17 Stunning Spots To See The Best Fall Colours in Niagara
As the long hot days begin to cool down, the changing of the leaves is a sure sign that autumn has arrived. Ontarians are fortunate that we often have a long fall season and a varied burst of golds and reds – and Niagara is no different. Hiking is one of the best autumn things to do in Ontario to truly enjoy the season! With the Niagara Escarpment as your backdrop, there’s no shortage of spots to admire the fall colours in Niagara!
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Top Destinations For Fall Colours in Niagara
While the season can vary from year to year, the best time to see fall foliage in Ontario is typically within the last week of September until the middle of October. It’s not uncommon for the colours to be in full swing during the Thanksgiving weekend! To top it off, the Niagara Region is often the last to lose its leaves so keep this in mind when planning your fall adventure.
From leisurely trails perfect for the kids to hilly tracks overlooking Lake Ontario, you’ll certainly get your fill of foliage. Now, let’s get to the list of top destinations for fall colours in Niagara!
INSIDER TIP: Every year, Ontario Parks shares its fall colour report here. While it only updates the foliage for Ontario provincial parks, it will give you a sense of what the colours look like for the area.
The Niagara Glen is a Top Destination for Fall Colours in Niagara
Best Fall Colours in Niagara Falls: Niagara Glen
Address: 3050 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON [map]
Parking: $8 Per Hour in Paid Parking Lot
Speaking of Carolinian Forest, the Niagara Glen is home to one of the last pristine examples of it. That means plenty of species whose leaves burst into that bold vermillion. Combine this with the stark turquoise of the Niagara River and you have one seriously impeccable autumn scene. This incredible combination is what makes the Niagara Glen the top destination to visit for fall colours in Niagara.
The Niagara Glen offers 8 different hiking trails as well as one bouldering trail. They all intertwine and connect making it easy to create various loops throughout the property. Whether you choose to do a handful or explore all the trails, make sure you explore the River Trail as it leads you along the base of the Niagara Gorge. This is where you’ll find the best fall views in the Niagara Glen!
RELATED: Everything you need to know in order to tackle these trails can be found in my guide to the Niagara Glen.
Honestly, I’d say this is easily one of the best places to see fall colours in Ontario. Seeing as some (aka me) claim that the Niagara Glen is the best hike in the Niagara Region, it’s no wonder these trails are a must in the autumn months!
Yes, the Water is THAT Teal & Looks Even Moreso Against the Fall Foliage!
Additional Spots for Fall Colours in Niagara Falls
It’s not secret that many head to Niagara Falls to see the natural beauty of the trifecta of waterfalls – the Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls. The area is busy in the summer but come autumn, the crowds die down and the colours makes the area even more special. Here are some other destinations within the city as well as ways to enjoy the incredible fall foliage in Niagara Falls!
Dufferin Islands – This is a fantastic place for families with young children to enjoy the fall colours. The trails are short and flat while still offering plenty of space to frolic. Pack a picnic and soak up the sunny days before winter arrives!
Helicopter Tour – If you really want to take your leaf peeping to the next level, splurge a little and book a helicopter tour. Take to the skies and you’ll be able to see just how magical the area is with all the golds and reds! You’ll see not just the falls but other hot spots in Niagara Falls such as Queen Victoria Park, the Niagara Parkway and Whirlpool State Park on the US side.
Whirlpool Aerocar – There’s a chance that the helicopter tour is outside of your budget and if that’s the case, the Whirlpool Aerocar is a great secondary option. While you won’t see the falls from above, you’ll enjoy the force of the Niagara River’s whirlpool as it twists and turns below.
White Water Walk – While this is a seasonal attraction with Niagara Parks, it accessible until early November so you can catch the brilliant colours popping against the bright turquoise of the Niagara River’s class VI rapids. You can see it and the Whirlpool Aerocar with one of the Niagara Parks passes which will also give you admission to a number of additional Niagara Parks attractions at a discounted rate!
The Niagara Parkway – Continue along what’s been dubbed one of the prettiest drives in the world and explore all that these 56 kilometres have to offer. Whether you head towards Niagara-on-the-Lake or down to Fort Erie, you’ll be treated to numerous lookouts as you drive parallel to the Niagara River.
Terrace Creek Falls in Short Hills Provincial Park in Late Fall
Best Fall Colours in St Catharines: Short Hills Provincial Park
Address: Pelham Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7 [map]
Parking: Free in the three lots around the park
Say hello to the only provincial park in Niagara! Established in 1985, Short Hills Provincial Park is 660 hectares (approximately 1630 acres) in size. There are seven hiking trails at Short Hills Provincial Park of all lengths and skill levels. It’s easy to spend an hour, an afternoon or even a full day exploring! Plus it’s classified as a non-operating provincial park meaning only passive activities such as hiking are available here. However, that means it’s also free to visit! These are just a few of the reasons why Short Hills Provincial Park is a popular hiking destination in St Catharines.
While you’ll find Ontario’s famous Bruce Trail once again, there are a number of other features to look out for in Short Hills Provincial Park. The biggest draw is Swayze Falls off of the Palaeozoic Path. A tributary of Twelve Mile Creek tumbles 14 metres down the Niagara Escarpment to create the stunning ramp waterfall. However, it’s not uncommon for her to run dry so in order to see her, you’ll want to visit after some rain.
Swayze Falls isn’t the only thing you should check out though! The trails in Short Hills Provincial Park will take you through a variety of landscapes and are worth exploring. To plan your route and see what else the park has to offer, be sure to check out my full guide!
