***NOTE: YOU CAN CLICK ON THE MAP TO OPEN A ZOOMABLE IMAGE***

It’s shaping up to be a picture-perfect Thanksgiving Weekend across Ontario, and nature is putting on one last spectacular show before winter sets in. Across much of the province, the fall colours are now reaching their peak, just in time for the long weekend and this year’s display is one you won’t want to miss.

If you’ve been waiting for the ideal time to hit the road for a scenic fall drive, this is it. Central and Eastern Ontario are bursting with colour right now, with brilliant reds, oranges and yellows covering the forests from Muskoka to the Ottawa Valley.

Check out our new fall colour park dashboard that lets you track the fall colour change for each provincial park!

FALL COLOUR PARK TRACKER

Parks such as Algonquin, Arrowhead, Bonnechere, The Massasauga, Silent Lake, and Bon Echo are all reporting colour change at or above 70 percent. The rich mix of maples and birches is producing a stunning contrast that paints the landscape with fiery autumn tones. For many areas, this is the absolute peak which is that magical window when most trees are fully changed but still hold plenty of leaves.

However, that window is short-lived. Some parks are now reporting more than 50 percent leaf fall, meaning these vibrant views won’t last much longer. If you’re planning a trip to Algonquin or other northern parks, this weekend could be your last chance to experience the full canopy before winds and cooler nights strip the trees bare.

Even with the ongoing leaf fall, the colour coverage across Central and Eastern Ontario remains exceptional. Parks including Frontenac, Voyageur, and Mikisew are glowing with late-season golds and deep reds, offering some of the best hiking conditions of the year. Clear skies and mild temperatures will make it easy to spend the whole day exploring the great outdoors.

While the north is beginning its gradual slide past peak, Southern Ontario is just getting started. From the Niagara Escarpment to the Lake Huron shoreline, and stretching east through Prince Edward County and the GTA, colour change is advancing quickly. Many of these regions are now sitting between 40 and 60 percent colour change, which means peak fall colour conditions are expected to line up perfectly with Thanksgiving Weekend.

That’s welcome news for anyone planning outdoor gatherings or day trips over the long weekend. Whether it’s a drive through the Dundas Valley, a picnic at Forks of the Credit, or a stroll through Rondeau or Bronte Creek, the next few days should feature stunning scenery and warm sunshine.

**ESTIMATED AIR TEMPERATURE on sunday** - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

The latest high-resolution model data even suggests we’re in for another burst of summer-like warmth across Southern Ontario. On Sunday, temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid to upper twenties, with some inland areas possibly reaching the 30°C mark.

It’s a rare treat for early October and more like something out of August than Thanksgiving Weekend. For those closer to the lakeshores, expect slightly cooler highs in the lower twenties thanks to the lake breeze. Still, it’ll be a gorgeous day for a fall road trip, with plenty of sunshine and mild winds making for ideal driving conditions.

The warm weather will also help extend the life of the remaining leaves, giving the region a few extra days of brilliant colour before cooler air and rain return later next week. So if you’ve been putting off that annual fall colour tour, now’s your moment.

For the best viewing experience this weekend, head toward higher elevations in Central and Eastern Ontario, where the mix of tree species and cooler nights has created the most vibrant hues. Algonquin Provincial Park remains the top spot for photographers and nature lovers alike, with Arrowhead, Bonnechere, and Silent Lake close behind.

Those staying closer to home in Southern Ontario will still be rewarded with spectacular views. The rolling hills around Caledon, Mono Cliffs, and Hockley Valley are quickly transforming into a patchwork of gold and crimson. In Niagara, the escarpment trails and vineyards are beginning to glow, creating a perfect backdrop for Thanksgiving festivities.

Don’t forget about Prince Edward County, where fall colours are blending beautifully with the region’s scenic farmland and wineries. Areas like Sandbanks and Presqu’ile are starting to see that golden shift as maples and oaks catch up to their northern cousins.

As always, timing is everything when it comes to fall colour chasing. While many areas will look their best this weekend, winds or rain later in the week could quickly thin out the foliage. Keep an eye on local forecasts if you’re planning to travel, and be ready to head out early in the morning for the best light and least crowded parks.

So charge up your camera, roll down the windows, and take in every view, because before long, those vibrant trees will trade their fiery tones for the bare branches of late fall. Enjoy the show while it lasts, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend surrounded by the best of Ontario’s autumn beauty.