The Blue Mountain and Collingwood area is one of Ontario's best-kept secrets for fall colour viewing. The Niagara Escarpment, rolling farmland, and Georgian Bay shoreline create a diverse landscape that produces spectacular autumn displays from late September through mid-October.
When to Visit for Peak Colours
Fall colours in the Blue Mountain area typically follow this timeline:
- **Late September** — Early colour changes begin, particularly at higher elevations and in sugar maple stands. Roughly 20 to 30 percent of the canopy has changed.
- **First week of October** — Colours intensify rapidly. This is when the Escarpment forests begin their peak display. About 50 to 70 percent colour.
- **Thanksgiving weekend (mid-October)** — Peak colour for most of the area. The hardwood forests are at their most brilliant, with reds, oranges, and golds dominating the landscape.
- **Late October** — Past peak for most areas, though some oaks and larches hold colour later. Leaves begin to fall.
The exact timing varies by one to two weeks depending on weather conditions. A warm September followed by cool (not freezing) nights produces the most vivid colours. Check Ontario Parks' fall colour reports for current conditions.
Scenic Drive 1: The Blue Mountain Escarpment Loop
Distance: Approximately 60 kilometres | Time: 1.5 to 2 hours with stops
This drive follows the Niagara Escarpment through some of its most dramatic terrain near Blue Mountain.
Route
Start at Blue Mountain Village and head west on Grey Road 19. Turn south on Scenic Caves Road for a climb up the Escarpment (stop at the Scenic Caves viewpoint if open). Continue south to connect with County Road 124 and head east through the rolling terrain. Turn north on Sideroad 33 and follow it back toward Collingwood.
Highlights
- Dramatic Escarpment views from Scenic Caves Road
- Mixed hardwood forests displaying brilliant reds and oranges
- Rolling farmland with red barns and colourful tree lines
- Several informal pulloff points for photography
Scenic Drive 2: The Beaver Valley Route
Distance: Approximately 80 kilometres | Time: 2 to 2.5 hours with stops
The Beaver Valley south of Thornbury is one of the most beautiful valleys in Ontario, and in autumn it becomes a corridor of colour.
Route
From Blue Mountain, head west to Thornbury on Highway 26. Turn south on County Road 13 and follow it through the valley toward Kimberley and Eugenia. Stop at Eugenia Falls for a short hike to the waterfall. Continue through the valley and return via County Road 4 back to Collingwood.
Highlights
- Eugenia Falls — A stunning waterfall surrounded by fall colour
- The Beaver Valley floor with its mix of farmland and forest
- Kimberley village for a coffee break
- Views from the valley rim looking down into a sea of colour
Scenic Drive 3: Georgian Bay Shoreline Drive
Distance: Approximately 50 kilometres | Time: 1.5 hours with stops
This drive combines fall colours with the beauty of Georgian Bay's shoreline.
Route
Drive east from Collingwood along Highway 26 toward Wasaga Beach, but instead of heading to the beach, continue east and north along the shoreline roads toward Penetanguishene and the Georgian Bay communities. The route passes through mixed forests, along rocky shoreline, and through charming small towns.
Highlights
- Georgian Bay views framed by colourful trees
- Small towns and harbours with autumn atmosphere
- Rocky shoreline contrasting with colourful foliage
- Less trafficked than inland routes
Scenic Drive 4: The Creemore and Singhampton Loop
Distance: Approximately 70 kilometres | Time: 2 hours with stops
This route heads south into the agricultural heartland and through charming villages.
Route
From Collingwood, head south on Highway 24 to Singhampton. Continue south to Creemore via County Road 9. Explore Creemore village (visit the brewery), then return north via County Road 124.
Highlights
- Creemore village — One of Ontario's prettiest small towns
- Creemore Springs Brewery for a tasting stop
- Noisy River Provincial Park for a short walk through colourful forest
- Rolling farmland with spectacular tree-lined roads
Photography Tips for Fall Colours
Best Light
- **Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon)** — Warm, directional light makes colours pop
- **Overcast days** — Surprisingly good for fall photos because clouds act as a diffuser, reducing harsh shadows and making colours appear more saturated
- **After rain** — Wet leaves are more vibrant and reflective
Composition Ideas
- Frame distant views through colourful tree branches
- Include water (rivers, lakes, puddles) for colour reflections
- Use roads disappearing into colourful forest for depth
- Get low and shoot upward through the canopy against blue sky
- Include human elements (a barn, a fence, a bench) for scale and interest
Equipment
A smartphone camera is perfectly capable of capturing beautiful fall colour photos. If using a dedicated camera, a polarizing filter will reduce glare on leaves and deepen sky blues. A wide-angle lens captures sweeping views, while a telephoto can isolate specific patches of colour on distant hillsides.
Combining Fall Colours with Other Activities
Fall is arguably the best season to visit Blue Mountain, and a colour drive pairs well with:
- **Hiking the Bruce Trail** — Walking through fall colour is even more immersive than driving through it
- **Wine tasting** — Grey County wineries are harvesting grapes in fall, and the vineyard views are stunning
- **Apple picking** — Several orchards near Blue Mountain offer pick-your-own apples in September and October
- **Scenic Caves** — The suspension bridge views during fall colour are exceptional
Your Fall Colour Home Base
Blue View Chalets is the perfect base for fall colour exploration. Return from your scenic drives to a warm chalet, light a fire, and enjoy the evening. Our chalets are surrounded by the same forests that make these drives so spectacular, so the colour show continues right outside your windows. Book early for Thanksgiving weekend — it is our most popular fall period and chalets sell out well in advance.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
