‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’, John Keats’ poem ‘To Autumn’ sums up why this season is so suited for a holiday. Canada is absolutely stunning at this time of year and our article shows you exactly why you should be considering a visit.
Niagara Falls – an absolute must-see
This iconic landmark is stunning any time of the year, but in our opinion, the best time to visit Niagara Falls is autumn. The colours are a spectacular mixture of shades of brown, red, gold and orange. The Falls aren’t as busy as they are at the height of summer and the weather is warm, but no longer oppressive. This is also a great time to visit to enjoy some of the local events and festivals, including ‘Frightmare’ in the Falls and Eat Drink Thrive.
If you do decide to visit Niagara Falls in autumn, it is worth bearing in mind that the Canadian side of the Falls closes for Canadian Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October (this falls on the 14th this year)
What are the best things to do in Vancouver in autumn?
Take a stroll in Stanley Park where you can view spectacular views of the mountains, wildlife and more from its famous seawall. If you like getting closer to flora and fauna, a visit to the VanDusen Botanical Garden is an absolute must. Lovers of culture won’t be disappointed in Vancouver – the exhibits within the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology are rich in history, character and importance.
What is the best time of year to visit Toronto?
Toronto has lots going on in October: there is the Latin Festival, ‘Pumpkinfest’ and the Art Toronto Fair. Toronto even has its own Oktoberfest where you can enjoy some sauerkraut and beer (wearing lederhosen is optional!)
Niagara Falls is only a 90-minute drive from Toronto, making this an ideal base from which to see the glorious Falls. The Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma and the Art Gallery of Ontario all need to be on your ‘must-visit’ list. The Toronto Islands are just a short boat ride away from downtown Toronto and this destination makes a great day trip, especially for families.
When is the best time to visit Québec City?
Beautiful and compact, Québec City is a charming city with amazing views at every turn. The historic district of Old Québec (which is a Unesco World Heritage site) is one of the main attractions and is the only walled city in North America and Canada. The Jacques-Cartier National Park is an ideal place to visit in autumn and you can canoe, kayak and even camp in the forest-surrounded valley.
The best way to explore the cobbled streets of Québec City is on foot. The old part of the town has an impressive array of historic churches, monuments and more that gives you a real insight as to what a fortified French colonial city looks like. For more history, visit the Musée de la Civilisation which has a fascinating selection of rotating and permanent exhibits.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit as Québec City offers the best temperatures that the region has to offer. The delicious flavours of autumn are showcased via the tasty wines and ciders that are being produced in the region – there are 22 wineries to check out on the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route!
What should I do in Montreal?
Montreal is a lively city famed for its stunning architecture, fantastic entertainment and stellar cultural hot spots. From fun-filled festivals and vibrant nightlife to wonderful restaurants and great shopping, Montreal has it all. With nearly 100 festivals a year, Montreal has garnered a reputation for being a festival powerhouse.
There are lots of great things to do and no visit to this city is complete without seeing the Montreal Canadiens play ice hockey. If you love to shop, Montreal won’t disappoint as it is home to a great range of branded stores, markets and vintage shops.
If you’re inspired to visit Canada this autumn, get in touch with Paulina and she will create a bespoke itinerary for you to enjoy all that Canada has to offer. Article adapted from the ‘Why you should visit Canada this autumn’ feature at paulinatwarog.notjusttravel.com. For more information on Canada or any other travel destination, call your Wrexham-based travel consultant Paulina on 07824 378 885.
