Fall Colour Trips By Hike, Bike and Paddle in Algoma

Autumn really heightens all your senses. A fall colour trip by hike, bike or paddle means you’re literally immersed in the landscape. You can hear the sounds, see the vibrant colours, listen to nature and wildlife, feel the crispness in the air and smell the change in the season.

Check the fall colour report from Ontario Park for peak viewing.

COLOURS BY PADDLE

Photo credit: Diana Lee

The region is home to several provincial parks and conservation areas where you can dip your paddle into the cool, pristine waters by canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle. Choose to paddle along the shores of Lake Superior, in the Michipicoten River, Lake Huron, or the St. Marys River. Or rent equipment to take on your own inland waterway adventure. Outfitters in the region offer rentals, and self-guided and guided interpretive paddling experiences for you to enjoy the colours from the water. (See a list of outfitters below.)

COLOURS BY TRAIL

Photo Credit: James Smedley

There are so many trails in Algoma Country to immerse yourself in the fall colours. Trails can lead to magnificent views overlooking the tree stops, waterfalls, rivers and streams, and interesting geological wonders like potholes or pebble beaches. We’ve listed some below that are varying levels from walking to challenging. When out on the trail be sure to wear sturdy footwear or invest in hiking boots. Be sure to pack snacks, water, and a first aid kit, and for safety, tell someone where you are hiking too. An excellent app to use is What 3 Words

COLOURS BY BIKE

Photo credit: Colin Field

Experience the fall colours with a leisurely ride on a country road or get to a scenic lookout by mountain biking. Whichever you prefer, there are trail systems for everyone to choose what they like. For mountain bikers try Hiawatha Highlands/Kinsmen Park which has over 40 km of trail that vary in skill level. You can download trail maps here. For road-based cycling, try the Lake Huron North Channel section of the Great Lakes Water Front trail which connects 26 communities with views of rugged Canadian shield landscape, country road and views of Lake Huron. Try the side loop on St. Joseph Island.

COLOURS BY BUS

Photo credit: Sofie Sharom

The True North Adventure Bus is perfect for those who want to have a guided fall colour experience by shuttle. Friends of the Fall Colours tour includes a misty morning paddle, a hike in the Algoma Highlands Conservancy, a fish and chip lunch and a stop for ice cream. Trips can be booked for mid-September to Canadian Thanksgiving in October.

ALGOMA OUTFITTERS FOR YOUR FALL TRIP

Photo credit: Diana Lee

Naturally Superior Adventures, Wawa
Situated on the mouth of the Michipicoten River, book full-day or half-day rentals to paddle Lake Superior or take a river adventure either self-guided or guided. Instructional basics are available to book as well. NSA staff can provide shuttle services and a lunch for hiking the area trails.

Thrive Tours, Sault Ste. Marie
Indigenous interpretive guided eco-adventure tours are available in and around Sault Ste. Marie including Garden River, Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Hiking tours can be booked for Whitefish Island, Ojibway Park Trail, and Crystal Falls in the Hiawatha Highlands. Rentals are available for kayaks and canoes.

Forest The Canoe, Goulais River
On top of the True North Adventure Bus, Forest the Canoe offers guided fall hikes at Pancake Bay and Robertson Cliffs. Rentals are available for kayaks and canoes.

Blaq Bear Tours, Goulais River
Want to plan a fall hiking trip but don’t know where to start? This business offers to do the work for you by customizing your itinerary to include shuttle services, accommodations, and meals if needed.

WHERE TO STAY IN ALGOMA

Photo credit: Colin Field

Cities & towns in the region have many options available for fall trippers looking for hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, cottage resorts and late-season camping. You can find a complete list of these places to stay by clicking here. Communities here are great bases for adventure because they have the services you need for food, drink, entertainment and more.

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