Explore the top fall getaways with these fall foliage destinations across North America. These scenic spots deliver unforgettable views.
Fall doesn’t just mark sweater weather—it sparks a full-scale color takeover across North America . If you’re craving crisp air, scenic drives, and golden landscapes, these fall foliage destinations deliver some of the continent’s most unforgettable autumn views . Each one offers a different shade of magic, plus plenty of reasons to turn your getaway into a true seasonal escape .
1. Vermont, USA — The Classic Autumn Icon
When people picture fall, they’re probably imagining Vermont . And there’s no better place to start your color-chasing adventure. Route 100, the state’s legendary scenic byway, cuts straight through the Green Mountains and shows off endless stretches of fiery red maple canopies. Small towns like Stowe, Woodstock, and Waitsfield turn into postcard scenes, complete with covered bridges and cozy cafés where leaf-peepers refuel.
If you want peak views—literally—hop aboard the Killington Gondola and ride up to Killington Peak. At 4,241 feet, you’ll get a sweeping look over the patchwork forests below. It’s one of those moments where the photos will never do the real thing justice.
Speaking of unforgettable views, our next stop brings even more dramatic landscapes—this time north of the border.
2. Quebec, Canada — Mountains, Color, and Culture
Quebec doesn’t hold back when fall arrives. In the Laurentian Mountains, the season hits fast and bright, turning valleys into colorful waves of amber, scarlet, and gold. Towns like Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Sauveur, and Sainte-Adèle make perfect home bases for travelers ready to hike, bike, or simply admire the scenery with a warm drink in hand.
Closer to the city, Mont Royal Park in Montreal offers an easy way to enjoy fall without leaving town. When the skyline rises behind glowing maple trees, it’s a view that feels equal parts urban and natural—something you can’t find just anywhere. Families especially love this area since kids can run, play, and explore under hundreds of picture-perfect trees.
With Quebec’s bold reds and oranges in mind, the next destination changes the palette entirely.
3. Michigan, USA — Lakeside Color Done Right
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers fall foliage scenes you could swear belong in a national park documentary. In Hiawatha National Forest, the mix of maple, oak, and birch trees creates a kaleidoscope of fall color. Add mirror-like lake reflections, and you’ve got some of the most dramatic autumn scenery in the Midwest.
Spots like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls State Park feel even more impressive during peak color season. Crisp mornings, misty trails, and quiet drives make this region a favorite for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy nature at its best.
If you think you’ve seen every shade fall has to offer, just wait until you see what Colorado brings to the table.
4. Colorado, USA — Gold as Far as the Eye Can See
Colorado’s fall season hits different. Instead of the usual reds and orange tones, the state is famous for its brilliant golden aspen groves, which light up entire mountainsides. Regions around Aspen, Telluride, Crested Butte, and Steamboat Springs become glowing landscapes that shimmer in the sunlight.
What makes Colorado stand out is how many ways you can explore it: scenic drives along Independence Pass, horseback rides through glowing valleys, or hikes where you’re surrounded by leaves so bright they look almost metallic. The contrast of yellow aspens against rugged mountain peaks creates one of the most striking autumn scenes in North America.
From alpine gold, we head to a coastal region that quietly steals the show every fall.
5. British Columbia, Canada — Under-the-Radar Autumn Beauty
The Pacific Northwest isn’t usually the first place people think of for fall color, but British Columbia proves it deserves a spot on every foliage lover’s list. In Vancouver, parks like Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the VanDusen Botanical Garden showcase blazing shades of red and orange throughout October.
For travelers wanting a longer fall getaway, the Okanagan Valley—known for wineries, orchards, and rolling hills—turns into a warm-toned masterpiece. Harvest season makes it even better: crisp air, local produce, and hillside vineyards painted in gold. It's a fall vacation experience that blends nature, flavor, and relaxation seamlessly.
Where Will Your Fall Take You Next?
These top fall foliage destinations offer more than photogenic views—they deliver the kind of autumn memories that stick with you long after the leaves drop. Whether you crave mountain trails, scenic backroads, lakefront stillness, or vibrant city parks, the season shines brightest in these five spots.
Next Read: Top 10 Family Ski Resorts
When you're ready to turn your fall trip into a truly relaxing escape, browse Owner Direct Vacation Rentals in each region. You’ll find everything from cabins and mountain condos to lakeside homes perfect for an autumn getaway—plus more travel inspiration waiting on our site for wherever the season takes you next.