The fall colours in Ontario for 2024 may not be as vibrant as previous years, but there’s still time to catch the stunning autumn scenery. A hot, humid summer combined with heavy rainfall has put stress on trees, causing some to change colours earlier than usual, according to experts.
Alison Morrison, University of Guelph Arboretum manager and certified arborist, explained to The Weather Network that this early shift may lead to less spectacular colours overall.
Despite this, many parts of Ontario have started to see peak fall foliage. In Algonquin Park, sugar maples dominate the forest, displaying yellow, orange, and brown tones, according to a report from Friends of Algonquin Park on September 30. The report notes that this week and weekend offer a prime opportunity to witness a wide range of colours from different tree species. Visitors should be aware that reservations for day-use permits are required during the busy fall season.
In other areas of the province, parks are at various stages of fall transformation. North of Peterborough, parks like Lake St. Peter, Petroglyphs, and Silent Lake are reaching their peak colours. In eastern Ontario, parks such as Frontenac and Charleston Lake are also nearing peak, while parks closer to Ottawa, including Rideau River and Fitzroy, remain mostly green and are a few weeks away from prime viewing.
Darlington Park near Oshawa is showing vibrant red and orange hues this week, while southern Ontario parks, such as Bronte Creek and Forks of the Credit, are just beginning to turn and may peak around Thanksgiving. The Pinery in western Ontario remains mostly green.
For those hoping to catch the best fall colours this weekend, heading north is your best bet. However, mid-to-late October may be the ideal time for the southern regions to reach their full autumn glory.