Algonquin Park Fall Colour Report

COVID-19 Closures: See the latest information that impacts Fall in Algonquin Park

New for 2020: Ontario Parks to Limit Day Use Permits Sales on Busy Fall Weekends

Image: Fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). See more images below.

Current Conditions - Fall 2020

The next week should offer the the season's best viewing of Sugar and Red Maple fall colour at the canopy (tree top) level in Algonquin Park. Shortening daylight length, below freezing overnight temperatures, and several frost events have helped to brighten the maple canopy colour.

At the current time, Algonquin Park's forests are showing a variety of colours including red, orange, yellow and green (see recent images). Generally, the maple canopy and forest edges are showing the best colour change while smaller maples located in the understory, and still protected from cold temperatures and frost, are still green.

During the past 40+ years of extensive fall colour observations, the best Sugar Maple fall colour has spanned nearly a month depending upon environmental conditions. The earliest Sugar Maple peak colour change recorded in Algonquin Park was September 15 (1982) and the latest October 9 (1996). Over the past 40+ years, the average peak of the Sugar Maple canopy in the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor is September 27.

Later changing Aspen (poplar) and Tamarack are showing a slight colour change but essentially still remain green or green/yellow. These species are expected to change after the best maple viewing (see below for more details).

A drive through Algonquin Park or a walk on an interpretive trail (especially ones with landscape views) will be popular activities with 'leaf peepers'. See Trip Planning Hints for ways to get the most from your upcoming visit to Algonquin Park.

Algonquin Park is ablaze with vibrant colours during September and October. In a landscape so often dominated by the green of summer, how does this brief explosion of reds, oranges, and yellows happen in the early autumn? The answer involves a complex process of numerous chemicals and environmental variables. Read more at Why Does Fall Leaf Colour Change Happen?

Fall colour is subject to numerous environmental variables such as daylight length, moisture, temperature, frost, wind, heavy rain, etc., so the exact peak of fall colour is difficult to determine in advance. High winds, rain, or even snow can sometimes quickly result in fragile leaves being knocked off the trees increasing what is called leaf fall.

A trip to Algonquin Park between mid-September and mid-October is best for observing Algonquin Park's fall colour, but more precision regarding an exact date depends upon what species of tree you are interested in observing. See below for more details. Use the trip planning resources below (or links in the sidebar) to plan your fall trip to Algonquin Park. Check back for updates as conditions warrant.

Current Status of Algonquin Park's Fall Colour

Below is the current status of Algonquin Park's fall colour change (click to enlarge). This diagram reports on the status of the most popular tree species during fall leaf colour season in Algonquin Park. Please check back throughout fall for updates as conditions warrant.

Images from Fall 2020 in Algonquin Park

Below are images of Algonquin Park during fall 2020. Click to enlarge the images and see the captions for the image date and location. For live video see the Algonquin Park Webcam or The Friends of Algonquin Park's Facebook page for additional images.

Image: Highway 60 at Track and Tower Trail in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge).

Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge).

2020 Fall Colour Season Summary

A summary of events during September and October 2020. Check back for updates as the fall colour season continues. August 26, 2020 - Environment Canada issues a Frost Advisory for Algonquin Park. Temperatures dip to 3.4°C at the East Gate with minimal frost along the Highway 60 area of Algonquin Park. September 6, 2020 - The temperature in Algonquin Park dips to just 1.8°C at the East Gate. September 8, 2020 - A notable colour change is visible in Algonquin Park's deciduous forests. The deep green of summer is changing to a yellow-green marking a developing fall colour. Some individually stressed maple trees are showing brilliant colours, but this is not representative of the overall deciduous forest. September 12, 2020 - Environment Canada issues another Frost Advisory for Algonquin Park. Temperatures dip to 1.3°C at the East Gate. Cold overnight conditions will help to encourage fall colour change in the days ahead. September 14 - 18, 2020 - Algonquin Park's fall colour continues to improve with each passing day encouraged by overnight temperatures dipping to below freezing (-0.1°C on September 14, first below freezing conditions since June 14, 2020). A low of -2.4°C on September 18, 2020 is the coldest temperature of the season so far. Scattered frost was observed along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on several mornings. Good early season maple viewing is now possible. The best maple colours are on forest edges and the canopy (tops) from about the West Gate to Track and Tower Trail (km 25).

