Wondering where to see fall colours in Ontario this year? Head north to Timmins, where crisp autumn nights and endless boreal forest set the stage for one of the province’s most stunning seasonal displays. Every fall, Northern Ontario transforms into a vibrant landscape of red maples, golden birch, and fiery orange tamarack, reflected in its countless lakes and rivers.
Peak colour in Northeastern Ontario typically runs from late September through mid-October, perfect weather for a scenic drive, hiking adventure, or lakeside paddle. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views or peaceful forest trails, Timmins has some of the best places to experience fall colours in Ontario.
Here are some of the best ways to see fall colours in the Timmins area.
About 30 kilometres east of Timmins is Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, a popular destination for its 22 lakes, many of them formed by melting glacial ice.
The park is renowned for its vibrant fall colours, aspen, birch and tamarack lighting up the shoreline with golden hues. As of late September, about 20 percent of the leaves around Kettle Lakes had changed, meaning peak viewing is still ahead, according to Ontario Parks’ Fall Colour Report.
Both two kilometres, the park’s Tamarack and Kettle trails offer forested fall hiking around a lake and through an ancient glacial riverbed. Biking, camping, canoeing and fishing are other ways to experience autumn at the park, which is open until Oct. 11.
Even if you don’t plan to hike or paddle, the 45-minute drive from Timmins is beautiful, and some lakes can be seen from the road. Drive a little further to the town of Matheson for views of the Black River, which flows into the Abitibi.
Drive time: 45–55 minutes
Whether you’re going for the drive or the hike, High Falls is a must-visit place to see the fall foliage. Located about 32 kilometres from Timmins on Dalton Road, this series of tumbling cascades and rapids is a nature lover’s destination.
The crashing falls, powerful enough to emit mist and spray, is impressive year round, but the added splashes of colour in the surrounding forest makes autumn one of the best times to visit.
The trail into the falls is about 2.5 kilometres long, and takes about an hour to complete. It’s an easy walk, and the trail is open year-round.
Drive time: 40 minutes
This natural outdoor recreation gem minutes north of Timmins has a beach, lake and extensive network of trails for walking, hiking and winter activities, like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Stop at lookouts like Grouse Point, Jack Pine Lake and Rainbow Lake for beautiful views of the region’s stunning natural beauty. In the fall, look for stands of tall white birch trees topped with tufts of fluttering yellow leaves along the interconnected trails, which take hikers up and down by lakes and bogs. This area just outside of the city is home to many species of coniferous and deciduous trees, animals and birds.
Drive time: 10 minutes
Scenic, family-friendly Gillies Lake Conservation Area is full of deciduous trees ablaze with colour in the fall - plus it’s right in the heart of the city, providing an easy way to enjoy fall colours.
Located just north of Hollinger Park on the eastern edge of Timmins, this urban recreation space offers access to nature minutes from downtown, with easy, manicured trails and public outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. Take a 2.5-kilometre walk around the Gillies Lake Promenade loop, or enjoy a picnic on the beach or in the field. The park also features a playground for kids, and lit trails for evening use.
Drive time: a few minutes
This picturesque drive snakes through classic northern Ontario boreal forest, with coniferous evergreens and splashes of colour from aspen, poplar and birch. For spectacular views, take a geological walking tour at the A.Y. Jackson Lookout, named after the Group of Seven painter, outside of Sudbury.
This golden tunnel winds through pristine forest with few places to stop along the way and is sparsely travelled compared to busy Highway 11. But about halfway between Sudbury and Timmins is Watershed 144, a roadtripper’s oasis for food and souvenirs.
Drive time: 3 hours
Whether you’re staying in Timmins or it’s a stop on a longer Northern Ontario roadtrip, Highway 11 is a scenic drive well worth it in the fall. Head east from Timmins, then take Highway 11 south toward Temagami. Drive for an hour or three, taking in the oranges, reds, pinks, yellows and browns reflected in shimmering lakes along the way. Unlike some of the southern routes jammed with tourists, this stretch of the highway is quieter, allowing travellers to take their time. Be sure to stop along the way. Long, narrow Kenogamissi Lake just south of Timmins is a great spot to pull over for photos.
Drive time: 3 hours
Crisp fall air and cool, sunny days make fall the perfect time for outdoor activities in the area. Timmins is surrounded by nature and fall colour is on display everywhere you look. Take a hike or drive to see the best of the changing leaves, but be sure to check out some of the views and tours in town, too.
Hollinger Lookout offers a look down into an active gold mine, as well as panoramic views of the city - and, of course, colourful canopies surrounding it. The lookout, located off Brunette Road, just south of Hollinger Park, also offers a chance to learn about the city’s role in mining, past and present.
Cedar Meadows, a resort and spa on 175 acres of northern Ontario natural beauty, offers wildlife tours daily at 3 p.m. (rain or shine!). Its wilderness trail winds past the wolf enclosure, giving visitors a rare, up-close view of wolves. The resort even offers a chance to “sleep with the wolves” in a glass bedroom in their forested habitat.
From about June until Thanksgiving, visit the Mountjoy Farmer’s Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon for fresh food and local crafts offered by dozens of vendors. The market is located on Riverside Drive, west of the Mattagami River.
Fall in Timmins is a celebration of colour and nature. From serene conservation areas to spectacular waterfalls and long scenic drives, this Northern Ontario destination offers endless ways to experience autumn’s beauty. Pack a camera, hit the road, and catch the colours before they’re gone.
