Effortless Autumn: Easy Access Fall Views in Ontario’s Highlands

Sometimes finding the perfect view that fully captures the splendour of fall is all the inspiration we need to climb to the highest height, push ourselves on a challenging trail, or make the drive to that out of the way spot where the views are most amazing.

But not always.

From the Ottawa River west to the high lands, Ontario’s Highlands puts on a spectacular colourful display in fall and many of the best views are within easy reach. Whether it’s a short, scenic trail, a gentle paddle, or a ride to the sky in a chair lift, these unforgettable lookouts don’t ask much of you, just that you seize the moment and enjoy the view. 

Towers, Chair Lifts and Canopy Walks

For unbeatable views without the full-on hike, these spots are fall showstoppers.

Sir Sam’s Ski/RIDE – Eagle Lake

At Sir Sam’s Ski/RIDE there are four ways to take in the scenery – hike, mountain bike, ride the lift or climb the tower. At the summit, five lookout points offer panoramic views, picnic spots and photo-ready backdrops. The Eagle View Observation Tower sits 420 feet above Eagle Lake and offers an unbeatable view of the countryside. Ride the carpet lift to the peak of the mountain and save your legs to climb the tower. 

Haliburton Forest Canopy Walk – Haliburton Highlands

Suspended high above the forest floor, the Haliburton Forest Canopy Tour offers a rare chance to walk among the treetops on one of the longest canopy boardwalks in the world. At a half-kilometre in length and 10 to 20 metres off the ground, visitors are surrounded by the blazing colours of fall foliage. This tour takes approximately three hours and participants must be at least 10 years old.

Calabogie Peaks Resort - Calabogie

At Calabogie Peaks Resort you can ride in style to the peak of the highest vertical lift in Ontario. The resort offers chairlift rides to see the fall colours and at the peak you can stroll the Skywalk Trail and pause to drink in the beauty of autumn. 

Low on Effort, Big on Reward

Not everyone has the time or ability for a big hike. These spots deliver on fall beauty without an effort to get there.

Westmeath Lookout – Beachburg

A short trail takes you to a historic octagonal lookout established in 1958. The lookout offers 360-degree panoramas over forests, fields, streams, and the hilly terrain of the whitewater region in fall. Parking is available on-site and the trail, while fairly steep, is short enough to make this an accessible destination.

Panorama Park Lookout – Minden 

You can drive to and park right at this stunning lookout in Minden for ultimate accessibility. Use the benches perched on the top of the hill to sit and take in the sweeping views of the village and the hills beyond. This spot is especially stunning when autumn turns the trees into a painted landscape. Plan to be there at sunset during peak fall colour season.

Skyline Park – Haliburton

The hilly town of Haliburton sits in the shadow of a towering ridge, and on that ridge is a public park with sweeping views of the landscape below. The entrance to Skyline Park is just a minute or two east of the town, and allows you to drive all the way to the top for an easy lookout option without breaking a sweat!

Mill of Kintail – Mississippi Mills

This cute little park area is only a few minutes from the small town of Almonte and features a lovely wooden bridge that crosses over the Indian River. The bridge and the historic stone building nearby make a unique setting for the vibrant fall colours for which Lanark County is so well known. Hike or cycle the park’s more than four kilometres of trails and dive deep into the brilliance of the forest.

Bancroft Eagle’s Nest Lookout - Bancroft

The Hawkwatch lookout at Bancroft Eagles Nest Park stands tall over the town with stellar views of the fall landscape in Hastings County. Don’t be intimidated by the steep hill you’ll need to drive up before parking your car. This hike is a short and simple one to the observatory deck overlooking the winding river and hills below, a veritable kaleidoscope of fall's brilliance.

Johnny's Lookout at Shaw Woods - Eganville

At only one-and-a-half kilometres, the trail to Johnny’s Lookout is short and sweet. This east trek ends with a lovely lookout and is a great trail for birding so bring your camera!

Reflections on the Season

Want to skip the climb? Get on the water. Fall reflections from a canoe or kayak are some of the most peaceful, picture-perfect views you'll find.

Riverside Park - Carleton Place

Bring your own or rent a kayak from Kayakomat at Centennial Park in Carleton Place, directly across the river from Riverside Park. Launch your kayak or canoe onto the Mississippi River and drink in the fall views from a water perspective. Paddle towards the downtown or head upriver where the foliage crowds the riverfront. When you get tired, pull out at Riverside Park and have a picnic beneath the towering maple trees here.

Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve - Haliburton Highlands

With more than 100,000 acres of forest and 100 lakes you can paddle in some unique and phenomenal settings here. Check out Havelock, Clear, or MacDonald lakes and watch fall's reflection in the water as you dip your paddle. At the end of the day stay at the Cliffside Cabin or rent one of Cabinscape's off-grid cabins tucked deep in the forest.