17 Best Places To See Fall Foliage In Toronto

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Wondering where to see fall foliage in Toronto? Fall is one of the best times of year in Toronto, with milder temperatures, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant scenery. And the best thing is that you don’t even have to travel outside the city to see a spectacular display of autumn colours!

Toronto is a city full of green spaces, parks, ravines and recreational trails which come alive at this time of year. With shades of red, orange and gold on almost every corner, you will be able to enjoy beautiful autumn colours all around the city. And to help you make the most of it, I’ve put together my list of the 17 best places in Toronto to see fall colours.

How do I know these are the best? I’ve lived in Toronto since 2018 and fall is my favourite season here. Plus, I’m always out hiking, biking and running in the city’s endless natural landscapes. So here are the best places to see fall foliage in Toronto!

When to See Fall Foliage in Toronto

The peak times to see fall foliage in Toronto varies every year. There are a lot of factors which contribute to the changing colours, such as temperature and the amount of rainfall. Therefore it’s hard to pinpoint when exactly the best time is.

Generally you can expect to see hues of yellow, orange and red in Toronto from late September to late October.

However, this year (2024), fall has arrived a bit later than usual, with peak colours visible from the end of October, and likely to continue into early November!

A view of the Toronto skyline behind a forest of red, yellow and green trees during the fall season.

The best fall foliage I’ve seen in the past couple of years in Toronto were in the second half of October. But I would recommend getting out and exploring the city’s natural landscapes as much as possible throughout the entire fall season. There will be beautiful colours to see at different times and there are so many great places to explore!

17 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Toronto

1. High Park

Any local knows that High Park is one of the top spots to see fall foliage in Toronto. Located in the west end of the city, this is Toronto’s largest public park.

With 161 hectares of diverse vegetation, forested areas, hiking trails, various sporting facilities, play grounds, a huge dog park and even a zoo, High Park literally has something for everyone.

In autumn the park transforms into a beautiful tapestry of colours as the leaves change. You can easily spend a couple of hours getting lost along the winding paths and taking in the picturesque scenery. But the best part to check out is Grenadier Pond, which is surrounded by trees and is particularly stunning with the golden leaves reflecting in the water.

Two swans floating in Grenadier Pond in High Park, which is surrounded by orange and red fall foliage in Toronto.

2. Evergreen Brick Works

One of the most popular spots for leaf peeping in Toronto is Evergreen Brick Works. Located in the picturesque Don Valley, this former quarry and industrial site is only 8 kilometres (5 miles) north of downtown and is one of the best spots to enjoy the outdoors in the city.

Here you will find an abandoned brick factory turned community hub, Toronto’s largest farmers’ market, and various events and performances. But what makes it so special is the surrounding gardens, forested areas and naturalized ponds, which can be explored on foot along various short hiking trails.

The view of fall colours starting to appear amongst the trees, from the lookout at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.

Autumn is a particularly magical time at Brick Works, when the landscape lights up in hues of orange, yellow and red. Plus you can get a pumpkin spice latte to warm up, explore the pumpkin patch, and buy some delicious local apples to fully immerse yourself in the fall season!

3. Crothers Woods

Another hotspot for fall colours in the Don Valley is Crothers Woods. Located just north of Evergreen Brick Works, you can even explore both areas in one day!

With 10 kilometres of multi-use trails, Crothers Woods has everything from century old trees, rare plants, various wildlife and amazing views of the city.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best places in Toronto to see the changing leaves. It’s also an excellent spot to snap colourful fall photos along the winding trails, or with the Toronto skyline in the backdrop.

The view of fall foliage with a power line and the Toronto skyline in the distance, at Crothers Woods in Toronto.

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4. Glendon Forest

If you’re willing to venture a little further north in the Don Valley, then Sunnybrook Park is definitely worth a stop. In particular, at the top end of the park you will find Glendon Forest.

This picturesque forest offers some of the most vibrant fall foliage I’ve ever seen in Toronto. It also has a short trail which takes you on a loop through the forest, so you can see it all!

While this is a beautiful forest to explore at any time of year, the canopy of gold above, and the bright hues of red and orange along the Don River make it especially enchanting during the fall.

A bright red tree surrounded by yellow foliage and framed by two green trees in Glendon Forest in Toronto.

And if that’s still not enough for one day, then head a little further north-east, to Wilket Creek. Here you will find more pristine parkland, as well as the Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens. And luckily both gardens are free to access!