September 21, 2020

Image: Highway 60 at km 15 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 28 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Smoke Lake in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Approaching the West Gate in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Tea Lake in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Aspen (poplar) dominated area near Leaf Lake Ski Trail in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020. Aspen fall colour occurs after maples. (click to enlarge). Image: Brewer Lake in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Aspen (poplar) dominated area near Centennial Ridges Road and Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020. Aspen fall colour change occurs after maples. (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 25 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 13 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Tea Lake in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 16 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Fall colour along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: At the Track and Tower Trail in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near West Smith Lake in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Brewer Lake in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 26 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 21 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Later changing Aspen (poplar) and conifer dominated area along Highway 60 at Spruce Bog Trail in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 20 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Single White Pine in a maple dominated hillside in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 7 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 40 in Algonquin Park on September 21, 2020 (click to enlarge).

September 17, 2020

Image: At Brewer Lake in Algonquin Park on September 17, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near West Smith Lake in Algonquin Park on September 17, 2020 (click to enlarge).

September 16, 2020

Image: At Tea Lake in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Looking east along Highway 60 at km 5 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 10 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 13 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Tea Lake in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 8 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 7 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: At the West Gate of Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple landscape along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Approaching the West Gate in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 16 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Park Lake in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Between the West Boundary of Algonquin Park and the West Gate on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Looking west along Highway 60 at km 5 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 12 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Tea Lake in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: At the West Gate of Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 7 in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at Whiskey Rapids Trail in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple understory, showing minimal colour change, along the Arowhon Road in Algonquin Park on September 16, 2020 (click to enlarge).

September 14, 2020

Image: Algonquin Park's fall colour along Highway 60 approaching the West Gate on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Increasing fall colour at the Track and Tower Trail (km 25) in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 13 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: At Brewer Lake in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Poplar dominated area at km 38 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near the West Gate of Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 16 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Smoke Lake in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 8 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 26 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at the West Gate in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 25 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 7 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 20 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 48 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 8 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 26 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Approaching the West Gate along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Poplar dominated forest along Highway 60 at km 42 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at Rock Lake Road in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Tamarack and Poplar forest at km 41 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge).

September 8, 2020

Image: Near the West Gate in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 0 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 1 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 8 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 13 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Maple fall colour in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Smoke Lake in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 16 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 20 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Near Track and Tower Trail (Highway 60 at km 25) in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Highway 60 at km 26 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Poplar dominated area at km 37 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Poplar dominated area at km 40 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Poplar and Tamarack dominated area at km 41 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Poplar dominated area at km 43 of Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge). Image: Brewer Lake (at km 49 of Highway 60) in Algonquin Park on September 8, 2020 (click to enlarge).

When Should I Visit Algonquin Park?

A trip to Algonquin Park between mid-September and mid-October is best for observing Algonquin Park's fall colour, but more precision regarding an exact date depends upon what species of tree you are interested in observing.

Algonquin Park is home to 34 native species of trees. Of these species 10 are classified as conifers (cone bearing) and will retain their leaves (needles) year-round and are often referred to as "evergreen". The only exception is the Tamarack that changes to golden yellow colour before dropping its needles in preparation for winter. The other 24 species of deciduous trees change colour at different times, depending upon the species, their location in Algonquin Park, and the specific environmental conditions in that area.

No tree happens to grow in a random location, rather each tree struggles against great odds and hazards for a place in the sun and each species is subtly equipped to do better than its competition in certain conditions. Certain species of trees grow in different locations in Algonquin Park. Therefore the mosaic of forest types in Algonquin Park is no accident but is determined by soil type, moisture, climate, etc. resulting in the amazing blend of green, yellow, orange, red, and purple colours that makes Algonquin Park's fall colour so special.

Traditionally, Algonquin Park's fall colour occurs earlier than surrounding areas because of the Park's higher elevation, up to almost 600 metres above sea level. This can mean the best colour is observed several weeks (or more!) prior to leaf colour change in places like Ottawa (70 metres above sea level), Toronto (75 metres above sea level), or even communities just outside Algonquin Park's boundaries. Algonquin Park’s high elevation, thin soils, and cooler temperatures results in a shorter growing season for all plants including its trees.

