This is What Autumn in Canada Looks Like: 40 Spectacular Fall Photos
Changing leaves, morning mists, soft evening light and vibrant splashes of colour—autumn in Canada is a dream season for shutterbugs and nature enthusiasts alike. Check out these fantastic photographs from Our Canada contributors, which showcase the most magical time of the year.
Fall Pictures of Canada
Magical Moment
Autumn is prime season for shutterbugs like Karen Cook of Kingston, Nova Scotia. “This truly is one of my favourite landscape photos that I have ever taken,” Cook says. “The sunlight was streaming through the trees to touch the ground with warmth and light. I was entranced by the beauty of the scene.”
Scroll on for more inspiring fall pictures.
Soaring Skyward
“I love this photo of a towering tree on Vancouver Island in fall,” shares Douglas Bothwell of Bowmanville, Ontario.
Check out more impressive shots of the big trees of Avatar Grove.
Inspiring Scenery
“I love this photo because it showcases the beautiful fall colours on Monte Lake in B.C.,” writes Carla Hunt of Vernon, B.C. “I was inspired by the colours of the leaves and how the forest seemed to frame them.”
These hidden gems of B.C. are well worth exploring.
Iconic Pic
“For me, this photo of the symbolic maple leaf, hanging beautifully in the sun, captures the essence of Canada,” says Bronwen Heinrich of Vernon, B.C.
Don’t miss this gorgeous gallery of Canada Day photography.
Go With the Flow
“Using a slower shutter speed added an otherworldly effect to this fall photo, taken near Dorset, Ontario,” writes Richard Bywater of Huntsville, Ontario.
Here are 10 Canadian waterfalls that’ll take your breath away.
Moody Hues
Rain or shine, the reds, greens, yellows and oranges of the season still manage to pop. Photographer Linda Prudhome captured this moment at Chudleigh’s Farm in Halton Hills, Ontario.
These Ontario corn mazes are worth getting lost in.
Good Day Sunshine
Photographer Heidi Verrino of Hornepayne, Ontario, uses light and shadow to stunning effect in this shot. Great job!
Here’s expert advice on mastering silhouette photography in the great outdoors.
Free Bird
This free-spirited mallard was captured by Heather McIlravey on Severn River, Ontario. Thanks for sharing!
How many of these beautiful Canadian birds have you spotted on your travels?
Walk in the Park
Photographer Tracy Vandermeulen found plenty of inspiration for fall pictures along the Carman Community Pathway in Manitoba.
Don’t miss this gallery of spectacular bridges in Canada.
Magic Hour
No time better captures the splendour of autumn than the moments right before a sunset. Gorgeous shot, Christy Turner!
You can see more of Christy’s stunning snaps in this roundup of door photography.
In Bloom
Photographer Rena Nixon of New Minas, Nova Scotia, writes: “The fall mums are so eye-catching. I planted these in my garden three years ago and look forward to seeing them bloom each fall.”
Discover the prettiest botanical garden in every province.
Hidden Gem
“I’d been to nearby Mount Royal Park many times, but this day, a hidden, leaf-covered staircase caught my eye,” writes Montrealer Falisha Karpati. “I followed it up to this little house that stood out in contrast to the bright and colourful leaves around it. This tiny structure is a reminder to always be on the lookout for new sights, even when you’ve walked the same path already!”
Don’t miss these unforgettable day trips from Montreal.
Seasonal Perfection
“Last year, we visited Elk Island National Park just east of Edmonton,” says David Lee of Chilliwack, B.C. “The beautiful gold, yellow and green colours were reflected in this beaver pond on one of our walks on the park trails. The day was perfect with blue skies, a warm sun and just a little fall chill in the air.”
Check out more day trips from Edmonton.
Old Rusty
“This pastoral scene, with the contrast between rusty metal and rust-coloured leaves, seemed to pop with photographic potential,” writes Lorain Ebbett-Rideout of Carlow, New Brunswick. “Amid the autumn colours this retired farm truck, once the backbone of the operation, sits silent. With the light fading and an incoming weather front, I scrambled to choose the correct angle to capture this image—I was happy with the results.”
Read the heartwarming story of a farm truck that was truly one-of-a-kind.
Delightful Day’s End
“Sometimes ‘regular days’ end up being the most special; that was this day,” says Jackie Gartner of Lloydminster, Alberta. “While visiting Banff National Park, we were taking the Bow Valley Parkway back to our campsite when we pulled over to capture this scene—a perfect ending to a perfect day!”
Here are seven essential things to do in Banff on your next trip.
Park With a View
“While driving through nearby Morningside Park I parked my car and took a walk to snap a few pictures of the splendid fall colours,” shares Moby Inayet of Scarborough, Ontario. “Both the tree and the ground beneath it were on fire with the bright orange leaves.”
Got some fall pictures of your own you’d like to share? Here’s how to submit your images to Our Canada.
Beauty in Nature
“This photo is truly Canadian,” says Sarah White of Ottawa. “This red maple leaf pic was snapped on a footpath along the Ottawa River. Walking in a forest is one of the best ways to enjoy the amazing fall colours.”
Check out 10 great day trips from Ottawa.
A Vision in Scarlet
Photographer Deb Sandau captured this dreamlike composition in Red Deer, Alberta.
