With autumn at our doorstep, we’re getting to perfect jeans and sweater weather. Don’t waste these gorgeous last days of mellow, sun-filled fall colours. The weather is great so get outside! Why not visit a local park or beach, or try a hiking trail and surround yourself with the changing foliage – whatever gets you both back to nature and the great outdoors! Here are 5 spots to check out before the weather changes.
1. Whyte Lake Trail – West Vancouver
Just on the outskirts of West Vancouver, the trail at Whyte Lake just above Horseshoe Bay is an easy 5 km stroll through some of the loveliest colour bursts fall has to offer. Spend a couple of hours hiking along the lake and old-growth forests. With temperatures as fresh and crisp as a fall apple, this is the perfect time to get your hiking shoes on and go kick some rocks!
2. Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours – Halifax
If you’re on the East Coast, be sure to catch the last of Grape Escapes Wine Tours‘ full schedule of offerings before they scale back going into December. Try a lunch and wine excursion or an evening tour. You’ll visit wineries in the Annapolis Valley on one, and on another, you’ll experience Grand Pré Wines, the oldest farm winery in Atlantic Canada. Enjoy beautiful views of the Minas Basin, spectacular sunsets and the beauty of fall on the vineyards.
3. Emerald Lake – BC / Lake Louise – Alberta
If you and your love are feeling a bit wanderlusty, head over to Yoho National Park for a lovely ramble around Emerald Lake. The lake is circled by a 5.2 km trail and it takes about an hour and a half to walk. The mountain views and the striking green hue of the water are the highlights here. There is a lodge and some cabins on the property if you choose to stay a little longer. This is the spot to really disconnect. After your stop at Emerald Lake, head over to the celebrated Lake Louise – one province over but only a 30-minute drive away. For hike-aholics everywhere, Lake Louise is known as the hiking capital of the world! Fear not – there are various levels of difficulty when it comes to choosing a route. No matter the path, the landscape is breathtaking.
4. Niagara Region Wine Tours – Niagara Falls
October is a great month to head down to the Niagara region to take a wine tour. With 92 wineries and 48 restaurants, there is plenty to experience this fall in the area. The range of tours offered is pretty extensive, from cheap and cheerful, to a lovely lunch tour or an exquisite dinner offering. Prices vary by tour company, but be sure to have a look at Groupon for possible offers before you go. We also recommend checking out Niagara Vintage Wine Tours.
5. Climbing Mount Royal – Montreal
Plan ahead and load up with a hearty brunch before you conquer Mount Royal. We highly recommend Sparrow (Moineau) with a heads up that they are only offering take-out and delivery right now. But their food is awesome and the vibe is great. So make sure to visit again when dining is back “on the table”…groan.
The climb to the lookout on Montreal’s Mount Royal meanders from the entrance at Parc and Duluth for 6.6 km along Olmsted Rd. You’ll walk through densely forested areas, along the steep escarpment, past Beaver Lake and the chalet on your way to the summit. If you’re not up to making the entire trek, there are many off-shoots that you can take as bypasses and benches dot the path if you need a quick rest. Be sure to stop along the way and take in the breathtaking city views.
Each of these 5 spots is perfect for celebrating the fall season. Enjoy the crispness in the air, cooler temperatures and the changing of the colours. Get out and explore all that our picturesque country has to offer.
And one last thing. Check out our lovely playlist to accompany that cable knit and latte.
🧡🍂 Autumn Date Nights 🍂🧡 on Spotify by Date Ideas Canada.
Click here for more great mood-setting playlists.
