Did you know? Autumn is called "fall" in English. It comes from the old word feallan. It means "to fall or to die". So, before you fall or die, you might want to experience one of the best autumns in Canada. Canada is one of the largest countries in the world. As a result, it offers a wide variety of landscapes. And, contrary to what some might think, Canada is ideal for autumn holidays.
1. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia - Canada's fresh air
The Cape Breton International Festival of Celtic Colours takes place over nine days every October. It celebrates the music, culture and beauty of the island. Artists, storytellers and musicians arrive from across Canada and around the world. They come together to make the island's foliage explode. With tens of thousands of visitors, the crowds are incredible. Don't forget to sample the fresh seafood. Finally, of course, there's the island's famous hospitality.
Unique to the festival: concerts and workshops take place all over the island. There are community halls. In theatres and chapels. The Cabot Trail is already on the list of must-see routes. Indeed, according to locals, there's no better time to experience one of the world's best roads than in autumn.
2. Peterborough, Ontario - An exceptional Canadian city
This beautiful Canadian city is two and a half hours from Ottawa and an hour and a half from Toronto. Peterborough is actually perfect for an autumn weekend getaway. You'll find plenty of getaways in cottages and B&Bs. Plus, you can explore the largest wilderness reserve south of Algonquin. As well as several lakes.
If you're feeling adventurous, head to Warsaw Cave and Conservation Area. Carry a headlamp to explore this underground activity park. You can also visit the Norwood Autumn Fair. This has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1868. It's a short drive east of Peterborough.
3. The Laurentians, Quebec - One of Canada's most beautiful landscapes
This region of Canada covers 22,000 square kilometres north of Montreal. Many tourist photos show the brilliant reds and oranges of autumn leaves. The mountain air is crisp. The maple groves glisten. And romance blossoms in the villages. What's more, there are several spas and holiday resorts.
As well as the lure of autumn foliage, it's the perfect time to sample the gourmet cuisine produced in the region. Cheeses, wines, ciders, sausages, honey and maple syrup. Warm up chilly nights in one of the many excellent spas. Including the Nordic spas in Mont-Tremblant and the Inn spas in Sainte-Adèle.
4. Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba - A unique Canadian park
For those seeking foliage colour on the Prairies, consider Riding Mountain National Park. It covers some 3,000 km2 of hills and boreal forest. It's also home to moose, elk, black bear and wolves. A number of special autumn experiences are available in the park.
You can join interpreters to track herds of elk. Enjoy the Gorge Creek Trail, one of the most scenic hikes in the province. All along the spectacular Manitoba Escarpment. You can even become a citizen scientist by joining the park's field research team.
5. Elk Ridge Resort, Saskatchewan - Stay in Canada in luxury
If you're in Saskatchewan, treat yourself to some autumn relaxation at this resort. This four-season resort is about an hour's drive from Prince Albert. Whether you're bird watching, walking the 400km of groomed trails or enjoying the 27-hole golf course, the autumn foliage of the surrounding forest is a feast for the eyes. The colours of the foliage aren't the only natural spectacle on display: stay up late and you could see the night sky dazzled by the Northern Lights. It's one of Canada's best experiences.
6. The Canadian
Running all year round, why not make the most of autumn for one of the world's most remarkable train journeys (and a favourite on the Great Canadian Bucket List). VIA Rail's 'Canadian' takes four days to travel between Toronto and Vancouver. It offers comfortable sleeper cars (including new luxury double-bed cars), quality restaurants and an elegant, peaceful atmosphere. Thanks to the large windows, you can literally watch the landscape change before you, along Ontario's lakes, in the Prairies and in the imposing Rockies. You can stop off at key towns along the way, or just sit back and enjoy the blur of reds, oranges and yellows.
7. Prince Edward Island Flavours of Autumn Festival
It's no coincidence that Prince Edward Island lobsters and oysters are part of the Great Bucket. You have to sample the Island's culinary scene, and autumn is the perfect time to do so. This month-long festival around the island gives you the chance to dig your own clams or pick your own potatoes, or simply let some of the region's best chefs battle it out in the kitchen and out front. Autumn weather on Prince Edward Island is clear and bright, and the leaves of maple, poplar, birch and beech provide the colour.
8. Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, British Columbia
Every October, over 165 events take place in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, where you can enjoy festivities in the midst of the wine harvest. Sample wines and dine amongst the vines at some of the excellent vineyard restaurants, amongst thousands of visitors attending the region's largest festival. It's the only festival in North America that takes place during the grape harvest. In addition to the events, educational workshops and gourmet dinners, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Okanagan Lake, as well as spa, golf, cycling or hiking.
9. Agawa Canyon Train Tour, Ontario
If you like the idea of experiencing autumn foliage by train, but prefer something a little shorter, consider this one-day adventure into the Ontario wilderness. The train travels 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie through forests and lakes, and along the granite cliffs of the Canadian Shield. Foliage lovers have long enjoyed departures throughout the autumn season. A GPS commentary of the region's cultural highlights and history adds to the experience, as does the 90 minutes you have on the ground to explore Canyon Park. The train features large display windows and a "locomotive" view on the car's flat-screen TVs.
10. Lanaudière and Mauricie, Quebec
The foliage explodes in this region between Montreal and Quebec City, home to 10,000 lakes and a seemingly endless landscape of forests and parks. There are also small towns and villages that reflect an old-world charm, with cosy bistros and shops to take shelter in as the days grow shorter. The region includes massive national parks. La Mauricie National Park is a 536 square kilometre forest with pristine lakes and walks for all fitness levels. Various road trip itineraries trace the heritage of New France, including Canada's first overland route, the Chemin du Roy.
