Soaking Up the Fall Colours around the Bay of Quinte
South Eastern Ontario is home to some of the most vibrant fall colours in the country. Coming from the East Coast of Canada, Ontario falls are my absolute favourite time of year. While we have beautiful beaches back home, the harsh ocean weather means we have lots of stocky pine and spruce trees. Ontario, however, gives the WHOLE spectrum of fall colours with endless Maple, Birch, and Oak trees. Come on an adventure with me and explore the best local trails to get the most out of fall in the Bay of Quinte.
PROCTOR PARK CONSERVATION AREA
Proctor Park is the ultimate fall vibe. Walking over the bridge while the water trickles underfoot, and stepping into the deep forest, I feel at ease. The three-kilometre Hardwood Hill Trail is where the colours of fall dazzle, dipping into a valley and across the wooden bridge, where the squirrels are busy storing their winter harvest. The trail ends back at Proctor House, the perfect spot for fall photos and a picnic.
POTTER’S CREEK CONSERVATION AREA
2061 Old Hwy 2, Quinte West
Located just off Highway 2, Potter’s Creek is worth a visit year-round, but is especially beautiful in October. The winding path leads to a train overpass and out onto three different trails with a stunning view of the creek and a fall palette. The trails are sprinkled with Purple Aster, old apple trees, and busy birds singing along. Woolly Bear caterpillars dine on a drooping Goldenrod leaf (and hopefully not the apples!). Potter’s Creek is a fall must-visit.
BLEASDELL BOULDER CONSERVATION AREA
When it comes to trails in the Quinte West, none is more well-known than the Bleasdell Boulder. I love this trail for its one-kilometre loop where the Birch and Maple leaves quietly fall to the ground. I often spot different species of mushrooms growing along the winding path while the Chickadees chatter away above. Lastly, I stop at the 2.3 billion-year-old boulder to snap a selfie with the famous rock.
H.R. FRINK CONSERVATION AREA
381 Thrasher Rd., Belleville
H.R. Frink Conservation Area is where life slows down. The short but crunchy leaf-lined walk to the boardwalk opens up to a marvellous view of the marsh. I love to watch as the resident Swans glide along the tall grass and Red Wing Blackbirds flit around the sky. The Horseshoe Trail is my favourite hike, where the forest floor is blanketed in a mosaic of orange, yellow, red, and brown. The ultimate fall experience!
KIWANIS BAYSHORE TRAIL
The Kiwanis Bayshore Trail is a paved trail that hugs the shores of the Bay of Quinte, giving glimpses of the water and changing colours as summer gives way to fall. I delight in seeing (from a safe distance!) the ducks scour the ground for crumbs. This path is perfect for cyclists, runners, walkers, and rollers alike.
JACK LANGE MEMORIAL WALKWAY
The Jack Lange Memorial Walkway is a hidden gem for a fall trail, located in Quinte West. I love crossing the bridge to the flat gravel trail that leads along the Trent Severn Waterway. Sumac grows in abundance along the trail, showing off its fire-red leaves. The path is popular for fishing and bird watching, and in the fall, it turns into a red, yellow, and orange wonderland. This is a great spot for dog walking with a view!
