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If you’re craving the perfect fall road trip from Montreal, it’s time to set your GPS to Muskoka, Ontario. This spot isn’t just one of Canada’s most popular vacation destinations—it’s a foliage dreamland, brimming with fiery fall colours and cozy charm.
Around a six-hour drive from Montreal, Muskoka is often described as “the Hamptons of the North,” complete with glistening lakes, endless hiking trails, and jaw-dropping lookout points. During the autumn, it’s bursting with fun fall activities that’ll make you want to soak up the season for as long as possible.
If you’re ready to stretch your legs after the drive, Muskoka’s hiking trails won’t disappoint. According to Discover Muskoka, the region actually has the “best fall colours in Ontario” and on foot is one of the best ways to enjoy them.
To make the most of the foliage, consider exploring the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, which sprawls over 10,000 acres and features 20 private lakes and 70 kilometres of trails.
If you want a good view without breaking too much of a sweat, Muskoka’s lookout points are perfect. Climb the Dorset Lookout Tower for panoramic autumn views of the surrounding forests (although keep in mind that this closes towards the end of October).
If heights aren’t your thing, Lion’s Lookout is a shorter climb but still gives you an incredible view that’ll make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a painting.
If the weather’s bad or you want to skip the hiking altogether, there are also a number of scenic driving routes that wind through tunnels of colourful leaves and where “sections of the road are like a canopy.” You can cozy up in your car, windows down, hot drink in hand, as you drive through vibrant forests and around sparkling lakes.
That’s not all. You can also marvel at the fall colours via a steamship cruise or on horseback. When you’re leafed-out, stop for a seasonal pint at Sawdust City Brewery.
Although peak leaf-peeping season is on its way out, there’s still time to catch the end of the colourful autumn scenery.
Discover Muskoka says that although the colours generally peak between late September and mid-October, you can keep up to date with how the foliage looks on their website.
Even when the autumn colours do start to fade, Muskoka’s small towns like Bracebridge and Gravenhurst remain as cozy as ever. You’ll find snug cafes, cute little shops, and local festivals that make a perfect pit stop between foliage-spotting.
Given all of its charm and beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that Muskoka is a celeb-favourite escape. Big-name stars like David and Victoria Beckham and Justin Bieber are known to vacation here, giving Muskoka a low-key luxe appeal. Who knows? You might even spot a familiar face as you’re exploring!
Muskoka, Ontario
Address: Muskoka, ON
Why You Need To Go: Grab your coziest sweater, throw on your best playlist, and hit the road for a perfect fall escape from Montreal.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
