Travel

The Best Place In The World To View Autumn Colours

Hraunfossar (Borgarfjordur, western Iceland), a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field which flowed from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the glacier Langjökull. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river.

Summer may be ending, but that doesn’t mean our need to travel the world ends with it. Even though there might be a chill in the air, there’s something magical about exploring the world in autumn. To some it’s the most spectacular season, simply due to the beautiful colours that start appearing on the trees.  It’s amazing to witness the beautiful fall colours, and here are some of the best places to see them in the world.

Agawa Canyon, Ontario, Canada

Via rail offers coast to coast train trips in Canada year round, and one of the most popular times is during the fall. Unfortunately it can take a couple of weeks to complete, and costs and arm and a leg to do. Thankfully there is a shorter, and cheaper trip that can be taken in northeastern Ontario. The Agawa Canyon Tour Train leaves from Sault Ste Marie, and covers 114 miles through the countryside.  Along the way you will see some of the most beautiful fall colours in all of the world. Keep in mind, these views helped inspire some of Canada’s most important landscape artists, including the Group of Seven. The one day trip costs between $70-$155, and the best time to go to see the best views is between the end of September to just after Thanksgiving.

Pitlochry, Scotland

You’ll feel like you’ve entered an enchanted forest if you decide to visit Pitlochry, Scotland. The deciduous trees offer some of the best autumn colours in all of Europe, and when mixed with the green pine trees you will get the best of both worlds. The small Victorian town in the Perth and Kinross council area of Scotland, can be found along the River Tummel, and is a popular tourist site. In October they even set up lights in the forest just outside of town and play music to entertain their guests.

Nara, Japan

When people think of visiting Japan to see colourful trees, they generally think of the cherry blossom season during the spring. Witnessing the golden, red swash of fall leaves however can be just as incredible. Kouyou, or fall leaves, quickly spread south starting around the end of September. One of the best places to see them is in the ancient capital of Nara, which is just a short train ride from Koyto. Nara Park is a public park located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, and it’s the perfect spot to see the red, gold and yellow leaves as you walk up to the Tamukeyama shrine.

New Hampshire, USA

The United States has several parks that are perfect for viewing fall colours, but the best place to visit is the White Mountains in New Hampshire. When people think of fall, they think of the New England part of the country, after all the red maples are simply awe inspiring. Taking a hike through the region during the start of October is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. To make it even more special, take a drive to Silver Cascade Falls to see the beauty of the tree surrounding a 250ft waterfall.

Hraunfossar Waterfalls, Iceland

Over the years Iceland has become an incredibly popular tourist destination for its hot springs, lava fields and beautiful landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the best fall colours you will find. This is especially true in Hraunfossar, where you can view the fresh colours alongside the waterfalls that stretch for nearly a kilometer. The waterfall spills over the edge of an ancient lava field into a glacial river, making for not only an incredible view, but a peaceful one as well.