As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, Almaguin is rolling out a new campaign to capture autumn visitors — and it comes with a playful twist: a “Fall Colour Crawl.”
The initiative, launched under the Explore Almaguin brand, takes a “choose your own adventure” approach, encouraging tourists, cottagers, and residents to explore scenic drives, hiking trails, lookouts, and hidden gems across the region. The goal is to extend tourism beyond the busy summer months, tapping into what’s known as the shoulder season.
“Shoulder-season activities allow us to extend the tourist season well beyond the busy summer months, which means more consistent business for restaurants, shops and accommodations,” said Courtney Metcalf, Almaguin’s economic development officer. “It also helps spread out visitation, reducing pressure on peak-season infrastructure and public spaces.”
The Fall Colour Crawl includes a regional guide filled with images, videos, and suggested activities, from stargazing and cycling to family-friendly leaf hunts. According to communications officer Megan Yemm, the campaign is already seeing strong engagement. “We set out to make Almaguin easy to explore in the fall — to appeal to adventurists and family memory builders,” she said.
Still, challenges remain. Competing with nearby Muskoka for attention has long been difficult, and the unpredictability of fall colours adds another hurdle. To help visitors plan, officials point travellers to the Ontario Fall Colour Report for updates on foliage peaks.
Both Yemm and Metcalf stressed the importance of collaboration. Local municipalities, businesses, and community groups are working together under the Explore Almaguin banner to strengthen the region’s visibility. Social media, they say, is also playing a crucial role in boosting recognition and attracting new visitors.
“It’s been a challenge to get Almaguin on the map as a fall destination,” Yemm admitted. “But with collective effort and creative promotions like the Fall Colour Crawl, we’re showing people that our region offers just as much magic as any other autumn getaway.”