Where to See Fall Colours First in Canada
When the first cool nights of September arrive, the green landscapes of Canada begin their transformation. But autumn doesn’t sweep across the country all at once. It starts in the North, where early frosts and shorter days trigger a spectacular display weeks before the southern forests catch up. For travellers seeking the very first blush of red, gold, and amber, these destinations are where Canada’s fall colours come alive earliest.
Yukon: A Klondike Autumn Glow
In the Yukon, autumn arrives in a rush. By early September, the boreal forest around Dawson City is already shimmering in gold, orange, and crimson. The birch and aspen trees that line the Yukon River blaze against rugged mountains, making the landscape irresistible to photographers.
Best time: Late August through mid-September
Highlight: Panoramic views from the Midnight Dome lookout above Dawson City
Experience to try: Dawson City Klondike Experience — combine fall colours with Gold Rush history and Indigenous culture.
Northwest Territories: Fire and Light
In the Northwest Territories, fall colour season is short but dramatic. By early September, the forests around Great Slave Lake and Blachford Lake turn to shades of gold. As night falls, a second show begins — this is also prime time for Aurora viewing, when northern lights ripple above the treetops.
Best time: Early September to late October
Highlight: Canoeing or hiking near Blachford Lake, where the reflection of the Aurora dances across water framed by autumn leaves
Experience to try: Midnight Sun & Autumn Aurora at Blachford Lake — a journey that blends fall’s colours with northern skies.
Ontario: The Highlands Quiet Beauty
All across Ontario, the forests are awash in colour. The Haliburton Highlands are among the first regions to glow, with rolling hills painted in brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. Scenic drives here reveal lakes ringed with maple and oak, mirrored perfectly in still September waters.
Best time: Mid September – Late October
Highlight: Scenic overlooks and quiet country roads perfect for couples’ getaways
Experience to try: Haliburton Highlands Cottage & Culinary Escape — savour the flavours of the season alongside unforgettable views.
Alberta: Golden Larch Country
Farther west, the first splash of colour isn’t red but gold. In the Canadian Rockies, larch trees turn a dazzling shade of yellow that lights up alpine valleys. These conifers, rare in most parts of the world, shed their needles each fall, creating one of Canada’s most unique autumn spectacles.
Best time: Mid September – Early October
Highlight: Hiking in Banff or Yoho National Parks when the larch forests peak in gold. Bring a camera and catch the contrast between golden larches and snow-dusted peaks.
Experience to try: The Classic Canadian Rockies — indulge in the unforgettable scenery of this iconic mountain range.
Planning Your September Colour Journey
If you want to be among the first to experience fall in Canada, September is the month to go north or to higher elevations. The Yukon and Northwest Territories light up earliest, followed by Ontario’s northern forests and the larch-lined slopes of the Rockies. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photograph, planning a romantic escape, or seeking an authentic Canadian road trip, these destinations capture the fleeting magic of Canada’s first fall colours.
