Algoma's Fall Colours

Make the most of the season with these five spectacular fall colour tours in Algoma Country.

One of the great things about living in Northern Ontario is getting to watch the seasons change. And when the months of September and October creep up, it's time to watch the deep greens of summer slowly change into a bright explosion of stunning fall colours.

Fall is such a magical season in Algoma Country the feel of cool crisp air on the sunniest of days, looking up as a flock of geese form a v-shape against a bright blue sky as they head south for the winter, the soft crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the vibrant colours that spill over hills, fields and mountain tops.

Whether you're an out-of-town colour chaser looking for a weekend getaway, or a local looking for a day of colour chasing, Algoma has touring routes that give you the best opportunities to view the fall colours by road. So pack your bag, your camera, or your picnic lunch and take to these five spectacular fall drives:

The Grand Algoma

View of the Mississagi River, Hwy 129. (Photo credit: James Smedley Outdoors)

One of Ontario's top Motorcycle Routes, the Grand Algoma is some of the best roadways the province has to offer. From Sault Ste. Marie to Wawa the route follows along the spectacular coastline of Lake Superior which is one of the "Top Ten Drives in Canada." From Wawa, you'll ride through the stunning wilderness to Chapleau then follow Hwy 129 through the Mississagi Valley along the "Tail of the Dragon." 
Recommended: Start the route at Hwy 129 because when you head south on Hwy 17, Lake Superior will always be facing you 
Perfect for: Cars, Motorcycles

Ride Lake Superior: An Epic Motorcycle Journey

(Photo credit: Motorcycle Mojo)

Remember sitting in the back of your parent's station wagon on a sultry summer day before air conditioning, chanting "Are we there yet?" This is the trip to take back your childhood -- ride the 3,200 km around Lake Superior. Lake Superior during the fall colours is amazing: bright colours blanket the landscape around every twist and turn, hillcrest and valley. 
Order a FREE Map: www.ridelakesuperior.com 
A Favourite for Motorcycles, Cars

Sylvan Circle Tour

This self-guided tour takes you along the secondary highways in Algoma Country making it the perfect day trip. The Sylvan Circle Tour is a very scenic tour: rolling farmland and views of the rocky Canadian Shield decorated in brilliant colours around every turn. Plan to attend the artists' event in September: visitors are invited to visit the artists and artisans located along the route held in eight community halls. 
Look for the Sylvan Circle signs  the route is well-marked. 
For more information visit www.sylvancircle.ca

Island North Tour

falltouring searchmonthwy556
Hwy 556 in Searchmont is stunning in the fall and a great open road.

St. Joseph Island in fall is beautiful: rolling countryside with scenic views of the North Channel, roadways sheltered by canopies of trees, little traffic, quaint villages and friendly people. From the Island, you'll travel east to Bruce Mines and continue on Hwy 638 to Ranger Lake then take Hwy 556 to Searchmont. These secondary highways are carved through farmland and wilderness. 
Recommended: Bikers will love St. Joseph Island's open roads, with a dirt track at Hwy 556 suited best for cars.

Deer Trail Touring Route

This route gives new meaning to taking the road less travelled. The Deer Trail Touring Route is an awe-inspiring tour of tree-lined roads, and did we mention little traffic? The 120km tour offers places to hike, cascading waterfalls, and 100-foot cliffs where views are so clear that you can see the North Channel and Manitoulin Island. The Deer Trail takes you through Elliot Lake, Mississagi Provincial Park, Iron Bridge then east to Blind River, Algoma Mills and Spragge. 
Recommended: Off-road bikes will love this route, and locals will love this backyard day trip.

Ontario Fall Colour Reports

Here is a great way to see where in Ontario the fall colours have started and peak times during the season: www.ontarioparks.com/fallcolours

To find more touring routes, where to stay, where to eat, shopping and area attractions along all of these routes, visit www.algomacountry.com or phone 1-800-263-2546 to order your free Algoma Travel Guide and route maps.

About Heather Bot

I'm a staff writer for Algoma Country and I hope my articles entice you to plan your next vacation in Algoma. Our beautiful area has everything you need for a true outdoor adventure: fishing and hunting, epic touring routes and breathtaking outdoors. We are home to many awesome places to eat, cool places to shop, museums and galleries, festivals and events.