Muskoka Fall Colour Hot Spots
Set Out and Experience Stunning Muskoka Colours this Fall
Spending time in Muskoka during fall is an experience that goes unmatched. Nature begins its greatest show, as the forests surrounding pristine blue lakes come to life with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. There is NEVER a grey fall day when the autumn leaves begin to change. Fall colours usually last for a month, splitting the time between September and October – with the peak being the first weekend of October. So where are the best spots to immerse yourself in nature’s most colourful show? Here’s our top must-stop places to build into your fall colour route.
1. Algonquin Provincial Park Route
Oxtongue River – Ragged Falls
Directions: Head east on Hwy 60 and look for the Oxtongue River sign.
One of the top 10 waterfalls in Ontario and close to Deerhurst and Algonquin Park, Ragged Falls offers a short trail that leads from the parking lot to a lookout of the thundering whitewater falls.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Directions: Head east on Hwy 60 (about 30 minutes from Deerhurst to the park’s West Gate)
Note: Vehicle Park Permits require advance reservation – reserve here. Local tip — plan your visit midweek to avoid the crowds.
Algonquin Provincial Park offers some of the most remarkable Fall colour experiences in the country, in a truly iconic Canadian wilderness setting. It’s not uncommon to spot a moose from the Hwy 60 corridor or other wildlife. Just be sure to pull off the side of the road to get a better look and stay well back of any wildlife.
- Algonquin Park Visitor Centre – Located at km 43 of Hwy 60 in Algonquin Park the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre has world class exhibits on the Park’s natural and human history.
- Algonquin Park Art Centre – Located at km 20 of Hwy 60 in Algonquin Park. The Algonquin Art Centre has an indoor gallery consisting of three wings and an outdoor gallery.ca
- Algonquin Park Lookout Trail – Located at km 39.7 of Hwy 60, The Lookout Trail is a 1.9 km loop trail that is fairly steep and rugged, but rewards the hiker with a magnificent view of several hundred square kilometres of Algonquin.
- Algonquin Park Logging Museum – Located at km 54.5 of Hwy 60, the Logging Museum brings to life the story of logging in Algonquin Park.
2. Around Huntsville
Deerhurst Resort – Lookout Trail & Sanctuary Trail (Woodland Heights)
Pick up a hiking map and explore the countryside around this resort’s 760 acres. The Lookout Trail starts just opposite the main parking lot at the Pavilion and rewards the uphill trek with magical views of the resort and Peninsula Lake stretching off into the distance. A short drive across to the other side of the canal brings you to the Sanctuary Trail, a 5 km resort-owned trail hidden within the Woodland Heights neighborhood. This relatively easy loop meanders through dense woods, skirting wetlands with a rushing creek poking through here and there. (Click on link above for directions.)
Arrowhead Provincial Park – Stubb’s Falls & Big Bend Lookout Trail
Directions: Head north on Hwy 11 and take the first exit for Arrowhead Park, located at 451 Arrowhead Park Rd.
Note: Vehicle Park Permits require advance reservation – reserve here.
This gem of a park is just a short 10-minute drive from Deerhurst and a wonderful spot to explore. The Stubbs Falls trail runs about 2km and follows the Little East River to a roaring waterfall rushing over the rocks. Or if you want a shorter walk the Big Bend Lookout Trail is another great option that offers a National Geographic-worthy view of the cliffs sloping dramatically to the winding river far below.
Indian’s Landing Point, Port Sydney
Directions: Take Hwy 11 south, turn left on South Mary Lake Rd.
The maple tree located at Indian’s Landing Point in Port Sydney, is a local icon and has even received the heritage tree designation from Forest Ontario. Known affectionately as ‘The Family Tree’, this wonder that stretches out towards the river turns a vibrant red, and attracts many a photographer.
Lion’s Lookout Trail
Located right in the heart of Huntsville, Lion’s Lookout Trail is 1.3km that follows the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake, crosses the Portage Flyer railway tracks and then heads up a steep slope which offers a view of Fairy Lake and the surrounding area. The views overlooking the town and lakes are definitely worth the climb up! Trail is accessed at the Forbes Hill Dr. and Camp Kitchen Rd. intersection behind the Active Living Centre at the Canada Summit Centre.
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve
Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve is a peaceful, year-round wilderness haven with twenty private lakes and more than 10,000 unspoiled acres of mixed forest. Take Hwy 60 east and turn left on Limberlost Rd. (about 10km). Turn right on South Limberlost Rd. (about 9km). Open daily 9am – 5pm.
Dorset Fire Tower – Lookout 
With a breathtaking 360 degree view, the observation deck of this historic tower stands 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays. Open daily 9am – 6pm until Thanksgiving weekend. After Thanksgiving the Tower will remain open weather permitting. Call ahead 705-766-1032. Entrance fees apply. Note: There are a number of stairs to get up to the observation deck. Take Hwy 60 east and exit at Hwy 35 toward Dorset/Lindsay, turn right onto Dorset Scenic Tower Rd.
Just minutes from Algonquin Park, Deerhurst Resort is the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring. Check out Deerhurst Resort’s value-packed Fall getaway packages here.