Mid-September to Early October

If visiting Algonquin Park during mid-September to early October, you will observe the colour change of the Sugar Maples and Red Maples. This fall colour covers hills in orange and red colours and is best observed at locations with expansive views such as trails and views across water. During the past 40+ years, the earliest Sugar Maple peak recorded was September 15, 1982 and the latest October 9, 1996. During 2016, the peak Sugar Maple colour was determined to be October 6 (almost record late), as a result of warm fall temperatures and a late frost. The average peak of the Sugar Maple canopy in the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor is September 27. See the current status of Algonquin Park's colour change above.

Early to Mid-October

An Algonquin Park visit between early to mid October (including Thanksgiving) will observe the yellow-orange colours displayed by poplar and birch species, plus the orange colour of the Sugar Maple understory. This time known as the "Golden Encore" generally occurs after the Sugar Maple and Red Maple peak colour, but offers great landscape views in poplar and birch dominated areas. The eastern portion of the Highway 60 Corridor and the Park's East Side is a great location to view this colour.

Once leaves have fallen from the tops of the Sugar Maples, the understory changes colour at ground level as it was previously protected from cold temperatures by the blanket of overhead leaves. A hike along an interpretive trail dominated by maples is a great way to see understory fall colour up close.

Mid to Late October

A mid to late October visit showcases Tamarack at their peak yellow colour before dropping their needles in preparation for winter. The Tamarack is Algonquin Park's only cone bearing tree that changes colour and drops all its needles in preparation for winter. Search for Tamaracks in wetlands and bogs including the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Mizzy Lake Trail, or along the Opeongo Road. By late October or early November (depending upon environmental conditions) all deciduous trees are bare and prepared for winter.

Fall Colour History in Algonquin Park

During the past 40+ years, the earliest Sugar Maple peak recorded in Algonquin Park was September 15 (1982) and the latest October 9 (1996). During 2015 and 2016, the peak Sugar Maple colour was determined to be October 8 (almost record late) and October 5, respectively. During 2017, the Sugar Maple peak colour was September 28. The peak colour in 2018 was October 3. The average peak of the Sugar Maple canopy in the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor is September 27.

The best fall colour watching in Algonquin Park is expected from mid-September to mid-October. Fall colour is subject to numerous environmental variables such as daylight length, moisture, temperature, frost, wind, heavy rain, etc., so the exact peak of fall colour is difficult to determine in advance. High winds, rain, or even snow can sometimes quickly result in fragile leaves being knocked off the trees increasing what is called leaf fall.

Why Does Fall Colour Happen?

Algonquin Park is ablaze with vibrant colours during September and October. In a landscape so often dominated by the green of summer, how does this brief explosion of reds, oranges, and yellows happen in the early autumn? The answer involves a complex process of numerous chemicals and environmental variables. Read more at Why Does Fall Leaf Colour Change Happen?

Where Should I Visit in Algonquin Park?

The "Algonquin Dome" refers to the high elevation piece of the Canadian Shield that underlies the western two-thirds of Algonquin Park. Here an ancient mountain range continues to exist increasing elevation well above that of surrounding areas (primarily outside the Park). These ancient rolling hills covered by soils deposited by a glacier thousands of years ago, created suitable conditions for the growth of maples. The maples - primarily Sugar, Red and Striped - experience a cooler climate than those outside the Park area as a result of the higher elevation. These cooler conditions and the resulting shorter growing season make for an early fall and thus an earlier fall colour watching season than other locations in southern Ontario. Fortunately for visitors, Highway 60 runs through a large section of Algonquin Park's higher elevation. The Highway 60 Corridor provides easy access to the Park area dominated by these three species of maples for keen "leaf peepers".

Below is a satellite image taken near the peak of the Sugar Maple canopy showing the red/orange colour of the Sugar Maples and the boundary of Algonquin Park. Algonquin Park's West Side including the Highway 60 Corridor is dominated by maples, while the Park's East Side is dominated by pines that show green needles that do not change colour. This satellite image was taken on October 1, 2012.

Suggested Places for Viewing Fall Colour

Below are suggested places for viewing Algonquin Park's fall colour. These locations change according to the date and conditions observed within Algonquin Park.

