The CN Tower makes the perfect backdrop to the fall colours
As the crisp air settles in, Toronto transforms into a vibrant display of nature’s finest autumn hues, creating a striking backdrop for the season.
While we only have a few short weeks to witness the full spectrum of fall colours, the city offers plenty of spots to make the most of it. Below are five of the best places to enjoy the fall colours in Toronto.
Evergreen Brick Works
Located in Toronto’s east end, on the site of a former quarry and historic brick factory, Evergreen Brick Works is a multi-use space that focuses on the environment and sustainability. It’s an oasis in the middle of the city.
Surrounding the main buildings are walkways and trails, the Children’s Garden, and the Quarry Garden with a pond that photographers will love for reflective shots. Walk the switchbacks up to the Lookout for overhead views of the Evergreen Brick Works and the Toronto skyline.
While you’re at the Evergreen Brick Works, you can shop at the Evergreen Garden Market, pick up local goods at Toronto’s largest farmers’ market every Saturday, or relax at the Picnic Café which offers lots of drinks, pastries and hot foods to choose from.
There is paid parking available onsite and free shuttle service to and from Broadview Subway Station.
Moore Park Ravine
If you follow the trails from the Evergreen Brick Works, you’ll make your way to Moore Park Ravine, another great spot to take in those fall colours.
This 2 km stretch of the Beltline trail runs the length of the ravine from the Evergreen Brick Works northwest to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. It is lined with a canopy of maples, oaks and beech trees, which burst with red, orange and yellow colours in the fall months.
A landmark feature of Moore Park Ravine is the impressive Governor’s Bridge. Photographers will love the architectural photo ops it offers as it towers over the trail below. The beautiful juxtaposition of nature and urban elements really seems to pop with the fall colours.
Access points to Moore Park Ravine can be found at Moore Avenue, the pedestrian bridge at Heath Street and Hudson Drive, Chorley Park, and the Evergreen Brick Works.
Humber River Recreational Trail
The Humber River Recreational Trail is a multi-use recreational trail that stretches over 13 km and runs alongside the Humber River at the city’s west end. The trail is paved and well-maintained and is diverse in scenery, including wooded areas, tree-lined river views, and soaring bridges.
There are many access points to the Humber River Recreational Trail providing more opportunities to enjoy those fall colours including Edwards Gardens, the Old Mill, and Humber Bay Park on the shores of Lake Ontario.
You can walk, run or cycle the trail, and for an even more unique perspective of the colours, paddle along the Humber River in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Toronto Adventures offers kayak, canoe and SUP rentals at the Old Mill Station boat launch from Thursday to Sunday until the end of October.
Glen Stewart Ravine
Tucked in amongst a residential area, the Glen Stewart Ravine is a protected area in the Beaches neighbourhood.
There’s a 1.3 km out-and-back trail that runs through the ravine with a canopy of mature red oak and red maple trees stretching overhead. A large boardwalk cuts through a section of the trail and a great staircase gives you a 180-degree view of the foliage below.
This is a wonderful spot for a short walk through the forest while connecting to Glen Stewart Park and beyond. There are access points on Glen Manor Drive East and Beech Avenue, and you’re steps away from the shops and restaurants on Queen Street East.
High Park
It’s Toronto’s largest public park, so it’s no surprise that High Park makes the list of places to enjoy the fall colours.
Two-thirds of High Park, which spans almost 400 acres, remains in a natural state. Red oak, black cherry, and white birch trees are among the most common trees found in the park, turning the area into a sea of reds, oranges and yellows throughout the month of October.
There are countless ways to enjoy High Park in the fall, including multiple hiking trails, children’s playgrounds, and sports facilities. Grab a coffee and some tasty bites from one of the shops along Bloor Street West and enjoy a picnic throughout the ground.
My personal favourite spot is along the hill that overlooks the large maple leaf at the bottom of Hillside Garden with Grenadier Pond filling the background.
The best way to get around High Park is to walk or cycle. Cars can only enter through Parkside Drive in the east and exit onto Bloor Street in the north. Parking spots are very limited throughout the park, and there is no vehicle access on the weekends. The High Park subway station is a short walk to the Bloor Street entrance of High Park.
