If you’ve been waiting for that mesmerizing burst of autumn colour in Algonquin Provincial Park, this may be the time to grab your camera, pack a sweater and head up north. Park staff say that Sugar Maples and Red Maples are showing some of the season’s most vibrant colours, with gorgeous reds, oranges and yellows spreading through the canopy. About three and a half hours from Barrie, Whitney, Ont., is putting on quite the fall display, with 34 native tree species adding to the scenery. Smaller maples growing underneath the canopy are slightly behind, thanks to the protection they receive from cooler temperatures and frost. Across the park’s 7,630 square kilometres, the season’s show has yet to reach its finale. Colours could get even better Maple colour could intensify slightly, as shorter days and colder nights continue to work their autumn magic. Algonquin park staff say there is one catch, the blustery wind. As leaves mature and become more fragile, strong winds can increase leaf fall. Heavy rain and even snow can have the same effect, which is why the “perfect fall colour day” can be difficult to predict. For visitors hoping to see Algonquin’s famous maples, park staff say right now is an excellent time. Best time to enjoy the view Generally, the park’s prime fall colour season stretches from mid-September through mid-October, but different trees take their turn in the spotlight. Park staff say sugar and Red Maples are the stars of the show right now. Poplar, or Aspen, typically follows the maples and is still largely green to yellow-green. Its best colour traditionally arrives in early October. Then comes the tamarack. Still green for now, it’s one of the last trees to change, with its golden colour expected to peak around mid-October. Why Algonquin changes so early Algonquin Park has geography to thank for its early-ish autumn. Much of the western park sits on the elevated Canadian Shield landscape known as the “Algonquin Dome.” The area’s ancient rolling hills and glacial soils provide great growing conditions for maples, particularly Sugar, Red and Striped Maples. The higher elevation also creates cooler conditions and a shorter growing season than many areas farther south. Conveniently, Highway 60 cuts through a large part of this maple-rich landscape, making the corridor one of the easiest places for visitors to take in the views. Peak colours and history No two autumns follow the exact same schedule. Over more than 50 years of observations, the earliest recorded Sugar Maple peak in Algonquin Park took place on Sept. 15, 1982. The latest was Oct. 9, 1996, a difference of roughly three weeks. Park staff say the average peak is around Sept. 27. Last year, the Sugar Maple forest in the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor reached its peak on Sept. 25, a few days earlier than average. Drought-related stress was believed to have played a role in the earlier timing. Best viewing locations Park staff recommend some of these locations for viewing Algonquin Park’s fall colours, though the best spots may vary depending on the time and conditions.