Recommended Interpretive Walking Trails

Regardless of the exact date, Algonquin Park's Interpretive Trails are a good way to view the fall colour. Trails offering lookouts with wide vistas are especially popular around the Sugar Maple peak and the later peak of poplar and birch species. These day walking trails range in length from 800 metres to 11 kilometres in length. Trails that are suggested for fall walking include:

Side Roads with Foliage Viewing Opportunities

The following side roads connected to Highway 60 offer foliage viewing opportunities with lower speed traffic than Highway 60.

Roads leading to Access Points around the periphery of Algonquin Park

Visitor Updates for Fall 2020

Ontario Parks has increased the cost of a Daily Vehicle Permit starting September 7 to October 31, 2020 for weekends and statutory holidays only on Highway 60. Fees will increase to $21 per vehicle per day from the rate of $18 (applicable taxes included).

Ontario Parks will stop selling permits for Algonquin Park once capacity is reached along the Highway 60 Corridor during busy fall weekends. If you arrive at either the West Gate or East Gate and Algonquin Park has reached capacity, visitors will not be able to purchase a permit (or use a seasonal permit), and you will not be permitted to enter Algonquin Park via the Highway 60 Corridor. Ontario Parks is recommending that visiting on a weekday or early on a weekend is the best way to obtain a permit. Watch www.algonquinpark.on.ca for capacity updates as they are announced by Ontario Parks.

Highway 60 Day Use Permit Sales on Busy Fall Weekends 2020 Ontario Parks has not released the number of day use permits to be sold on any given day. Day use permits are not available for purchase online or for advanced purchase.

West Gate and East Gate open daily at 08:00 (8:00am). See the Events Calendar for closing times (either 5:00pm or 6:00pm) and more details.

Times as reported by Ontario Parks. Times in the table are recorded as 24-clock.

Past events are no guarantee of future events.

Time to Day Use Permits Sold Out Date 0% Sold 100% Sold Out 19-Sep-2020 08:00 Not Sold Out 20-Sep-2020 08:00 Not Sold Out 26-Sep-2020 08:00 27-Sep-2020 08:00 03-Oct-2020 08:00 04-Oct-2020 08:00 10-Oct-2020 08:00 11-Oct-2020 08:00 12-Oct-2020 08:00

Staff limiting occupancy to Algonquin Park buildings . If a building is at capacity, Ontario Parks staff will required you to wait in line for entry. For your trip planning information, see the real-time occupancy at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre, courtesy of The Friends of Algonquin Park.

. If a building is at capacity, Ontario Parks staff will required you to wait in line for entry.

Masks are required in all indoor public buildings in Algonquin Park or when you can't physically distance outdoors. See more COVID-19 related guidelines.

Ontario Parks has announced that Hardwood Lookout Trail will be closed on specific dates. The shortest interpretive walking trail in Algonquin Park (and its parking lot), will be closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (plus one Monday) during fall to improve traffic flow. Hardwood Lookout Trail will be closed: September 12/13, 2020 September 19/20, 2020 September 25/26/27, 2020 October 2/3/4, 2020 October 9/10/11/12, 2020 October 17/18, 2020

The shortest interpretive walking trail in Algonquin Park (and its parking lot), will be closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (plus one Monday) during fall to improve traffic flow. Hardwood Lookout Trail will be closed:

Ontario Parks has announced that for fall 2020, west bound traffic exiting Algonquin Park will not be permitted to turn into the West Gate parking lot. Ontario Parks is encouraging visitors to use bathroom facilities elsewhere prior to leaving Algonquin Park.

The East Beach Picnic Pavilion will be closed by Ontario Parks for 2020.

Ontario Parks has announced it will not be operating the Sunday Creek Cafe within the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre during 2020.

Ontario Parks will be implementing payment lanes at the West Gate on busy fall weekends. Park visitors are encouraged to have payment for their daily vehicle fee ready when approaching the West Gate. Visitors can remain in their vehicle when purchasing a Daily Vehicle Permit which aids in reducing potential line ups.

Tea Lake Campground will be converted into a day use picnic ground for fall 2020. [We are awaiting specific operating dates from Ontario Parks for this opportunity.]

Park only in designated parking lots along Highway 60. Parking along the roadways or in an areas that restrict or block access may result in your vehicle being towed.

See other COVID-19 related closures and Algonquin Park Advisories that may impact your visit.

Tips for Viewing Algonquin Park's Fall Colour

Ontario Parks has announced visitor management strategies for fall 2020 in an effort to promote physical distancing in Algonquin Park.