There Certainly Are Hills Along the Short Hills Provincial Park Hiking Trails!
More Destinations for Fall Colours in St Catharines
St Catharines is definitely the forgotten sibling alongside Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. However, fall is honestly a great time for it to shine as there are a number of wonderful places to enjoy the fall foliage.
Woodend Conservation Area – Any local who grew up in St Catharines has probably spent their fair share of time at Woodend. I certainly have! Enjoy a 3 km loop along the Bruce Trail which traverses the conservation area. Enjoy the pops of colour as you explore the hardwood forest, sprinkled with Carolinian species such as Black Cherry and Sugar Maple that illuminate the sky with those stunning ruby reds come fall! Read more in my Woodend Conservation Area guide.
DeCew Falls – Another one of the fantastic waterfalls in the region, DeCew Falls is a picturesque spot to catch the fall colours in Niagara. The hike to the falls is quite leisurely and is not to be missed in the autumn season. It’s located close to Short Hills Provincial Park so you can easily tack it on during your visit! Check out my DeCew Falls guide for more details.
Merritt Trail – If you’re looking for a spot to catch the leaves near downtown St Catharines, this is the perfect trail to check out. Beginning at Bradley Street in South St. Catharines, it follows a large section of Twelve Mile Creek until it ends at Martindale Road. Enjoy glimpses of the second Welland Canal as you leisurely stroll through the heart of the city.
Lower Balls Falls During the Early Autumn
Best Fall Colours in Lincoln: Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
Address: 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
Parking: Price varies as it’s $13.75 per vehicle (including driver) with $4.75 for each additional passenger in peak season from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, a flat rate of $13.75 per vehicle outside these hours during peak season & $8.50 in the off-season
Located within the stunning Twenty Valley in Lincoln, Ontario, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is easily one of the top places to see the fall colours in Niagara. You’ll be treated to incredible views of two waterfalls as well as plenty of golds and reds within over 200 acres of forest!
Most visitors head to this Niagara conservation area to check out the Upper and Lower Balls Falls. First, you’ll want to take the Cataract Trail to Upper Balls Falls to admire this stunning curtain waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass some fascinating ruins from when this area was first developed in the 1800s. Then you’ll want to make your way to Lower Balls Falls via the Village Trail. This will take you through what’s been preserved of the ghost town known as Glen Elgin. It looks even more quaint surrounded by the stunning fall colours.
However if you really want to get your dose of fall fun, I’d recommend taking the Forest Frolic Trail. It’s the most dense for foliage and will offer those epic bursts of colour as the trees tower above you!
This conservation area has lots to offer so get the full details and plan your visit with my guide to Balls Falls Conservation Area.
Woolen Mill Ruins Along the Trails at the Balls Falls Conservation Area
Additional Spots for Fall Colours in Lincoln
The western side of Niagara is full of hidden treasures, including a number of lesser known conservation areas. If you’re looking to enjoy the autumn foliage with a lack of crowds, here are some great suggestions for where to see the fall colours in the Niagara Region.
Rockway Falls Conservation Area – Another beautiful destination along the Niagara Escarpment, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the stark cliffs right from the start of the trail. Its namesake Rockway Falls will have a lower flow in the autumn months but it doesn’t diminish the area’s beauty. Read my Rockway Conservation Area guide for more details.
Louth Conservation Area – Located along Sixteen Mile Creek, admire the unique rock formations as you follow the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment. It’s best to visit after some rain so you can catch a glimpse of Louth Falls. This conservation area is close to Rockway Conservation Area meaning you can explore both in one visit if you’re up for a challenge!
Twenty Valley Trail – Just steps from the quaint town of Jordan lies a fantastic hike that is stunning in the fall months. Head down the staircase behind the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre to the shores of Twenty Mile Creek. This stunning trail links Balls Falls with the Ellis Property as it passes through Sho’aríshon Park. The route can be a difficult in some spots with tricky terrain but there’s a good chance you’ll have the trail all to yourself which is why I love it so much!
St Johns Conservation Area Pond During Late Fall in Niagara
More Top Spots for Fall Foliage in the Niagara Region
We’re really fortunate in Niagara to have a plethora of natural nooks to escape the hustle of every day life – especially since they really come to life in the autumn season. I had to include these last few leaf peeping destinations in Niagara to fully round out this list.
Saint Johns Conservation Area in Fonthill – Created to protect the water source at the headwaters of the Twelve Mile Creek, visitors will find a collection of short trails. This, combined with the fact that they have very little elevation, makes Saint John Conservation Area one of the best spots for families to see the fall colours in Niagara. Take a look at my guide to Saint Johns Conservation Area for more details.
Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby – Enjoy a gentle stroll along the Niagara Escarpment for some incredible panoramic views across the region as well as Lake Ontario. Be sure to climb the lookout platform for an even better vantage point. If you’re an early bird, this is easily one of the best spots for sunrise in Niagara. For full details, check out my Beamer Memorial Conservation Area guide.
Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park in Thorold – As one of, if not the smallest park on this list, it really doesn’t look like much for most of the year. Come fall however, the plants along the boardwalk burst into shades of amber that are unlike any of the other destinations for fall foliage in Niagara.
Is there a destination in Niagara where you love to enjoy the autumn leaves that I haven’t mentioned? I’m always looking for new spots in my own backyard so please let me know in a comment below!
Autumn Golden Hour Views at Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park
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