Spectacular, Spectacular

It’s hard to say goodbye to everyone’s favourite season, but there’s no point prolonging the inevitable. Bid adieu to patios, late-night strolls and beach volleyball in favour of hitting up Canada’s best settings to watch fall arrive. Lifestyle has chosen breathtaking locales across the nation that put on the year’s most vibrant shows. Sipping warm apple cider on a crisp autumn day makes for an easier farewell to summer, doesn’t it?

British Columbia
VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver  
Twenty-two hectares of gorgeous green foliage changes to red and orange during the autumn months in VanDusen Botanical Garden. This Vancouver spot is perfect for a relaxing stroll or scenic cycling to take in nature’s colourful finesse. Expect to see the yellows of Gingko trees, the purples of Asters and Autumn Crocus and the reds of Japanese Maples. Vancouver.ca/PARKS/parks/vandusen/website

Alberta
The River Valley, Edmonton
Known as the “Ribbon of Green,” Edmonton’s River Valley is the ideal location for fall colour viewing. The valley stretches along the North Saskatchewan River and areas within the city. It features winding trails, myriad parks and stunning plant life. The bursting autumn hues and falling leaves make fall a popular season for this particular place. Perch yourself on The High Level Bridge and take in the 7,400-hectare valley as a whole. Edmontonrivervalley.com

Ontario
High Park, Toronto
Believe it or not, even Canada’s largest city has a natural sanctuary or two. High Park is the biggest park in Toronto and even as fall approaches, there are plenty of activities to pursue including free walking tours that take you through the “autumn splendor” specifically. Watching the burnt orange leaves flow along the stream from the water bridge is a must. Highpark.org

Prince Edward Island
Appin Road, P.E.I.
P.E.I. is known for one of the longest fall viewing seasons in North America due to the warm water coming from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait, so take your time and enjoy the show from a variety of locales. Appin Road, located in Queens County, P.E.I., hosts an exuberant autumn show. Fallen yellow leaves line the road while red and green foliage clings to branches of white and black birch. Easily accessible and perfect for a late-afternoon stroll, Appin Road is the ultimate destination to greet fall. Gov.pe.ca

Newfoundland
Bristol’s Hope
The small community of Bristol’s Hope in the Baccalieu region is host to a beautiful array of autumn shades. The mix of trees and plant life offers a stunning visual to lucky locals and those passing through. Bristol’s Hope is located on Conception Bay between Carbonear and Harbour Grace, and boasts a perfect view of the harbour. Create the perfect photo-op for you and the brilliant crimson and ginger foliage that dot the area. Baccalieutourism.com

Nova Scotia
Cabot Trail, Cape Breton
The fall nature of Nova Scotia is on picture-perfect display along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. The trail winds along the northern part of the island and is perfect for a drive, cycling or hiking. Along the way you’ll see Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its plush and multi-coloured peaks and valleys. Cabottrail.com