Coming to Algonquin Park to enjoy the best fall colour? Here are a few tips for fall colour watchers.

COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines Apply in Algonquin Park

Stay at home if you are sick . Don't visit Algonquin Park.

. Don't visit Algonquin Park. Come prepared . Bring your own supplies (e.g. hand sanitizer, masks, etc.)

. Bring your own supplies (e.g. hand sanitizer, masks, etc.) Travel only with those in your "social circle" .



. Physically distance (keep at least 2 metre apart from others) Wear a mask when you can't physically distance (that covers your nose, mouth and chin as required by the Renfrew County and District Health Unit) Visit crowded locations at a quieter time

(keep at least 2 metre apart from others) Masks are required at all indoor public spaces in Algonquin Park (e.g. Visitor Centre, Logging Museum, campground offices, backcountry permit offices, etc.)



in Algonquin Park (e.g. Visitor Centre, Logging Museum, campground offices, backcountry permit offices, etc.) Wash your hands frequently (or use hand sanitizer)

(or use hand sanitizer) Recreate responsibly . Keep you, your family, and Park staff safe. Plan ahead, know your limits, recreate within them. Use proper etiquette at shared recreational areas such as trail heads, portages, etc. Leave No Trace of your visit.

. Keep you, your family, and Park staff safe. More about COVID-19 and Algonquin Park

1. Plan ahead

2. Know when to visit

Not all trees change colour at the same time. Traditionally, Algonquin Park's fall colour occurs earlier than surrounding areas because of the Park's high elevation, thin soils, and cooler temperatures results in a shorter growing season for all plants including its trees. This can mean the best fall colour is observed several weeks (or more!) prior to leaf colour change in places like Ottawa, Toronto or even communities just outside Algonquin Park’s boundaries. Algonquin Park's fall colour season typically starts in mid-September and concludes in mid-October.

3. Know where to visit

No tree happens to grow in a random location, rather each tree struggles against great odds and hazards for a place in the sun and each species is subtly equipped to do better than its competition in certain conditions. Certain species of trees grow in different locations in Algonquin Park. Therefore, the mosaic of fall colour in Algonquin Park is no accident but is determined by factors such as geography, soil type, moisture, climate, etc. Check the “Where to Visit” section for more information.

4. Get a Park permit

Everyone who uses a provincial park requires a valid permit. Display your permit on your vehicle’s dashboard so Park Wardens can easily see it. Park Wardens issue tickets for failing to display a permit on a parked vehicle.

5. Stay locally

Consider staying within Algonquin Park or just outside the Park boundary to avoid entering the Park during the busy late morning or mid-day period.

6. Consider a weekday visit

Fall weekends are always busier than weekdays. If possible consider a mid-week visit to Algonquin Park as all facilities are open 7-days a week during the fall colour season. During 2020, the busiest weekends in Algonquin Park are expected to be September 19/20, September 26/27, October 3/4, and Thanksgiving weekend (October 10/11/12).

7. Arrive early

The West Gate and East Gate are expected to open at 8:00am until Thanksgiving*, but day use permits can be purchased earlier at self-serve fee stations at both locations. Permits can also be purchased at the Visitor Centre or Logging Museum [both facilities open at 9:00am daily] as long as you don’t use other Park facilities prior to your purchase. Another option is to purchase a Seasonal permit that allows an unlimited number of day-use visits either by season or annually. Seasonal permit holders don’t have to stop to purchase a permit on each visit. * Subject to change, see the Events Calendar for more operating dates and hours

8. Avoid traffic congestion

On the busiest weekends of the year likely September 19/20, September 26/27, October 3/4, and Thanksgiving weekend (October 10/11/12) traffic can become slow or even stopped at some locations in Algonquin Park. Most visitors enter Algonquin Park via the West Gate that can experience traffic congestion during the late morning/early afternoon on peak weekends. Consider entering or exiting Algonquin Park’s Highway 60 Corridor via the quieter East Gate (near Whitney, Ontario).

9. Visit on a cloudy day

Many people avoid visiting Algonquin Park on cloudy or rainy days during the fall colour season. Overcast conditions cut the glare and many people agree that leaf colours appear brighter than on sunny days. An added benefit is that the Park will have fewer visitors.

