Now, it cannot be denied that Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the prettiest places in the province when it comes to fall colours, but with that comes crowds. Yep, it’s popular for good reason, but this time of year, you can expect major crowds. If you still want to get out to do some autumn hiking and avoid the groups of people, there are plenty of other options.
Here are some Ontario parks to check out this fall that are not Algonquin.
Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park is pretty darn close to Algonquin, so if you’re in the area, this is a great alternative.
The park has a short trail that leads from the parking lot to a lookout point with waterfalls, surrounded by colourful foliage.
Where: 1050 Oxtongue Lake Rd., Dwight, Ont.
When: Open until Oct. 19, 2025
Driftwood Provincial Park closes on Oct. 14, so head over before it’s too late.
You can enjoy panoramic views of the scenic Upper Ottawa Valley and Laurentian Hills, and take a canoe down the Ottawa River.
Where: 39520 ON-17, Stonecliffe, Ont.
Where: Open until Oct. 14, 2025
If you’re located in Eastern Ontario, then this will be a great option for you.
According to Ontario Parks, this spot has “an endless autumn landscape that is as colourful as it is rugged.” Sounds gorginaaaa.
Where: 4024 Round Lake Rd., Killaloe, Ont.
Where: Open until Oct. 19, 2025
This is another option that’s pretty close to Algonquin.
Featuring two gorgeous hiking trails, one leads to a spot overlooking Lake St. Peter and the other leads through the ruins of a log cabin. Fall vibes are high.
Where: 356 Lake St. Peter Rd., Lake Saint Peter, Ont.
When: Open until Oct. 14, 2025
Arrowhead is a personal favourite of mine!
Located about 40 minutes by car from the West Gate of Algonquin, there are 12 km of trails to explore and a couple of scenic lookouts, like Big Bend and Stubbs Falls.
Where: 451 Arrowhead Park Rd., Huntsville, Ont.
When: Open year-round
Cottage country is amazing this time of year, and some of the parks are just as vibrant as Algonquin.
This park is in the heart of the Kawarthas, and while the autumn colours are amazing, there’s also a trail where you can walk through eskers and kames left in the wake of the last Ice Age, which was a whopping 10,000 years ago.
Where: 2238 Kawartha Lakes County Rd. 48, Kirkfield, Ont.
Where: Open until Oct. 27, 2025
Enjoy the fall colours and hopefully fewer crowds, Ontario.
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