Enjoy Fall Colours at Our Parks

Fall is Here!

September’s crisp air and falling leaves signals our season has shifted into autumn, the season of change and transition. Fall marks the moment we move away from the fast pace and array of colours we see during the summer. Now, we are transforming into a slower paced lifestyle, where we pause and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the golden colours around us, before the winter season arrives.

Fall is a great time to explore our parks. The colours of the leaves, ranging from bright yellow, to burnt orange and fiery red creates breathtaking views. Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) parks provide the perfect spots for you to enjoy autumn in all its stunning glory.

Get the Most Out of Your Visit

A reddish-orange maple leaf on a white birch tree truck. — Spotting red and orange maple leaves along our trails is a sure indicator that fall has arrived.

You can observe a vibrant spectrum of colours at parks like Terra Cotta Conservation Area or Belfountain Conservation Area because of the different tree varieties at these areas.

There are endless locations to take stunning photos and videos to share on your social channels, as you take in the sights, sounds and smells that will make your fall memories last a lifetime.

Autumn Adventures

Terra Cotta Conservation Area and Belfountain Conservation area, both in the heart of the Niagara Escarpment, are a must-see during fall.

Terra Cotta Conservation Area

Vibrantly coloured trees outlining a reflective body of water under a blue sky. — Terra Cotta’s fall-coloured trees stand vibrantly under a clear blue sky.

Fall foliage awaits you at Terra Cotta, just a short drive from downtown Toronto. Discover the vast 485-acre park by wandering along its diverse hiking trails, which wind through mature forests and by streams and ponds.

Visit the picturesque wetland to capture stunning photos of wildlife and fall-coloured trees reflected on the water. It’s also the perfect season for birding and wildlife photographers. You may be lucky enough to spot pileated woodpeckers under the auburn and gold-coloured canopy.

Stop by the park store on your way out to grab some local maple syrup to end off the ultimate fall day.

Visit our Terra Cotta webpage for additional information regarding hours, fall colours and how to save time by purchasing your tickets in advance.

Belfountain Conservation Area

Two people standing on a wooden bridge looking out into a forest. — Visitors enjoying the view of the Credit River from the bridge crossing on the Gorge Trail.

Immerse yourself in nature at the best time of year and take a trip back in time in the West Credit River valley. Belfountain offers the best of fall forest bathing and water sound therapy with a beautiful waterfall overlook from the suspension bridge.

You can also visit and learn about historical features in the park including the “belle” fountain, terrace and the replica Yellowstone Cave.

Take advantage of the autumn season and plan your trip to Belfountain before it closes for winter to enjoy its stunning features.

Things to Remember When Planning Your Visit to Belfountain Conservation Area

This park is a popular spot during the height of fall colour season and often reaches capacity. Review these important reminders before your visit:

The park can be accessed by vehicle only, walk-ins are not permitted.
Make a reservation to guarantee your parking space and allow you to choose a time that best suits your schedule. Reservations are available for two-hour time slots. You can also avoid the frustration of arriving to the park and being turned away. To preserve nature and history, picnicking, barbequing, drones and day-camping are not permitted at Belfountain Conservation Area.
Enjoy free entry and picnicking at the nearby Terra Cotta Conservation Area or Island Lake Conservation Area after you complete your visit at Belfountain. To gain free, same-day entry, show your vehicle permit to the gatehouse attendant.

Track Fall Colour Change

Trees of green, red, orange and yellow coloured leaves at the edge of a lake. — Beautiful reflection on the lake of the changing trees in fall at Island Lake CA. Photo by Jon Clayton, CVC staff.

Some of the most vibrant colour change happens in the heart of the Credit River Watershed. You can monitor the percentage of colour change at our parks by visiting our park advisories page. Visiting this resource before you head out is always a great idea to see how busy a park is and any special conditions that may arise.

A graphic of five coloured leaves and progress bar.

Enjoy Fall Colours by Wagon Ride

Someone operating a tractor pulling a wagon filled with people. — Enjoy an interactive guided tour on a wagon ride at Terra Cotta CA!

Explore the stunning fall forest at Terra Cotta Conservation Area by wagon ride! In this interactive guided tour, you will experience the beauty of autumn and learn about the intriguing transformations that occur in nature.

Share your fall colours photography and park visits with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

By Sarah Lebret, Associate, Marketing and Communications