As Toronto settles into sweater weather and pumpkin spice season, nature is putting on its most colourful show.
From fiery forests to peaceful lakeside trails, Ontario’s provincial parks are bursting with autumn charm — and many are just a short drive away from the city!
We’ve partnered with our road-trip loving friends at Subaru Canada to share some of the top parks near Toronto you need to check out:
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Silent Lake Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2.5 hours northeast, on the way to Bancroft
If you’re looking to fall off the grid (pun intended), Silent Lake is your go-to.
This peaceful park is surrounded by sugar maples that explode into colour each autumn. And with fewer crowds, late fall is a great time to spot the wildlife that call Silent Lake home!
Paddle across the mirror-like Silent Lake, hike the rugged trails, or stay overnight in a cozy yurt or cabin to soak in the full fall experience.
Guarantee your entry to Silent Lake by booking your vehicle permit in advance!
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Darlington Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 45 minutes east, near Oshawa
Darlington is a great GTA destination just off Highway 401, minutes from Oshawa.
The Burk Trail winds through golden meadows and forests before opening up to a stunning Lake Ontario lookout — ideal for a crisp morning walk and a thermos of hot apple cider.
The park also features a long sandy beach, excellent day-use and picnic facilities, and group areas for larger gatherings or camping trips.
Nature lovers can explore additional trails like McLaughlin Bay and Robinson Creek, while families can enjoy open spaces for games and relaxation.
Guarantee your entry to Darlington by booking your vehicle permit in advance!
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Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: just over 1 hour north, 20 minutes outside Beaverton
Fall transforms Sibbald Point from a bustling summer hotspot into a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
While the beach draws crowds in warmer months, autumn brings understated beauty — goldenrods and asters bloom across meadows, attracting butterflies, beetles, and birds like goldfinches.
The Maidenhair Fern Trail is an ideal spot for getting out in nature. This trail is fairly flat, easy to travel, and features interpretive signs about the habitats along the path.
With fewer visitors in the fall, migrating warblers, cool-weather fungi, and elusive wildlife like Red Foxes and Wild Turkeys become easier to spot.
Guarantee your entry to Sibbald Point by making a reservation in advance!
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Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2 hours 7 minutes northeast
Balsam Lake is a hidden gem in the fall.
The park’s calm lake is perfect for paddling, and anglers will enjoy fishing for bass, walleye, and muskellunge.
The Lookout Trail offers panoramic views of the Kawartha Lakes region, painted in autumn hues.
Fall also brings quieter trails and better chances to spot wildlife like loons, hawks, and migrating songbirds.
Guarantee your entry to Balsam Lake by making a reservation in advance!
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Awenda Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2 hours 20 minutes north, near Penetanguishene
Awenda is a fall favourite and for good reason!
Located on Georgian Bay, Awenda’s trails, lakes, shorelines, fens, bogs, and campgrounds offer a mix of habitat for a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Bluff Trail offers sweeping views over the bay, which is especially stunning when framed by fiery Red Maples in late autumn.
Awenda also has a barrier-free trail called the Beaver Pond Trail.
It’s a 700 m loop located in a nature reserve zone. Visitors in wheelchairs can follow the platform to the water’s edge for a view of the beautiful lake.
Don’t forget your camera — this is one of those places where every turn feels like a postcard!
Guarantee your entry to Awenda by making a reservation in advance!
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Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 1 hour 20 minutes northwest, near Alliston
Earl Rowe is a family-friendly destination with a fantastic system of trails, featuring options for short jaunts and longer half-day treks.
The Rainbow Run Trail loops through forest and field, offering a peaceful stroll through autumn’s best. Keep an eye out for deer and Wild Turkeys along the way.
The Boyne River is also a great place to view salmon spawning in the fall.
Guarantee your entry to Earl Rowe by making a reservation in advance!
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John E. Pearce Provincial Park
Distance from downtown Toronto: 2.5 hours southwest, near St. Thomas
Perched atop the Lake Erie bluffs, John E. Pearce is a must-see for fall colour seekers.
This small but mighty park features a rare Carolinian forest that glows with golden hues in autumn.
The Spicer Trail has fifteen interpretive stops winding through century-old hardwoods, leading to a stunning lookout over the lake.
The Wetland ‘Storey’ Trail meanders through a significant wetland restoration area where visitors can enjoy the landscape from a viewing platform. Birders will love the variety of species found here, especially during fall migration!
Guarantee your entry to John E. Pearce by making a reservation in advance!
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Where will you visit in 2025?
With so many incredible parks just a short drive from Toronto, there’s no better time to hit the road and soak in the season (and the beautiful fall colours!).
Check out this list of must-haves for the perfect fall colours experience.
And be sure to book your daily vehicle permit or campsite in advance to guarantee your spot!
Ontario Parks thanks corporate partners like Subaru Canada for their support.