5. Trinity Bellwoods Park

As one of the most centrally located and popular parks in the city, Trinity Bellwoods is an amazing place to see fall foliage in Toronto. It’s easy to get to, has plenty of facilities and is full of bright orange and red hues at this time of year.

Plus, there are plenty of great coffee shops nearby. So you can grab a pumpkin spice latte to enjoy on your stroll through the park!

A bright red tree with green foliage in the background in Trinity Bellwoods Park during autumn.

6. Rouge National Urban Park

To truly escape into nature and forget you’re in the city, Rouge National Urban Park is a must-visit.

Although a bit further away than other places on this list, Rouge Park is still within the GTA and can easily be reached by car or public transit. And it is definitely worth the trip to get there.

As one of the biggest urban parks in North America, Rouge Park is home to forests, wetlands, farmland, meadows, a beach, and multiple hiking trails. So, if you want to experience fall colours in a range of different landscapes, this is definitely the place to go. Plus there’s plenty of wildlife to be spotted here too!

Several sea birds standing on sand banks in a still lake with fall foliage lining the shore and reflecting in the water.

With hiking trails ranging from just a few hundred metres to over 10 kilometres, Rouge Park is best explored on foot. Although as it’s such a large park, driving to different points of interest to explore is also a great way to see as much as possible.

7. Humber River Recreational Trail

For a full day out exploring, leaf peeping and enjoying the mild autumn weather, the Humber River Recreational Trail is a great place to go.

This is a multi-use trail which follows the Humber River all the way from the Humber Bay Bridge on Lake Ontario up to Steeles Avenue. The trail stretches around 25 kilometres and is a beautiful trail to walk. But, I would actually recommend spending the day biking it, especially if you want to make it all the way to the top!

The fall scenery along the banks of the Humber River is particularly stunning and you will get to pass through various parks, forested areas and meadows along the way.

Old Mill dam at Humber River in Toronto, with yellow fall foliage lining the shores.

And there are also some great wildlife spotting opportunities on the trail. Last time I biked it we saw a Great Blue Heron fishing in the water, as well as quite a sizeable (but harmless) snake.

8. Toronto Islands

In the summer, the Toronto Islands (also known as Toronto Island Park) are the best place to escape the city without actually leaving the city.

The three islands – Wards’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point – are only a short 10-15 minute ferry or water taxi ride from downtown. With multiple beaches, parks and recreational facilities, there’s so much to do there.

However, once beach season ends, the islands are often overlooked for day trips, as many people don’t know that one of the best times to visit is actually in the fall!

The view of the CN Tower from the Toronto Islands, framed by yellow and red fall foliage.

During autumn, the islands are much quieter, the weather is more comfortable and the various green spaces are lit up with bright fall colours. Plus, you get beautiful views of the Toronto skyline, which are particularly spectacular when framed by the vibrant fall foliage.

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9. Trillium Park

If you don’t have the time to head over to the Toronto Islands for beautiful autumn views of the Toronto skyline, then visiting Trillium Park is a must!

Located along Toronto’s waterfront, on the east side of Ontario Place, the park packs a lot into a small space. It has a 1.3 kilometre trail, colourful gardens, sedimentary rocks, a public fire pit, and a space where concerts and events are held throughout the year.

Plus, as the park faces the east, this is where you will get some of the best views of the city skyline, surrounded by native trees and plants. This is particularly special during the fall when the view is captured amidst the hues of red, orange and yellow.

View of the moon reflecting in Lake Ontario, framed by a red tree and yellow tree during autumn in Toronto.

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10. Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Although it may seem strange to have a cemetery on the list, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is one of the most beautiful and serene places to see fall foliage in Toronto.

This cemetery is a historic site dating back to 1876. And it’s full of natural beauty, large gardens and one of North America’s most significant tree collections.

This is a great place to escape the crowds, see an impressive canopy of autumn colours and learn more about the hundreds of varieties of trees. Plus it’s a very peaceful spot to spend some time reflecting as the seasons change.

A path leading through Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the start of autumn when the colours of the leaves are starting to change.

11. David A. Balfour Park

If you plan on visiting Mount Pleasant Cemetery during the fall season, another beautiful place to stop at nearby is David A. Balfour Park.

This quiet urban park offers some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in Toronto. With various walking trails leading you through peaceful ravines, wild forest and open green spaces, it’s no wonder this is an excellent place to witness the onset of fall.

