Top 5 Scenic Fall Drives

As the crisp autumn air settles over the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson, burnt orange, and brilliant gold. Whether you are a local planning a weekend day trip or arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) for a fall getaway, taking a scenic autumn road trip is an absolute classic.

To help you get the most out of leaf-peeping season, we’ve put together five of the best fall drives across the GTA and southern Ontario—along with the perfect rental ride to keep your trip smooth, comfortable, and reliable.

1. Forks of the Credit Road & Caledon

Drive Time: ~45 minutes from Toronto / Mississauga
Highlights: Winding valley roads, Belfountain Conservation Area, and rustic country markets.
The Route: Route through Caledon along the Escarpment Side Road and down through the famous Forks of the Credit. The winding turns frame the vibrant forest canopy on both sides of the road.
Recommended Vehicle: A nimble sedan like our Standard Hyundai Elantra or Intermediate Honda Civic. Easy to handle on twisty country roads with great fuel efficiency.

2. Hockley Valley & Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Drive Time: ~1 hour north of YYZ
Highlights: Towering limestone cliffs, sweeping vistas along the Bruce Trail, and cozy local cafes.
The Route: Drive up Highway 10 toward Mono and take County Road 1 through Hockley Valley. Pull over for a hike up to the canyon lookout at Mono Cliffs to take in the multi-coloured forest floor below.
Recommended Vehicle: A spacious CUV(like our Honda CR-V or similar) or Full-Size Sedan —offering plenty of trunk space for hiking gear, boots, and roadside farm stand finds.

3. Rouge National Urban Park (Scarborough & Markham)

Drive Time: ~30 minutes from downtown Toronto
Highlights: 19th Avenue farmland, Reesor Road views of the Toronto skyline, and Old Finch Avenue.
The Route: If you want autumn views without driving far from the city, head east into Rouge Park. Drive along 19th Avenue and Reesor Road for rolling agricultural fields framed by fiery maples.
Recommended Vehicle: An economical daily driver or luxury sedan to comfortably cruise through the GTA’s scenic east end.

4. Niagara-on-the-Lake & The Niagara Parkway

Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from Mississauga / YYZ
Highlights: Historic architecture, fruit orchards, world-class wineries, and the Niagara River.
The Route: Winston Churchill described the drive along the Niagara Parkway as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world”—and in mid-to-late October, it’s unbeatable. Take the parkway from Queenston all the way down to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Recommended Vehicle: Treat yourself to a luxury sedan or premium SUV rental to explore wine country in style.

5. Muskoka Lakes & Highway 60 (Algonquin)

Drive Time: 2.5 to 3 hours north
Highlights: Iconic Canadian Shield landscapes, pristine lakes, and panoramic fire tower lookouts.
The Route: For the ultimate fall road trip, head north along Highway 400 toward Muskoka or push through to the Highway 60 corridor in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Recommended Vehicle: Travelling with family or a group of friends? Choose a 7–8 Passenger Minivan or a spacious 12-Passenger Chevy Express Van so everyone travels together without feeling cramped.

Tips for Planning Your Ontario Autumn Drive

Timing is Everything: Fall foliage usually peaks between late September and mid-to-late October, depending on how far north you drive.
Book Park Passes Early: Popular destinations like Mono Cliffs, Belfountain, and Algonquin require day-use vehicle permits in advance.
Get the Right Vehicle for Your Trip: Skip the stress of putting extra miles or wear-and-tear on your personal car.

Hit the Road with Airport Auto Rental

At Airport Auto Rental, we’ve been helping GTA locals and visitors explore Ontario since 1994. Whether you need an airport pickup straight from Pearson (YYZ) or convenient vehicle pickup at our Mississauga, Caledon, or Orangeville locations, we offer transparent pricing, clear rates, and a reliable fleet.

Ready for your autumn getaway? Book your rental vehicle online today or call us at (647) 534-2420 to secure your ride!