4 Places to Go Leaf Peeping Near Toronto, Canada
Whether you're looking for hikes, scenic runs, or leisurely drives, this guide has something for every fall foliage chaser!
Similar to New York City’s Central Park, High Park is an urban park to the west of the concrete jungle of Toronto and just north of Lake Ontario. But at 399 acres, it’s MUCH larger than Central Park. High Park is very easy drive but I actually ended up running the five miles from downtown to get there. It’s a beautiful (and exhausting!) run along the Lake. The park has several hiking trails, waterfront areas, a zoo, children’s playgrounds, a couple restaurants and tons of beautiful gardens.
Toronto Island is a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal located west of the Westin Harbor hotel at 9 Queens Quay West. You can buy tickets online or at the terminal. On the island, you can rent bikes, check out the children’s playgrounds, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the beach. The island has a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline and tons of beautiful fall foliage sprinkled throughout.
If you have a car in Toronto and are looking for more of a drive, check out Dundas Peak/Tew’s Falls. It’s a little over an hour from downtown Toronto and in the fall months, I would have driven two hours for the view! The view of the falls is an easy 5 minute walk from the Tew’s Falls parking lot. From there, the walk to Dundas Peak is about 15 minutes through a winding, but very easy, wooded pathway. It’s just a dirt path so I would recommend sneakers, boots or at least shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Niagara Falls is about an hour and a half drive west of Toronto. It’s an easy drive but there is also a train which takes about 3 hours. There are several bus options as well that depart from downtown Toronto.
There is a Canadian side of the falls as well as an American side. On the Canadian side, you’ll find several bars, restaurants, hotels and casinos. Note that if you want to drive to the American side of the Falls, you will need your passport or enhanced driver’s license. But I’ve always gone to the Canadian side because to me there is more to do such as the casinos and nightlife.
For day time attractions, the Maid of the Mist tour that takes you to the base of the falls with a complimentary rain poncho is a must!
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