Fall colour sightseeing tours in Ontario

Southern Ontario

Hot air balloon rides with Sundance Balloons

Sundance Balloons operates in several Ontario locations with seasonal sunrise and sunset sightseeing excursions over cities and countryside landscapes.

Weather-dependent one-hour flights are offered between May and October. Prices are based on number of passengers and time of flight.

Locations: Kitchener-Waterloo, London and Ottawa

Great Lakes Helicopter

Combine three of Ontario’s most beloved things in an epic afternoon adventure: autumn colour, scenic lake views and amazing food and drink.

On the Grand Bend tour, embark on a helicopter flight along the picturesque Lake Huron West coastline and over the fields and foliage of Huron County, and enjoy award-winning local craft brews, wine and snacks.

Locations: Kitchener and Grand Bend tours depart from headquarters at 4685 Fountain Street North, Cambridge. Parry Sound tours take off from 51 Great North Road, Parry Sound

Fall colour excursions with South Simcoe Railway

Climb into a restored 1920s rail coach in Tottenham and ride the rails along the century-old line that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood.

Today, the train travels through Beeton Creek Valley on an hour-long roundtrip. The popular tour includes the conductor’s commentary on the history of the line, train travel and railways in Canada.

Fall colour excursions run on select dates in September and October. Advance reservation is required. Tickets can be purchased online or by telephone at 905-936-5815 using MasterCard or Visa. Get your tickets early as these sell out fast.

Location: South Simcoe Railway Station, Mill Street West, Tottenham

1000 Islands Helicopter Tour

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the 1000 Islands region from a first-class seat in the air. 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offer planned tours, special packages and customizable charters.

Book ‘The Works Tour’ to see it all – the historical sites of Kingston, sunken ships and landmark castles. Take home a personalized video and t-shirt to remember this experience.

Prices vary based on tour or package. The Works Tour lasts a full hour and requires a minimum of two passengers to takeoff.

Location: 88 County Road 32, Leeds & Thousand Islands, Gananoque

Liftlock Cruises on the Trent Severn Waterway

Explore the historic Trent Severn Waterway during the fall season with Liftlock Cruises.

The three-hour tour begins at Little Lake and travel north, through the world’s highest hydraulic liftlock. Passengers will enjoy an informative commentary from the captain on the history of the waterway and the locks. Enjoy a fully licenced snack bar on board as you sit back and take in the scenic fall colours.

The cruise departs. on select days in September and October, rain or shine. Call (705) 742-9912 to book.

Location: 92 George Street North, Peterborough

Hot air ballooning with Skyward Balloons

Set out on an early morning or evening excursion where you’ll float above the fields, trees and countryside with a bird’s eye view of all the vibrant fall colours. All flights include a complimentary sparkling beverage and a personalized flight certificate.

Flights last approximately one hour; however, set aside up to four hours for the adventure. Book online or over the phone at 1-888-314-4666 or 519-651-1833.

Location: Based in Kitchener-Waterloo, meeting times and launch sites vary across Southwestern Ontario throughout the season.

Papple Aviation scenic flights and aerial photography

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron and the southwestern Ontario landscape from above.

Locations: Flights are available from six airports: Seaforth, Goderich, Wingham, Lucan (near London), Port Elgin and Kincardine.

Muskoka and Central Ontario

Fall colour cruises on Muskoka Steamships

Cruise Lake Muskoka and view stunning fall colour onboard the Wenonah II steamship. Choose from two to four-hour excursions, with options for high tea, lunch or dinner service.

Wenonah II cruises run until early-October. Prices vary with cruise options.  Book in advance online.

Location: 185 Cherokee Lane, Gravenhurst

Open-air gondola at Blue Mountain

Admire the spectacular emeralds, golds and scarlet in the Niagara Escarpment from the open-air gondola at Blue Mountain Resort, which provides the perfect 360-degree view of this natural wonder. 

Get unlimited, single-day access to the open-air gondola with an Explore All Day Pass. It is available online and also provides access to Blue Mountain’s network of hiking and cross-country trails. Guests can also use Play All Day or Season Passes. There are six parking lots open to day guests, as well as text message alerts for parking availability.

 150 Jozo Weider Boulevard, Unit AS8, The Blue MountainsLocation:

Fly over Muskoka with Georgian Bay Airways

Set out on a sightseeing tour of a lifetime with Georgian Bay Airways. Soar above Muskoka’s scenic lakes, islands, villages and resorts all bathed in rich fall colour. Or opt for a romantic sunset champagne tour or fly and dine at a delicious fish and chips restaurant.

Sightseeing tours are based on a minimum of two people, departing from Parry Sound Harbour. Book in advance online. Free four-hour and all-day parking is available in downtown Parry Sound. 

Location: 11a Bay Street, Parry Sound

Scenic chairlift rides at Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride

The panoramic view of Eagle Lake, Moose Lake and the dazzling fall colours of Haliburton Highlands under wide open skies from the top of Sir Sam’s ski hill is incredible. What makes it even more enjoyable is the s scenic chairlift ride and down the hill.

Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Location: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake

Northern Ontario

Explore Algoma on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train

This 183-kilometre, ten-hour rail excursion takes you deep into the Canadian Shield and offers views of pristine northern lakes, granite rock formations, dense forest, stunning fall foliage and potential wildlife sightings.

Passengers are treated to an onboard audio guide that identifies points of interest and recounts the region’s rich history with stories of the Ojibwe, fur traders, explorers, entrepreneurs and the famed Group of Seven painters.

The 2024 season runs from August 1 to October 14. Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to book well in advance. Free parking is available at the station depot in Sault Ste. Marie. Please note accessibility details and email contact@agawatrail.com for more information.

Location: 87 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie