2-Night, 3-Day Couple's Road Trip for Maximum Fall Colours
The peak of Sir Sam's will launch you into this fall road trip beginning with Haliburton Highlands.
Start Here: Sir Sam's Ski & Ride
What better way to get a bird’s eye view of the fall foliage than at the top of a mountain? We start our itinerary here to give you a sneak peek of the amazing sights you can expect on this journey.
What to do here
- Take a chairlift to the top of the ski hill and see the beauty of autumn from a bird’s eye view over Eagle Lake.
- Relax on the on-site patio (open weekends from noon to 5 p.m.) to savour more than just the colours.
- Plan your visit to fall over Thanksgiving weekend and take part in the ski hill’s Fall Festival.
Time Spent Here: Plan for an afternoon at Sir Sam's, between three and four hours.
End Your Day: Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa
Practically right next door to the ski hill is Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa, the perfect place to snuggle in for the night without giving up stellar autumn views of Eagle Lake.
What to do here
- Take advantage of the water circuit to relax and connect while maintaining your view of the lake.
- Sir Sam’s spa’s “Unconditional Love” hand treatment will awaken your heart chakra and invigorate your emotional side.
- End your spa visit in the on-site sauna for two.
- Romance and good food awaits at Twin Fires Restaurant, a cozy spot with romantic ambiance.
- Take a tip in the swimming pool or Eagle Lake. You can also borrow a kayak or canoe to glide through this beautiful body of water.
Time Spent Here: You can enjoy the property and facilities here at your leisure before settling in to your room for a romantic evening for two.
Today you will tour Haliburton Highlands via its winding, tree-crowded roads, where the blazing forests will accompany you on every mile.
Start Here: Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa
Waken refreshed from the crisp, autumn air, and ready to see more of the beauty of Ontario in fall.
What to do here
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Twin Fires Restaurant while overlooking Eagle Lake.
- Plan ahead for one more tour of the water circuit before heading out on the road.
Next Stop: Haliburton
Head south for a 20-minute drive to the charming village of Haliburton. Here, art is the focus, and romance is literally in the air.
What to do here
- A must-visit is the Haliburton Forest Canopy Tour, which runs until mid-October. This tour will take you deep into the fall foliage for a new perspective on the season.
- Be inspired by art set amid the artistic splendour of a forest in fall at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest.
- Indulge your creative side as a couple with a three-hour glassblowing workshop with Yours Outdoors or search for mushrooms on their Introduction to Foraging for Wild Mushrooms course.
- Trek hand-in-hand to the phenomenal lookout opportunity at Skyline Park, overlooking the colourful treetops in Haliburton.
- Pick up a lunch from Hook, Line & Sinker Fish Fry or Poquito Loco for an al fresco picnic at the lookout.
- Take in a round of golf at Haliburton Highlands Golf Club or Pinestone Resort Golf Club.
Time Spent Here: Plan to spend at least half a day in Haliburton proper, roughly three to four hours.
Next Stop: Harcourt
Hwy 118 takes you close to the southern point of Algonquin Park along winding, tree-lined roads that are simply breathtaking when the fall colours are at their peak. Relax and savour each moment of the drive; remember half the journey is the getting there.
What to do here
- Disconnect and discover the many layers of connection with waterfalls at Gaia’s Den: Spirit of the Waterfalls, a 74-acre property with three private waterfalls.
- Have a romantic water adventure with Deep Roots Adventure by booking one of their pre-booked experiences like the popular High Falls Paddle, Explore & Dine.
- See the forest from the back of a horse with a guided equine trail ride by South Algonquin Trails.
Time Spent Here: Depending on whether or not you book one of the experiences in the Harcourt area, you could take the whole day to experience this phenomenal region.
End Your Day: Footprints Resort
The southern tip of Algonquin Park is the stunning setting for this private, adults only boutique resort. Tucked amongst vast forests on a private lake, this will feel like a tiny oasis of peace in a busy world and perfect for reconnecting. Book a room or cabin and let your carries wash away while you drink in the fall scenery.
What to do here
- Swim, paddle or float (rentals available onsite) in the private lake bordered by the blazing forests of autumn.
- Lounge with a cocktail on the private beach side by side with your loved one.
- Either make the short drive back to Harcourt to pick up dinner from South Algonquin Diner or pick something up along the way from Haliburton or Harcourt.
- Roast marshmallows in front of the bonfire before or after soaking in the on-site hot tub.
Time Spent Here: Arrive early enough in the evening that you can relax and unwind. Please note that you will need to bring edibles or dinner with you.
This is a day to savour the relaxation and beauty of fall in Hastings County.
Start Here: Footprints Resort
Waken refreshed from your night’s sleep in this quiet paradise, then set off for the next leg (and final day) of your adventure. First stop, Bancroft!
Next Stop: Bancroft
Pay close attention to the scenery as you head north-east from the resort – you will be driving along the southern shore of South Baptiste Lake and the views will be phenomenal. If you didn’t make something to eat at the resort, you’ll be ready to fuel up for the day ahead and there is an awesome spot to break your fast en route.
What to do here
- If you waited for breakfast, the local favourite, Café B.C. is the place to go for an amazing breakfast. You can’t go wrong with their eggs benedict.
- Learn more about the heritage of the area at the Bancroft North Hastings Heritage Museum.
- Play a quick nine at Bancroft Ridge Golf Club.
- For more fall colours make the short hike to the lookout at Eagle’s Nest Park right in Bancroft. The view from the platform is an amazing way to see the fall foliage from up high.
- Bancroft is known as the mineral capital of Canada and is a popular spot for rockhounding. Purchase a permit from Kauffeldt’s General Store to dig in an open-pit quarry nearby.
- The Granite is a nice, romantic spot to stop for lunch or dinner.
Time Spent Here: You’ll want to plan for a half day in Bancroft.
Next Stop: Madoc
The small town of Madoc is a straight shot from Bancroft down Hwy 62. Expect your views to be no less inspiring than they've been so far on this trip. This is your last stop!
What to do here
- Visit Kings Mill Cider to celebrate the fall harvest of apples that will be turned into delicious cider. Of course, you will want to sample some while you’re there. We recommend their wood-fired pizza.
- The sight of a winery in fall is not something you want to miss. Make a detour to Potter Settlement Winery to sample some of their award-winning wine.
- Wander at Kings Mill Conservation Area, a former grist mill and dam for more fall colours in a different setting.
Time Spent Here: Linger as long or as little as you like as this destination is your last stop!