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Georgian Bay Fall Colour Routes

The Georgian Bay resort area is one of Ontario’s ecology focused destinations. Two International Biosphere reserves give Georgian Bay a unique status. The area is particularly spectacular during the fall colours autumn season.

Georgian Bay Resort Area Road Trip Ideas

Bruce Peninsula-Owen Sound to Wiarton Return Fall Colour Trip

Owen Sound can be reached by Highway 6 heading north from Guelph, or via Highway 26 heading west from Collingwood. When heading out of Owen Sound you want to turn right on Grey County Road 1. Grey County Road will take you all the way to Wiarton and Georgian Bluffs. Along the Georgian Bay Shores. Consider a side trip to Balmy Beach where the road runs along the Bay and returns to Grey County Road 1. Go through Wiarton to the Spirit Rock Conservation area where you can hike a portion of the Bruce Trail to Spirit rock (moderate 90 minute hike return), then drive back into Wiarton and drive along the west shore of Colpoys Bay to the detailed historical sign and look up to where you stood at Spirit Rock. Head back to Owen Sound via Highway 6. 

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Driving Time: Allow a Minimum of 4-6 hours including hikes and attraction visits and a stop for a meal. This will be best experienced as a road trip of one full day trip.

Bruce Peninsula-Northern Section

Owen Sound to Tobermory via Hope Bay & Lions Head Fall Colours Route

Discover the beauty of the northern Bruce Peninsula with a direct drive from Owen Sound Via Highway 6 to the cut off for Colpoys Bay via County Road 9. Follow the signs to Cape Croker Indian Reserve on County Road 18 and proceed to Light House Road. Proceed to the end where the Cape Croker Light house is located at the end of the road. The view is worth the drive see photos. Travel back through the Reserve to County Road 9 and turn right towards Hope Bay. There is a nice sand beach at Hope Bay. As well, the Bruce Trail is accessible. Drive back out to County Road 9 and proceed north to Lion’s Head. Drive through Lion’s Head and keep to your right, to a series of back roads (mostly gravel), some along Georgian Bay. You will drive along Isthmus Bay Road, 40 Hills Road, and Cape Chin Road South. Signage is not prominent and you have to do a little exploring as you drive. There is a short trail which is part of the Bruce Trail at the Provincial Nature Reserve called Smokey Head White Bluff. Note: It takes you down to the cobble rocks on the beach. About 40 minutes return.

Continue driving until you see directions to Cape Chin North Road. Follow this road until you see the sign for Devil’s Monument. Drive to the end (gravel road) and hike about 20 minutes to the Devil’s Monument, you can also hike down to the beach, however the section below the monument is rugged and rocky. Drive back out to Highway 6 and Drive to Tobermory, Explore the town, and visit the new Visitors Centre at Fathom Five National Park. Drive back to Hope Bay—or to Owen Sound. See Photos.

From Tobermory you can catch the MS Chi-Cheemaun passenger-vehicle ferry to Manitoulin Island.the largest island in a freshwater lake in the world.

Driving Time. This will be a full day touring, hiking, and enjoying attractions and scenic views.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Collingwood Beaver Valley Fall Colours Route

Driving Directions:Take Highway 400 to Highway 27 north in Barrie. Go north to Highway 26, and proceed west to Collingwood and Thornbury. Proceed south again on County Road 13 to the Beaver Valley, and then go back north to Meaford, return through Thornbury and Collingwood. Enjoy family fall fun picking apples along the way.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Georgian Bay (Midland to Parry Sound) Fall Colours Road Trip

Driving Directions:Take Highway 400 North to 93 northwest to Southern Georgian Bay and the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene. Combine your fall drive with a fall colour cruise from Midland or Penetanguishene to capture the beauty of the 30,000 Island fall colours. A visit to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons or the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is fun for families. Take Highway 12 through Midland, picking up the 400 again north to Muskoka Road 5 to Port Severn & Honey Harbour. Return to Highway 400 and proceed north to Parry Sound for a spectacular float plane air tour.  Continue north again on Highway 400 to the French River, and Point au Baril. Return via Highway 400.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Georgian Bay resorts, lodges, inns, cottages, hotels 

Old Fort Road Fall Tour to Midland Ontario Colours

Driving Directions:This route will take you past Simcoe County Forests, rolling rural country side, vistas of hills with spectacular fall colours, antique shops, farms with fresh farm eggs and honey for sale, through the charming villages of Wye Vale, Hillsdale and Waverly in the heart of Simcoe County. Detailed Fall Foliage touring route with mileage, places to see and suggested links to overnight accommodation stops. 

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

Coldwater to Big Chute-Port Severn: Trent-Severn Historic Waterway

This road trip can features a driving road trip from Coldwater to the Big Chute Marine Railway. Taking time to do both will give you great water views and the drive will take you on a different perspective along some of the back roads and cottage country locations along the Trent-Severn Historic Waterway.  

Orillia & Lake Country Fall Driving Routes

Ontario’s Lake Country is located just one hour north of the GTA, a perfect location to enjoy the peacefulness away from the busy city life and take in the breathtaking fall colours. Escape and book one of our many distinctive fall getaways. Enjoy this beautiful and picturesque region on your choice of driving tours, cycling routes, scenic tours by boat or hiking the stunning trails along our waterways and scenic landscapes. There is something for everyone to Fall in love with Ontario’s Lake Country.

Come to picturesque Orillia & Lake Country and travel the beautiful roadways with the vibrant autumn colours that connect the lakes and waterways throughout the region. The recommended routes provide suggestions of places to stop and dine, shop or play along the way.

For latest fall colour changes please see Fall Colour Report

ToDoOntarioGeorgian Bay Fall Colour Routes