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Seven Spectacular Fall Drives

Autumn is here, the price of gas has leveled off and it’s a great time to hit the road to view some spectacular scenery. The colorful foliage of fall can be found all over the Canadian north and northern United States. Here are a few different highways that will give you an excellent take on this annual display.

The I-90 from Niagara Falls to New York and New England

Yes, many people do not like to take their tourism dollars outside of Canada, but the vistas offered by a drive through the Adirondacks or down to the coast of Maine or Massachusetts are uniquely spectacular. There are also numerous stops along this highway that allow you to take a variety of photos of the sweeping view.

Head all the way to the coast of Massachusetts and you might catch some lingering warm weather well suited for one last dip in the ocean at one of the many beaches in Boston or nearby Gloucester, MA.

You can head down a little later in October, as the leaves change colour a few weeks later than they do here in Canada.

Adirondack Park, New York

The highway from Montreal to Albany affords more spectacular vistas of the “colourful scenery of reddery and greenery.”

The Laurentian Mountains of Quebec

Straight up Highway 15 from Montreal is Mont-Tremblant National Park. Some people argue that this offers some of the most beautiful scenery in all of eastern North America. The last week in September, Tremblant's Symphonie des Couleurs is celebrated with events, shows, concerts and competitions.

Like to golf? Play golf all night at Tremblant’s 24 Hours of Golf. Get up at the crack of dawn and enjoy a spectacular sunrise that might distract you from hitting the green – but it’ll be worth it.

Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick

Start at the Eastern end of the Bay of Fundy and head down to the border of Maine. Circle along 95 and Highway 2 back through Fredericton or just double back on the Coast Drive. You’ll catch many spectacular scenes of colour, coastline and countryside.

Highway 60 Through Algonquin Park, Ontario

The gem of Ontario offers not only spectacular leafery but a host of wildlife such as moose grazing at the side of the road or (if you’re lucky – and careful) a bear or wolf.

Stanley Park, Vancouver – and anywhere else in BC

Because British Columbia has a more temperate climate it’s not as renowned as Ontario and other points East for fall colours. Still, it holds some magical scenery at this time of year just as it does for much of the rest of the year. Take the Stanley Park Drive ring around the park for a nice afternoon out.

Any trip through the interior of British Columbia any time of the year will grant you some spectacular scenery.

From Calgary, Trans-Canada West to 93 to Rocky Mountain House

A spectacular drive through the foothills and the Rocky Mountains. We’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend the majestic beauty of the Rockies for any scenic drive, any time of the year.

Of course, these are just a few of the routes you might take as you look for fantastic photos and feasts for the eyes. Much of Canada turns from plain beautiful to fantastic this time of year as we head into the fullness of autumn.

When’s the best time of day?

Try getting out of bed at the crack of dawn and head out as the morning dew is burning off into fog. You’ll get some fantastic photos and you’re far more likely to see some wildlife, out fattening up for another winter.