Enjoy Fall Colours in Northern Ontario With These Four Hidden Gems in Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie is one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the fall season, thanks to its stunning landscapes and vibrant autumn foliage. While popular spots like Robertson Cliffs, Fort Creek Conservation Area, and Bellevue Park offer spectacular views, there are also lesser-known locations that deliver equally breathtaking scenes.
In this guide, we’ll highlight four hidden gems in and around Sault Ste. Marie where you can enjoy some of the most impressive fall colours in Northern Ontario. For more travel ideas and inspiration, visit the official Sault Ste. Marie tourism site.
Wishart Park, A Peaceful Spot to See Fall Colours
Wishart Park is a quiet spot just off Fourth Line East, and one of the hidden gems to see fall colours in Ontario. This small park offers a peaceful trail for a short hike or photo walk surrounded by vibrant foliage. Stroll through the woods or follow the Root River as it winds south toward the city. Find Wishart Park on Google Maps and discover why it’s one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the fall.
Explore Fall Colours Hiking Odena Lookout at Hiawatha
The Odena Lookout and Odena Loop at Hiawatha Highlands is part of the Voyageur Trail. The large ‘Loop’ trail is a 4.2km hike that starts at Sixth Line and weaves itself over to Connor Road. Alternatively, if you just want to enjoy the incredible view, the Lookout hike is a short 400-meter trot uphill. Once you get to the top, the view will take your breath away. Beautiful maple fall colours blended with vibrant coniferous greens make this lookout truly spectacular.
Root River and Root Cascade
Root River and Root Cascade, located on the west side of Sixth Line, are beautiful places to visit in Ontario during the fall. The waterfalls flow gently into the Root River, surrounded by maple trees bursting with vibrant fall colours. This peaceful spot is one of the best places to experience Ontario’s stunning autumn scenery. View Root River and Root Cascade map for the exact directions.
Gros Cap Conservation Area
Just outside Sault Ste. Marie, Gros Cap Conservation Area offers a lookout that combine the beauty of fall foliage with the majesty of Lake Superior. While the trees here show softer autumn tones compared to Hiawatha, the lookout provides an unforgettable vantage point of the spot where Lake Superior meets the St. Marys River. From here, you can also see the Gros Cap lighthouse and watch passing Lake Superior freighters. The lookout is part of the Saulteaux-Goulais section of the Voyageur Trail, which extends west and north toward Red Rock.
Frequently asked questions
Sault Ste. Marie boasts several hidden gems for fall foliage enthusiasts. In addition to the four spots highlighted—Odena Lookout at Hiawatha Highlands, Wishart Park, Root River and Root Cascade, and Gros Cap Conservation Area—there are other notable locations such as Robertson Cliffs, Fort Creek, and Bellevue Park. For more hiking options, explore our Hiking Trails in Sault Ste. Marie.
The peak of fall foliage in Northern Ontario typically occurs from late September to mid-October. During this period, the region’s forests transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. For more information on enjoying fall in Sault Ste. Marie, visit our Five Ways to Enjoy Fall guide.
Yes, all four featured spots offer trails suitable for various skill levels. Wishart Park and Root River are particularly family-friendly, providing easy walks with scenic views. For more family-friendly outdoor activities, check out our Family Activities in Sault Ste. Marie.
While there are no specific guided tours for the four highlighted locations, Sault Ste. Marie offers various hiking tours and experiences. For more information on guided hiking opportunities, visit our Hiking Guides and Tours.