10. Drive and park safely

If you stop to look at fall colour or wildlife, ensure you pull completely off the traveled portion of the road and watch for traffic. Never stop in a lane of traffic. When parking do so in designated areas only. Never block emergency vehicle or pedestrian access.

11. Get away from your vehicle

Consider getting into a canoe, hiking a longer trail, or heading off the "beaten path" as most fall visitors stay close to their vehicles or hike only the shortest trails. Or for the adventurous visitor or one seeking solitude, head into the Park’s vast backcountry.

12. Keep wildlife wild

Algonquin Park is not a zoo, all animals in Algonquin Park are wild and act accordingly. Never feed or approach wildlife regardless of its size. Feeding, harming or harassing wildlife is illegal in Algonquin Park (and all provincial parks). Use caution with your cell phone camera as getting a closer image may cause you to approach an animal too closely.

13. Take home the proper souvenirs

The removal of natural or cultural objects from Algonquin Park is illegal. All vegetation (including brightly coloured leaves) and other natural features are protected and can not be removed from a Provincial Park. Many Park facilities sell appropriate souvenirs as memories of your visit.

14. Be a responsible pet owner

All pets must be on a leash not exceeding two metres in length and under control at all times. Pets can not produce excessive noise or harass wildlife. Pet owners must also “poop and scoop” in Algonquin Park.

15. Explore beyond the Highway 60 Corridor

Algonquin Park covers 7,630 square kilometres and many backcountry access points around the periphery of Algonquin Park, especially on the Park’s West Side, offer excellent fall colour viewing with fewer people. Algonquin Park’s backcountry accessible by canoe or hiking trail is also a quiet location for those seeking solitude. Check the Algonquin Park Canoe Routes Map or Backpacking Trails Map for route ideas.

16. Don’t litter

Garbage cans plus recycling and organics (compost) facilities exist in most locations in Algonquin Park. Garbage serves as a wildlife attractant and is also unsightly to other visitors. Use the provided waste management facilities or “pack out” your garbage.

2019 Fall Colour Season Summary

Below is a summary of fall 2019 in Algonquin Park. Click the date to view an image taken during this period.

September 8 & 9, 2019 - Temperature recorded at the East Gate of Algonquin Park drops to below freezing (-2°C) for the first time since May 18, 2019. Overnight temperature dips to below freezing for the second straight night. Slight fall colour change is noted in the deciduous trees in Algonquin Park. Fall colour season is beginning!

September 10 to 21, 2019 - Seasonal temperatures have encouraged Sugar and Red Maples to intensify their fall colour change with each passing day. Maple dominated areas are showing the Park's best colour at the current time.

September 22, 2019 - Wind and heavy rain (associated with temperatures to 27°C) knocked a small percentage of fragile fall colour leaves from trees increasing leaf fall. The Algonquin Park forest is currently offering great landscape level maple canopy viewing.

September 23 to 27, 2019 - Recent warm temperatures have caused fall colour change to slow offering continued great maple viewing opportunities. Aspen (poplar) and Tamarack show little colour change given the warm temperatures.

September 29, 2019 - Patchy frost, extensive fog, and temperatures dipping to -3°C will encourage Aspen (Poplar) to start their colour change which normally peaks in early to mid-October.

October 2 to 5, 2019 - Increased leaf fall in the maple canopy is allowing cold temperatures to penetrate the Algonquin Forest increasing the maple understory colour. Overnight temperatures dipping to -5°C with widespread frost on October 5, 2019 is changing the aspen (poplar) colour with each passing day.

October 7 to 12, 2019 - Aspen (poplar) fall colour continues to improve while the maple canopy declines with each wind or rain event. The maple understory continues to offer good viewing opportunities toward Thanksgiving weekend.

October 13 to 17, 2019 - Aspen (poplar) fall colour remains very good, while the maple understory is persisting but leaf fall is increasing.

October 18 to 23, 2019 - Tamarack, Algonquin’s only cone-bearing tree that drops all its needles, is offering great viewing opportunities. Aspen (poplar) fall colour is declining with recent rainfall events.

October 24 to 27, 2019 - Tamarack, Algonquin Park's last fall colour tree species, is now in decline.

October 28, 2019 - Other than a few remaining Tamaracks, with needles in decline, fall colour season has ended in Algonquin Park.

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