of October, enjoy tractor rides through their pumpkin patch, pick up a pumpkin and meander through their Corn Maze!
• Contact Sault Ste. Marie adventure outfitters like Thrive Tours and Forest The Canoe for fall activities and spooky season-themed fun like haunted hikes!

Some places do close for the season, so here’s your reminder to stop by again before they start their hibernation over winter:

• Even though fall is typically apple season, grab that one last freshly made apple fritter from The Voyageur's Lodge and Cookhouse!
• While the Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm and Winery has strawberries in July, visit in August during blueberry season! They close in mid-October, but you can contact them during the off-season to see if their gift shop may be open. You can also stop by Wawa High Falls, located just behind the farm, which is open all year round.
• Pick up locally grown farm-fresh produce and items at Sowerby Farmers Market, a historical 12-sided barn (1 of 3 in all of Canada!), before they close in mid-October.

How will you enjoy the fall season on your next Algoma Country visit? 

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