aerial view of a train travelling past a lake and forest during the peak of fall colour

Agawa Canyon Tour Train | Destination Ontario

Fall colour sightseeing tours in Ontario

aerial view of a train travelling past a lake and forest during the peak of fall colour

Agawa Canyon Tour Train | Destination Ontario

Autumn is Ontario’s most dramatic season, with Mother Nature giving us an awe-inspiring performance of breathtaking colour.

Unfortunately, it’s also our shortest season. So don’t miss out!

Get yourself front row seats to the amazing fall foliage on one of these scenic tours before the curtain drops on this year’s natural show.

Southern Ontario

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.

Details: One-hour flights are offered between May and October and are based on weather conditions. Prices range from $275 to $345 based on number of vouchers and time of flight.

Locations: St. Jacobs, Kitchener-Waterloo, London and Ottawa

York-Durham Heritage Railway Fall Festival

All aboard a historic rail coach that chugs from Uxbridge to Stouffville across the picturesque Oak Ridges Moraine. The fleet includes converted passenger coaches, a caboose, box cars and even a kiddie trail. In addition to the train ride, the Fall Festival experience features a variety of activities for the whole to enjoy like a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and a hay maze.

Details: September 16-17, September 23-24, September 30-October 1 and October 7-8, 2023. Adult tickets cost $24.99, children aged two to twelve are $19.99, wheelchair accessible cars available. 

Location: The train travels between Uxbridge Train Station at 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge and Stouffville GO Station at 6176 Main Street, Stouffville

Great Lakes Helicopter Grand Bend tour

This fall, combine three of Ontario’s most beloved things in this epic afternoon adventure: autumn colour, scenic lake views and amazing food and drink.

Embark on a helicopter flight along the picturesque Lake Huron West coastline, over the fields and foliage of Huron County and enjoy award-winning local craft brews, wine and snacks.

Details: Cost and trip duration vary per tour. Call 1-877-648-3732 or 519-650-4542 or email info@glheli.com to book.

Location: Headquartered at 4685 Fountain Street North, Cambridge, tours departs from Grand Bend Airport, with additional tours available out of the Region of Waterloo International Airport. 

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 roundtrip. The popular tour includes the Conductor’s commentary on the story of the line, the train and rail history in Ontario.

Details: Fall colour excursions run on select dates in September and October, departing at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., advance reservation is required. Tickets cost between $9-$17 per person and can be purchased online or by telephone at 905-936-5815 using MasterCard or Visa. Get your tickets early as these sell out fast.

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

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 or customizable charters. Book ‘The Works Tour’ to see it all – the historical sites of Kingston, sunken ships and landmark castles.

Details: Summer and fall hours of operation May to November, daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Book online, prices vary based on tour or package. The Works Tour last a full hour and costs $475 each, requires a minimum of two passengers and includes a video and t-shirt.

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

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 travel north, through the world’s highest hydraulic liftlock. Passengers will enjoy an informative commentary from the captain on the history of the waterway and the locks. Licenced snack bar on board.

Details: Fall colour tours on select Sundays and Wednesdays in September and October, 2023, departing at 12:30 p.m. rain or shine. Costs $46.50 per person, call (705) 742-9912 to book.

Location: 92 George Street North, Peterborough

Hot air ballooning with Skyward Balloons

Set out on an early morning or evening excursion where you’ll float above the fields, trees and countryside with a bird’s eye view of all the vibrant fall colours. 

Details: Flights last approximately one hour however the full experience lasts for four hours, private two person sweetheart autumn flights start at $1,150 and include a complimentary sparkling beverage and a personalized flight certificate. Call toll free 1-888-314-4666 or 519-651-1833 to book. 

Location: Based in Kitchener-Waterloo, meeting times and launch sites vary across Southwestern Ontario throughout the season.

Papple Aviation scenic flights and aerial photography

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron and the southwestern Ontario landscape from above.

Details: Flexible flights offered from spring and well into the fall season.

Location: Flights available from five airports including Seaforth, Goderich, Wingham, Lucan (near London) and Port Elgin.

Central Ontario

Fall colour cruises on Muskoka Steamships

Cruise Lake Muskoka and view stunning fall colour onboard the Wenonah II steamship. Cruise options vary from one to two-hour excursions, as well as High Tea and lunch service.

Details: Wenonah II cruises run until early-October. Prices vary with cruise options, book in advance online.

Location: Gravenhurst dock at 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst

Open-air gondola at Blue Mountain

A spectrum of spectacular emeralds, golds and scarlet blanket the Niagara Escarpment in fall and the open-air gondola at Blue Mountain Resort provides the perfect 360-degree view of this natural wonder. 

Details: Get unlimited, single-day access to the open-air gondola with an Explore All Day Pass (available online), which also provides access to Blue Mountain’s network of hiking and cross-country trails. Seasonal prices range between $10 for kids to $22 for adults. Guests can also use Play All Day or Season Passes. The gondolas run until mid-October, check season hours. In addition to overnight visitors, there are four parking lots open to day guests, as well as a direct messaging service for parking availability.

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

Fly over Muskoka with Georgian Bay Airways

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

Alternative tours include flying over the 30,000 Islands, fly and dine excursions or a romantic sunset Champaign trip. Private and charter adventures are also available.

Details: Sightseeing tours are based on a minimum of two people, departing from Parry Sound Harbour, book at least 48 hours in advance online or call 1-800-786-1704

Fall Colours Tours are offered until mid-October, 45 minutes in length and cost $220 per adult. Free four-hour and all-day parking is available in downtown Parry Sound. 

Location: 11a Bay Street, Harbour Dock, Parry Sound

Scenic chairlift rides at Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride

The panoramic view of Eagle Lake, Moose Lake and the dazzling fall colours of Haliburton Highlands under wide open skies from the viewing area at the top of Sir Sam’s ski hill is incredible. What makes it even more enjoyable is the seven-minute scenic chairlift ride and down the hill.

Details: Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride is running their chairlifts on weekends throughout the fall season from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on site and cost $7 per person, $20 for a family or get the lift access with a $10 hiking pass. 

Location: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake

Northern Ontario

Explore Algoma on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train

This 182-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.

Details: Train tickets are available for purchase online for the 2023 season which runs August 3 through to October 15. Cost is between $70 for kids to $155 for adults. These sell out fast. Free parking is available at the station depot in Sault Ste. Marie. Email contact@agawatrail.com for accessibility details.

Location: Train Station Depot at 99 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Last updated: March 27, 2024

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