Fall colour sightseeing tours in Ontario

Scenic flights and hot air balloon tours

Hot air balloon rides with Sundance Balloons

Sundance Balloons operates in several Ontario locations with seasonal sunrise and sunset sightseeing excursions over cities and countryside landscapes.

Weather-dependent one-hour flights are offered between May and October. Prices are based on the number of passengers and time of flight.

Locations: Kitchener-Waterloo, London and Ottawa

Great Lakes Helicopter

Combine three of Ontario’s most beloved things in an epic afternoon adventure: autumn colour, scenic lake views and amazing food and drink on an unforgettable helicopter adventure. 

Location: 4685 Fountain Street North, Cambridge

1000 Islands Helicopter Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the 1000 Islands region from a first-class seat in the air. 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offer planned tours, special packages and customizable charters.

Prices vary based on tour or package.

Location: 88 County Road 32, Leeds & Thousand Islands, Gananoque

Papple Aviation scenic flights

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron and the southwestern Ontario landscape from above from March or April to early November.

To enjoy a longer flight, select a departure from the Seaforth farm. Papple Aviation also offers short local flights and longer day trips.

Locations: Flights are available from several airports; main bases are Seaforth and Goderich

Fly over Muskoka with Lake Country Airways

Set out on a sightseeing tour of a lifetime with Lake Country Airways. Soar above Muskoka’s scenic lakes, islands, villages and resorts all bathed in rich fall colour.

Sightseeing tours require a minimum of two people and depart from Parry Sound Harbour. Book in advance online.

Location: 11a Bay Street, Parry Sound

Train and rail tours

Fall colour excursions with South Simcoe Railway

Climb into a restored 1920s rail coach in Tottenham and ride the rails along the century-old line that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood.

Today, the train travels through Beeton Creek Valley on an hour-long round trip. The popular tour includes the conductor’s commentary on the history of the line, train travel and railways in Canada.

Fall colour excursions run on select dates in September and October. Advance reservation is required.

Location: South Simcoe Railway Station, Mill Street West, Tottenham

Ride the Agawa Canyon Tour Train

This 183-kilometre, ten-hour rail excursion takes you deep into the Canadian Shield and offers views of pristine northern lakes, granite rock formations, dense forest, stunning fall foliage and potential wildlife sightings.

Passengers are treated to an onboard audio guide that identifies points of interest and recounts the region’s rich history with stories of the Ojibwe, fur traders, explorers, entrepreneurs and the famed Group of Seven painters.

The season generally runs from early August to mid-October. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance. Free parking is available at the station depot in Sault Ste. Marie.

Location: 87 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Lake and river cruises

Liftlock cruises on the Trent Severn Waterway

Explore the historic Trent Severn Waterway during the fall season with Liftlock Cruises.

The three-hour tour begins at Little Lake and travels north through the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock. Passengers will enjoy an informative commentary from the captain on the history of the waterway and the locks. Enjoy a fully licenced snack bar on board as you sit back and take in the scenic fall colours.

The cruise departs on select days in September and October, rain or shine.

Location: 92 George Street North, Peterborough

Fall colour cruises on Muskoka Steamships

Cruise Lake Muskoka and view stunning fall colour on board the Wenonah II steamship. Choose from a variety of excursions, with meal service options.

Wenonah II cruises run until early October. Prices vary with cruise options.  Book in advance online.

Location: 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst

Gondolas and chairlift rides

Fall colours chairlift at Calabogie Peaks

Get tickets well in advance for the popular fall colour viewing ride at Calabogie Peaks in the Ottawa Valley. The chairlift rides will run from September 19 to October 12, 2026.

Location: 30 Barrett Chute Road, Greater Madawaska

Autumn chairlift rides at Sir Sam’s

For a colour view without the climb, ride the chairlift up Sir Sam’s in the Haliburton Highlands. The slow trip lifts you over a hardwood forest. It is an easy, all-ages way to get above the treetops for the view.

Location: Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride, 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake

Open-air gondola at Blue Mountain

Admire the spectacular emeralds, golds and scarlet of the Niagara Escarpment from the open-air gondola at Blue Mountain Resort, which offers a perfect 360-degree view of this natural wonder.

Location: 150 Jozo Weider Boulevard, Unit AS8, The Blue Mountains

Fall colours tour at Searchmont Resort

Take in stunning views of fall foliage as you ride the Goulais Lift up the mountain at Searchmont. Check the height requirement and purchase tickets in advance.

Location: 103 Searchmont Resort Road, Searchmont

Fall chair lift rides at Kelso

Conservation Halton operates chairlift rides at Kelso during the autumn season. Ride to the top of the hills on the Ridge Chairlift and down on the Limestone Chairlift to view the Escarpment and enjoy spectacular views of the fall colours along the way.

Location: 5234 Kelso Road, Milton

Whether you prefer an intimate autumn escape or a full-day adventure, Ontario’s scenic fall colour tours deliver unforgettable views you’ll want to revisit every year.