With autumn foliage coming into full bloom (check the fall colour report for the latest), boaters in Ontario are still out on the water, enjoying the most beautiful scenery of the year. It isn’t time to put your boat away yet, folks—join us on our annual fall foliage boating tour, as we explore some of the best and brightest fall travel spots to enjoy the awesome colours of a changing season. Start up your outboard (or inboard) as we head out on the water for an exciting fall foliage boating tour, with 7 amazing stops along the way!
No other lake in Ontario’s near north comes alive in fall quite like North Bay's Lake Nipissing, a virtual autumn paradise. With massive stands of maples and oak trees, fall foliage abounds along Nipissing’s expansive shoreline. The massive, 40-mile-long body of water bustles with boat traffic in October. Many enthusiasts are pursuing fall angling opportunities, while a growing list of others are avid fall foliage chasers.
While boating around Nipissing in search of fall foliage, take some time to view the colours along the Lake Nipissing Lookout Loop. This 2.9-km trail starts in North Bay takes about an hour to complete and brings the changing season up close and personal. This trail is open year-round but comes to fruition in October when fall colours are at their peak.
Our next stop is Batchawana Bay in Northwestern Ontario, where the best fall foliage viewing from a boat is on the east side of the park along the mighty Lake Superior shore. The changing leaves of the Algoma Hills stand majestic above the Superior’s rugged lake edge and are clearly visible from the comfort of your own watercraft as you float around the bay. Stay at the top-rated Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse, located on three miles of beach across from Batchawana Bay. The lodge offers a full-service restaurant, and most rooms boast a spectacular view of the lake and changing leaves.
The French River Visitor Centre, located along the historic French River Gorge, is another awesome place to see fall foliage. Launch your watercraft in the French River and observe the changing leaves high above the gorge. The waters of the French River reflect the colours of changing leaves creating incredible photo opportunities. Pull your boat in for a break and stroll the Recollet Falls Trail along the Gorge to Recollet Falls. This short trail offers a brief diversion before you hop back in the boat, with spectacular views of the falls and foliage changes along the gorge. Be sure to stay at the Great Escape Cabins, a short distance from the gorge located in the village of Alban.
For the best fall foliage viewing opportunities in eastern Ontario this fall check out Murphys Point. You can launch your craft at the Park Store and head out onto Loon Lake, or head out for a tour into Hogg Bay for a wonderful glimpse of foliage provided by the resident red and sugar maples growing along the edge of Big Rideau Lake.
Our next stop is already a popular destination among sporting enthusiasts. Marten River now hosts fall scenery seekers in droves. This historical logging area still holds majestic stands of deciduous trees that sparkle with life each fall. Sugar maple, red maple, oak, and American beech grow here in sizable numbers, each coming together in a symphony of colour in autumn. Boaters have more than enough water to find the best viewing location and Marten River Lodge is definitely the place to launch your boat! The lodge hosts, Peter and Tania, will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive to the moment you say goodbye. The lodge also has great lodging, hosts group gatherings, and has a great choice in meal options. Call it the complete fall foliage package!
Be sure to tow your boat to Quetico’s Dawson Trail Campground and head out onto French or Pickerel lakes, for a wonderful opportunity to take in the fall colours. The Atikokan region comes to life each autumn with yellow being the predominant fall foliage colour. Aspens, tamarack, and birch flourish all along the lakeshore offering boaters a “golden glimpse” into this shining short-lived northern landscape. Dawson Trail offers great camping opportunities and 3 cabins for fall foliage boaters in need of lodging.
Note: Motorboats are only permitted on designated lakes and for local property owners or those with special permits. Visitors without permits are restricted to non-motorized watercraft within the park. Contact the park office for more information.
Boaters visiting beautiful Bon Echo can enjoy fall foliage displays from either Bon Echo Lake or the much larger Upper Mazinaw Lake, with a perimeter of 49 km. Fall colour enthusiasts should also try the Cliff Top Trail where maple, oak and white birch trees offer a wide array of fall colours. The trail has observation platforms with an awesome view of the bright forest canopy. Boaters visiting in this region might consider staying at the Cottages at Bon Echo’s Edge—a family-owned cottage vacation destination nestled on a private lot with 350 feet of pristine, waterfront on the Mazinaw Lake.
Enjoy your time on the water this fall exploring the brilliant colours of nature across our wonderous province. Safe travels and I will see you in the colourful woods, or on the water!
