Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff or a lakeside lookout, with the fiery hues of fall surrounding you. Luckily for you, Ontario home to an abundance of incredible hikes that lead you to spectacular viewpoints just like these.
This fall, we invite you to lace up your hiking boots and bask in the beauty of the season from a different perspective. From trails leading to viewpoints overlooking epic waterfalls to hiking along rocky mountain cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas lit up by a colourful medley of greens, ambers, golds, and reds at these scenic lookout spots.
Keep reading to learn about our top lookouts with stunning views in Ontario, complete with difficulty levels so you can start planning your leaf-peeping adventure now!
1. Algonquin Provincial Park Lookout Trail
While this 2.1 km loop trail is fairly steep and rugged, it rewards the hiker with a magnificent view of several hundred square kms of Algonquin. It typically takes around 37 minutes to finish this hike, and you'll often find fellow nature enthusiasts here, especially birdwatchers and hikers. You're welcome to bring your furry friend, but just remember to keep them on a leash.
Difficulty: This loop has moderate difficulty due to the steep and rugged trail.
2. Rattlesnake Point, Milton
Rattlesnake Point in Milton is a geological wonder. Its rugged cliffs boast jaw-dropping views of the Niagara Escarpment and fall-coloured forests, while cave systems and rock crevices make this spot a mecca for rock climbers. The park features several trails of varying levels of ease, while visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, dog walking, rock climbing, camping, birding, picnicking, geocaching, and more.
Difficulty: Moderate trails and a short hike to the lookout.
3. The Crack, Killarney Provincial Park
The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park is an iconic hiking destination and for good reason. “The Crack” is a deep crevasse that slices through the quartzite rock cliff, which leads to one of the most beautiful views in the park. This panoramic vista allows you to look down upon crystal blue Killarney and O.S.A. lakes, while taking in the epic views of the flaming gold, pumpkin orange, and candy apple red leaves. Hikers should note that this is a 7.6-km out-and-back trail, meaning hikers must return the same way they came in.
Difficulty: A challenging hike with steep and rugged terrain and is not recommended for inexperienced and unprepared hikers.
4. Dundas Peak, Dundas
This two-hour hiking adventure begins at Tew Falls, which is nearly as tall as Niagara Falls at 41 metres. Along the way, you'll find two platforms right by the trail, perfect spots to take in the breathtaking view of the falls and the gorge. As you trek further along the Niagara Escarpment, you'll reach Dundas Peak, which treats you to a magnificent panorama of the escarpment, as well as the picturesque towns of Dundas and Hamilton.
Difficulty: A relatively easy hike to reach the peak.
5. Eagle's Nest Lookout, Calabogie
Eagle's Nest is a remarkable destination known for its rugged cliffs, views of Calabogie Lake and forested landscape, which transform into a fiery palette of colours in fall. The lookout offers opportunities to spot wildlife, including eagles, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife spotting. This 2.7 km hike runs along an old logging road that climbs gradually uphill, through the woods, leading to a spectacular lookout at the top of a 120-metre cliff.
Difficulty: A moderately challenging hike with some steep sections.
6. Huckleberry Rock Lookout, Bracebridge
Huckleberry Rock Lookout, located in the heart of Muskoka, is your autumn adventure waiting to happen. Perched above peaceful lakes reflecting the gorgeous colours of the surrounding fall trees, this 2.5 km loop trail is your ticket to stunning sunsets and some much-needed time in nature and a break from screens. Keep an eye out for curious loons, and read up a little on the history of the area’s cottages on your drive over. It's a must-visit spot for endless outdoor excitement!
Difficulty: A moderately challenging hike, but the views are totally worth it.
7. Devil's Punch Bowl, Stoney Creek
Devil's Punch Bowl in Hamilton's Stoney Creek is a masterpiece come fall time. Its unique horseshoe-shaped waterfall cascades into a stunning, multi-coloured gorge, surrounded by lush trees exploding in reds, oranges, and gold this time of year. The area tells the story of its geological history, showcasing the forces of nature over time. It's a natural wonder that attracts hikers and photographers in droves year-round but especially in fall.
Difficulty: Enjoy easy access to the lookout point.
8. Rock Dunder, Lyndhurst
Rock Dunder is a 5 km loop trail near Lyndhurst and is a fantastic playground for the adventurous at heart. Its rugged terrain leads to breathtaking views of the Rideau Waterway, with lakes and lush forests to take in at every turn. Keep an eye out for lively wildlife, such as beavers, adding to the thrill of this outdoor wonderland. It's an adrenaline-pumping escape in Ontario you won’t want to miss.
Difficulty: A moderate hike with some steep sections.
9. Robertson Cliffs via Ila's Loop, Sault Ste. Marie
Located to the north of Sault Ste. Marie in the Algoma Region, Robertson Cliffs is a moderately challenging hike, but your effort is rewarded when you take in the stunning fall colours surrounding the Goulais River. Hikers can take Ila’s Loop to Robertson Cliffs, with the entire trail covering just under 5 km. However, you don't have to complete the whole loop. You can opt for the uphill climb directly to the cliffs, which are part of the Algoma Highlands Conservancy. If you decide to tackle the full loop, you'll venture through the enchanting Boreal Forest of Algoma, enjoy cliff-side vistas of the valley, and even stumble upon a delightful waterfall along the way.
Difficulty: This hike takes an average of 1 h 32 minutes to complete and features some steep sections.
10. Skinners Bluff Scenic Lookout, Wiarton
If you're in search of a picture-perfect view of rural landscapes and the scenic Georgian Bay, this is the ideal spot to have your camera ready. Situated to the northeast of Wiarton, perched above the Niagara Escarpment, you'll encounter an imposing rock formation that acts as a natural observation deck. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas on the east and north sides of the escarpment, with panoramic views of the lush forests below and the enchanting islands of Colpoy's Bay in the distance. The complete Skinner's Bluff Trail system stretches over 19 km, but you can reach the lookout area directly from the parking lot in just 15 minutes.
Difficulty: While the short stretch to the lookout area is easy to navigate, be mindful of the rocky terrain and steep drops along the path.
11. Dorset Scenic Tower, Algonquin Highlands
The Dorset Tower offers unmatched views and a memorable hiking experience. Starting behind the Dorset Heritage Museum, the trail winds through a beautiful mixed forest, leading from the base of the lookout hill to the top and back down. While the incline can be steep in places, sturdy shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
The trail spans 2.3 km in total, and pausing at the top of the lookout is a must. The view is especially stunning in the fall, when the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds of the changing leaves are on full display. The Dorset Tower, built in 1967 on the site of the original fire tower used by rangers to spot forest fires, is both a popular attraction and a historical landmark. Access the trail by turning off Hwy 35 onto Dorset Scenic Tower Rd.
Difficulty: The trail is considered moderately difficult.
Be sure to check the trail conditions and any necessary advance booking requirements before visiting these lookouts, and always remember the “Leave No Trace” mantra to protect the natural beauty of these locations. Happy hiking, leaf peepers!