And if you’re looking for tranquility, this is definitely one place where you will find it. The David A. Balfour Park doesn’t get very busy. So you can enjoy some peace and quiet while taking in the lush natural surroundings and changing season.

The bright orange leaves of a tree in Toronto during the fall season.

12. University of Toronto St. George Campus

In addition to seeing fall colours in Toronto’s many parks and forests, there are also some great urban leaf peeping opportunities. My favourite is the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus.

Located in downtown Toronto, this picturesque campus has everything from historic buildings and award-winning architecture to beautiful tree-lined streets and peaceful green spaces.

It’s a stunning place to take a stroll. Especially in the fall when you can see red ivy-covered buildings and canopies of red and gold which add even more character to the already charming streets.

A building at the University of Toronto St. George Campus covered in red ivy during autumn.

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13. Glen Stewart Ravine

Toronto’s east end also has incredible places to visit in the fall. In particular, the Glen Stewart Ravine in the Beaches neighbourhood is one of the city’s most beautiful hidden forests, with some of the best fall foliage in Toronto.

Plus, exploring the ravine is made easy with a boardwalk trail that takes you right through the heart of this protected forested area. And with a thick canopy above, you will be able to take in the vibrant autumn colours from every angle.

Orange tree tops in Toronto during the fall season.

To learn more about Toronto’s impressive ravine system, book the Beneath The Surface Toronto Walking Tour.

14. Toronto Music Garden

Although it may surprise you, you don’t even have to venture outside the downtown core to experience beautiful fall foliage in Toronto!

The Harbourfront area is a beautiful place to take a stroll and enjoy the changing leaves with Lake Ontario in the backdrop. In particular, the Toronto Music Garden is a beautiful spot to witness the onset of fall. There are various paths weaving through a small forested area and manicured gardens, all inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello.

The highlight of the garden is a huge weeping willow tree at the bottom of a grass amphitheatre. This is a great spot to sit and take in the sunset, which is especially spectacular during the fall season.

A huge weeping willow tree at the Music Garden along the Toronto Harbourfront, with boats in the background.

15. Coronation Park

Another central spot for stunning fall scenery on Lake Ontario is Coronation Park.

Located just west of the Harbourfront area, the park has an excellent westerly view where you can take in the spectacular Toronto sunsets in the fall. Seeing the golden sunlight shining through the bright fall foliage of the park’s huge trees is a very special sight to see.

Plus the park has plenty of open space, benches along the water, walkways, picnic tables and other facilities. So it’s a great spot to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the views.

The sun setting and shining through the red and yellow trees at Coronation Park in Toronto.

16. Tommy Thompson Park

Although brightly coloured trees are the highlight of fall, the changing colours of other types of foliage is also a sight worth seeing. And there is no better place in Toronto for this than Tommy Thompson Park.

Located on the 5 kilometre-long man-made Leslie Street Spit, Tommy Thompson Park has become one of the best places near downtown Toronto to spend time outdoors. With plenty of trails, more than 300 species of birds and recreational fishing opportunities, it’s easy to immerse yourself in nature here.

The fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit Tommy Thompson, as the diverse vegetation starts to change colour and the mild temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to bike or walk the length of the park.

Yellow and red brush along the shores of Lake Ontario at Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto.

Although there aren’t many big trees in the park, you will get to see lots of meadows, wetlands, beachside vegetation and lots of smaller poplar trees, with the bright blue waters of Lake Ontario in the background.

17. Scarborough Bluffs

The Scarborough Bluffs are one of the most impressive natural sights to see in Toronto.

This geological wonder is due to the natural erosion of sedimentary deposits which were accumulated more than 12,000 years ago. And the result is 15 kilometres of dramatic white cliffs towering above the shores of Lake Ontario.

And to add to it’s beauty, the bluffs are connected by eleven urban parks full of forests, gardens, wetlands, meadows and beaches.

The Scarborough Bluffs covered in an array of red and orange fall foliage in Toronto.

Although the bluffs are a beautiful place at any time of year, they’re definitely worth visiting in autumn. The changing colours of the varied vegetation, combined with the breathtaking cliffs, creates some of the most scenic fall views in all of Toronto!

Final Thoughts – Fall Foliage in Toronto

As a city full of recreational spaces, urban parks, hidden forests and tree-lined streets, you’re almost guaranteed to see some beautiful fall foliage in Toronto.

But if you want to experience the absolute best of fall in the city, then hopefully this list has helped to point you in the right direction!

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