5 Unique Ways to See Spectacular Fall Colours
This Friday marks the official end of summer and the start of what some would say is the most wonderful time of the year – Autumn. ‘Tis the season for slurping Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, growing an epic stash for Movember and taking the family apple picking. However, the main event is the spectacular show Mother Nature puts on. Swapping her summer wardrobe for shades of orange, yellow and red, watching the leaves change colour is simply magical!
To help you get into the spirit of the season, we found the most unique ways to experience fall foliage in in North America. So, pack your plaid scarves and knit sweaters, it’s time to enjoy the nature’s beauty!
1. Ride a Train Through Landscape That Inspired the Group of Seven
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada
This very route through the Agawa Canyon inspired iconic paintings by Canadian treasure, the Group of 7, whose members trekked through the area on artistic expeditions. Today the trip is a lot easier thanks to the Agawa Canyon Train Tour, a one-day rail excursion starting in Sault St Marie which was recently voted as one of the best ways to see Canada’s technicolour foliage. The ride includes a stop for visitors to enjoy the canyon’s hiking trails and commemorative markers at key locations where the Group of 7 painted.
2. Meet the Pumpkin People of Jackson
If ‘HalloweenTown’ were a real place, it would probably look like Jackson in October. Jackson is a New Hampshire mountain town with almost as many autumnal traditions as residents and its flashy fall foliage peaks during October along with the annual month-long Invasion of the Pumpkin People Festival. People come from near and far to take a horse-carriage ride through town while enjoying homemade Pumpkin treats and taking in the impressive Pumpkin People displays all vying for best in show.
This adorable tradition is matched by Jackson’s small-town charm, where you can check into locally run hotels like Whitney’s Inn with rooms inspired by the surrounding mountains.
3. Hike Through the Purple Valley
Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
The Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts offer impressive views of the fall foliage and plenty of winding country lanes. We recommend visiting during the first few weeks of October and for the best views of the stunning Purple Valley to hike the Pine Cobble trail, an easy hour-long trek. Williamstown is located on the border of Upstate New York and Vermont and is a true American college town having been home to Williams College since 1793. Williams College is a liberal arts school set in beautiful historic buildings amid the mountains, quite the enchanting setting for your studies!
4. Soar Above Technicolour Tress on an Alpine Zipline
The New Hampshire town of Lincoln is found at the end of the Kancamagus Highway, a winding and scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest. In Lincoln, leaf peepers can explore the magnificent forest on foot or for the more daring, by soaring through the air on the Alpine Zipline. Adventurers are surrounded by golden leaves on this adrenaline pumping experience run by Alpine Adventures which also offers Snowshoe tours in the Winter.
5. Go to a Festival Dedicated to all Things Fall
The Bedford Fall Foliage Festival attracts over 70,000 visitors every year, an impressive feat for a town with less than 4,000 residents. The festival spans the first two weeks of October but we recommend visiting later in the month when the Bedford leaves reach their peak colour. Enjoy the Antique car parade, intricate quilt shows and much more amid the incredible setting of stunning fall colours.