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As the crisp autumn air rolls in, it's time to plan the perfect fall getaway in Ontario. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall colours are about to peak, and there’s no better way to experience the season than with a scenic drive.
As the crisp autumn air rolls in, it's time to plan the perfect fall getaway in Ontario. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall colours are about to peak, and there’s no better way to experience the season than with a scenic drive.
We polled the team at Village Nissan, and using our extensive local knowledge, we created a list of the ultimate routes to see the best of the Ontario fall.
Plus, we’ve paired each incredible fall drive from Toronto with the perfect Nissan to elevate your experience.
A Classic Cruise: Niagara Parkway
This is arguably one of the most famous scenic drives in the world, and for good reason. The Niagara Parkway follows the winding Niagara River from Queenston to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Lined with majestic trees, the route becomes a breathtaking tunnel of colour in the fall. You'll pass historic sites, beautiful parks, and countless wineries, perfect for a mid-drive stop.
Why We Love It
It’s a relaxed, leisurely drive with plenty of stunning photo opportunities and charming towns to explore. The combination of brilliant foliage against the backdrop of the Niagara River is simply iconic.
Route & Stops
Start: Queenston Heights Park for a fantastic panoramic view.
Key Sights: Floral Showhouse, Dufferin Islands, and of course, the Falls themselves.
Don't Miss: The charming heritage town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, perfect for a stroll and a bite to eat.
Pro Tip: Drive it on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
The Perfect Nissan For The Trip: Rogue Owners
For a comfortable and scenic cruise like this, the Nissan Rogue is your ideal companion. Its smooth ride and spacious interior make for a relaxing journey. The available panoramic moonroof offers an unparalleled view of the canopy above, letting you soak in the colours. Plus, with generous cargo space, you’ll have plenty of room for any bottles of wine you pick up from the local vineyards.
A Driver's Delight: Forks of the Credit
For those who enjoy the drive as much as the destination, this is your route. Located in the Caledon area, the Forks of the Credit road twists and turns through the Niagara Escarpment, offering dramatic elevation changes and hairpin bends. The road is surrounded by dense forest, making for an immersive and exhilarating fall colour experience.
Why We Love It
It's a true driver's road that rewards you with both thrilling corners and spectacular views from the Belfountain Conservation Area and the Cheltenham Badlands.
Route & Stops
The Core Route: Follow Forks of the Credit Road between Dominion Street and McLaren Road.
Key Sights: Stop at the Belfountain Conservation Area for a beautiful walk and a view of the suspension bridge.
Don't Miss: Book a timeslot to visit the unique landscape of the Cheltenham Badlands nearby.
Pro Tip: This road is very popular. Go early in the morning on a weekday for the best experience.
The Perfect Trip for Altima Owners
A dynamic road calls for a dynamic car. The Nissan Altima with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive provides the perfect blend of style, comfort, and confident handling. The AWD system gives you extra grip and stability on those winding, leaf-covered roads, while its responsive engine makes powering out of the corners a pure joy. It’s a sophisticated sedan for a sophisticated drive.
An Adventurer's Escape: Dundas Peak & Spencer Gorge
If your ideal day trip involves both a great drive and a great hike, head towards the Hamilton area. The drive along the Niagara Escarpment is beautiful on its own, but the real prize is the view from Dundas Peak. This area is home to some of the region's most stunning waterfalls, including Webster's Falls and Tews Falls, which look even more dramatic when framed by autumn foliage.
Why We Love It
It’s the ultimate "drive and explore" destination. The reward for your short hike is one of the most photographed and spectacular lookout points in all of Ontario.
Route & Stops
Destination: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area (reservations are required during peak season!).
The Drive: Take Harvest Road and other local routes through the Dundas Valley for a scenic approach.
Key Sights: Dundas Peak Lookout, Tews Falls, and Webster's Falls.
Pro Tip: Parking is limited and requires booking in advance. Check the Hamilton Conservation Authority website before you go.
The Perfect Nissan For The Trip: The Pathfinder
An adventure like this requires a vehicle built for it. The rugged and capable Nissan Pathfinder is the perfect choice. With three rows of seating, you can bring the whole family or all your friends. Its ample cargo space is perfect for hiking gear, and its robust nature means you won't hesitate to venture down a gravel road to find the perfect trailhead.
An Iconic Getaway: Southern Muskoka Loop
You can't talk about fall in Ontario without mentioning Muskoka. While the full cottage country experience is a bit further, a beautiful loop through its southern portion is easily done within a day. The iconic granite of the Canadian Shield, the deep blue lakes, and the fiery colours of the maple trees create a postcard-perfect scene.
Why We Love It
This is the quintessential Ontario fall experience. The mix of lake views, charming small towns, and winding forest roads is unbeatable.
Route & Stops
The Loop: From Gravenhurst, head up Highway 169 towards Bala, then cut across to Port Carling, and return south via Highway 118 and Highway 11.
Key Sights: The Muskoka Steamships in Gravenhurst, the Bala Falls, and the famous "Hub of the Lakes" wall in Port Carling.
Don't Miss:Stop at a local bakery like Don's Bakery in Bala for some classic treats.
The Perfect Nissan For The Trip: The Nissan Murano
A trip to Muskoka calls for a touch of class and supreme comfort. The Nissan Murano is a premium crossover that delivers both. Its Zero Gravity seats will keep you comfortable on the highway drive up from Markham, and its elegant design will fit right in whether you're parked by the lake or in front of a boutique shop. It’s the refined, comfortable, and stylish choice for an iconic destination.
A Hidden Gem: Northumberland County Hills
Want to escape the biggest crowds? Head east of the GTA to Northumberland County. The area is known for its beautiful rolling hills and scenic country roads. The route from charming Port Hope up to the artistic town of Warkworth is a quiet, beautiful drive through farmland and forests that burst with colour.
Why We Love It
It offers a more peaceful and pastoral fall experience. It’s less about dramatic lookouts and more about the simple beauty of the countryside, with plenty of opportunities for apple picking and visiting farm stands.
Route & Stops
Start: Explore the historic downtown of Port Hope.
The Drive: Take County Road 2 out of Port Hope and then head north on the smaller country roads towards Warkworth.
Key Sights: The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Campbellford, Empire Cheese in Campbellford, and the art galleries in Warkworth.
Don't Miss: Visit a local orchard like Burnham Family Farm Market for apple picking.
The Perfect Nissan For The Trip: The Nissan Kicks
This versatile drive is perfect for a versatile vehicle. The Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover that's zippy, fun to drive, and incredibly efficient—perfect for a day of exploring country roads. Its nimble size makes it easy to park in small towns, while its surprisingly spacious cargo area has more than enough room for a few bushels of apples and a pumpkin or two.
Find Your Perfect Autumn Ride at Village Nissan
Before you head out on your fall colour tour, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. And if you're looking for the perfect new ride to make this autumn one to remember, we're here to help.
Contact us today and book a test drive so that our team can help you find the right fit for your future road trips. It would be a pleasure to show you around any one of our impressive new models or reliable pre-owned inventory.
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