Exploring Kawartha Lakes: Fall Colours

Fall is particularly stunning in the Kawartha Lakes, and these are our favourite spots to seek out fall colours.

At Gilbert + Burke, we think there’s something extra special about the Kawartha Lakes—especially during the fall, where the colours are vivid, the air is spiced with pumpkin, and the temperatures begin to drop. In Kawartha Lakes, fall colours shine hues of rich mahogany, forest green, burnt orange and mustard yellow into the beautiful surrounding area. Whether you head out on a long fall drive, a fall hike or a trip to the lake, these are some of our favourite spots to seek out Kawartha Lakes fall colours. Since fall is so quick in Canada, be sure to seek out the beauty before the fall colours fall to the ground. Enjoy!

Buckeye Marine

Take a scenic drive

One of the best ways to see all of the Kawartha Lakes fall colours? Grab the kids, buckle the seat belts and map out a long driving route. One of our favourite fall drives is the classic Kawartha Lakes route, which loops from Lindsay and takes you through stunning lakes, beautiful trees and quaint villages. Fall colours are everywhere on the drive, along with special spots like the Quaker Oaks Farm and the Balsam Lake Stone Walls. We also love taking the Rolling Hills driving route, which goes from Omemee to Bethany to Lindsay. On this drive, you’ll see everything from the breathtaking views on the Doube’s Trestle Bridge to the Devil’s Elbow snowboard and ski area.

Head out to the lake

The Kawartha Lakes are filled to the brim with tons of truly beautiful lakes and lakefront areas—enough so that the area is named after them. While the lakes are beautiful no matter the season, they’re particularly stunning paired with the reflection of fall colours on the top of the water. There are beautiful, mirror-like views at every Kawartha lake, but we’re partial to the fall colours reflected on the tops of Sturgeon Lake, Balsam Lake and the Gamiing Nature Center off of Pigeon Lake. Pack a picnic, play some tunes and enjoy a lovely fall afternoon at the lake.

Set out on a hike

Hiking is a must-do for anyone and everyone that lives in or visits the Kawartha Lakes, and setting out on a trail is one of the absolute best ways to witness the true magnitude of all of the fall colours. Lucky for you, the Kawartha Lakes area is home to one of the most truly magnificent trails in all of Toronto—the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. The trail, which once called a railroad track home, is an incredible, 54 km long spot to witness the best of the Kawarthas and its fall colours. There are many other hikes we’d recommend in the Kawartha Lakes area, but check out the Ken Reid Conservation Area and the Fleetwood Creek Natural Area to see the fall colours at their best.

Fall is fleeting in Canada, so be sure to take advantage of every second of fall beauty you can while it’s around. The Kawartha Lakes are packed with fall colours and stunning naturescapes, and you’ll have fun no matter where you choose to go. From hikes to drives to views, there’s simply nothing like fall in the Kawartha Lakes.

In the meantime, use your long drives and hikes to chat about hopes and plans for your home. Our Ultimate Home Design Guide is exactly what you need to design the home and cottage you’ve been looking for, and we’re always here to help you out. Connect with us, and have a delightfully colourful fall.