Discover the best hikes in Canada.
Morning Fog
Foggy conditions can make for a gloomy day, but as Mike Lane illustrates in this shot on a farm near Saanichton, B.C., they can lead to striking fall pictures!
These great fall movies will put you in the spirit of the season.
Twin Peaks
Photographer Ann Andriashek captured this stunning shot of autumn-framed snowy peaks in Kaslo, B.C.
Don’t miss our awe-inspiring gallery of Canadian Rockies photography.
Cycling Partners
Helen Rempel of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, writes: “Here’s a tricky self-image of my husband and me biking down a path with beautiful autumn trees lining the trail.”
Explore the best bike trails in every province.
Mirror Image
All eyes, including those of photographer Maryse Tremblay, were on this gorgeous reflection in Centennial Park, Quebec.
These hidden gems of Quebec are worth seeking out.
River Crossing
Norman Dyrvik of Sherwood Park, Alberta, found inspiration for our “fall pictures” theme in this Bull elk he encountered in Bow River.
Check out Canada’s most impressive wildlife experiences.
Autumn Leaves
Heather Vopni writes: “Gorgeous autumn leaves adorn the urban landscapes of Coquitlam City parks in beautiful British Columbia. These beauties were captured along the Coquitlam River.”
Find out seven stunning spots to watch the leaves change across Canada.
Living Colour
This magnificent shot comes from Kevin McKenna of Georgetown, Ontario, who captured it atop Mont Tremblant in Quebec.
Planning an autumn getaway? Take inspiration from our roundup of the best road trips in Canada.
Autumn Fun
Not everyone is a fan of autumn chores, but they can provide plenty of fodder for fall pictures! Joyce Stolte of Edmonton snapped this shot of her grandson having a blast in a pile of leaves.
You’ll want to bake these fall pie recipes all season long.
Some Frosty Morning
Autumn in Canada means shorter days—and the threat of early frost at night. Marnie Larsen of Battleford, Saskatchewan, captured these flowers after a particularly heavy frost.
Need more proof that ice and snow can be pretty? These shots showcase the beauty of the Canadian winter.
Autumn Critters
Diana Gorski of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, writes: “Here’s a little squirrel enjoying a cool fall day at Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary. Located 33 km southwest of Edmonton, it’s one of my favourite places to spend time in.”
Discover more breathtaking Alberta scenery.
Fall Foliage
We’re so grateful photographer Norma Keith brought her camera along to Algonquin Provincial Park. This shot truly encapsulates autumn in Canada!
Check out the most iconic national park in every province.
Our Symbol
“The Red Maple is SO Canadian,” shares Jane LeBlanc of Bains Corner, New Brunswick. “It’s hard not to enjoy the show it puts on every fall.”
Here’s why you need to take the Agawa Canyon Fall Colours Train Tour.
Gone Fishin’
Fred Allin writes: “Enjoying a walk by the Humber River in Toronto and taking in the fall colours.”
These day trips from Toronto make great escapes.
Four-Legged Friend
Karen Allin of Mississauga, Ontario, found inspiration for fall pictures at one of her favourite places: the Toronto Zoo!
Check out these impressive moose pictures snapped in Algonquin Park.
Scenic Route
“I captured this shot at the nearby Mer Bleu Conservation Area,” shares Ottawa’s Paula Brown. “It was in the early fall of 2020, and my husband, Dave, and I were amazed at how colourful the foliage was as other areas in Ottawa were just starting the fall colour process. Mer Bleu is quite the birding area in all seasons, so if you visit, have your camera ready!”
Discover the best bird-watching spots across the country.
Spectacular Sight
Nancy O’Brien of Mississauga shares this lovely image, writing: “Canada offers the most spectacular fall colours, particularly in northern Ontario. This picture was snapped in Magnetawan, Ontario, at the public beach.”
Check out the most beautiful beaches in Canada, as voted by you!
The *Other* Niagara Falls
Back in 2013, Matt Ferguson of Victoria snapped this gorgeous pic of the waterfall in Goldstream Provincial Park near Langford, B.C. The name of the cataract? Niagara Falls!
Discover 25 unforgettable things to do on Vancouver Island.
Salmon Run!
Hasan Merdic of Hamilton writes: “The fall colours in Canada are amazing, as was watching the salmon run in Bronte Creek in Oakville.”
Don’t miss this gallery of fantastic Canadian bird photography.
A New Beginning
“I took this photograph in October 2020,” says George Vanderberg of Lethbridge, Alberta. “My intent was to show the slow but steady rebirth of the landscape after the devastating Kenow Wildfire that burned a good part of Waterton Lakes National Park in 2017.”
Read one couple’s harrowing account of the 2021 wildfire season out west.
Cheeky Fellow
“I captured this shot of an eastern chipmunk in my backyard on a beautiful autumn day,” shares Brenda Doherty of Ariss, Ontario. “He had been scurrying around but stopped just long enough to pose for me. I think he looks handsome sitting amid the gold and brown leaves.”
Here are more cute pictures of chipmunks that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Maple Leaf Forever
“Nothing says Canada more than the maple leaf,” says Greg Coates of Ajax, Ontario. “And in the fall, well, the colours are simply iconic. No wonder people come from all over the world to see them!”
Next, discover the 10 places in Canada every Canadian needs to visit.
