Embrace (and capture) the warm autumn aesthetic at these colour-filled locales.

Toronto is known for many things, such as tall buildings, rich food culture, a distinct skyline, Raptors, Maple Leafs, and much more. But fall foliage is something worth including as well. Among the many hidden pockets and parks where the autumnal glory can be viewed, here are some places you can enjoy nature's playful hues! 

Pro Tip: Track the progress of fall colours in Ontario to find peak viewing time and locations.

Fall leaves at Trinity Bellwoods park in Toronto
The CN Tower makes the perfect backdrop to the fall colours

Trinity Bellwoods

This park is popular with locals for many reasons. Walking, bicycling and public transportation are easy methods of getting to it since it is located between Dundas and Queen Street. The trees' positions and alignments provide a great natural frame for the CN Tower and Toronto skyline.

It's a great place to take your best fall shots with the rows of trees and benches in the park! You can also enjoy a picnic, or watch the dogs run around on a leash-free playground, or even catch a live performance. 

Pro Tip: Try to frame the skyline or the CN Tower with leaves as you walk around the park. The top of the hill west of Dog Bowl will give you the above view!

Also Read: The Best Takeout to Eat in Trinity Bellwoods Park

Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brickworks is a great example of what can happen when the city and community come together to restore an abandoned site. Once a quarry and an industrial site, it is now one of Toronto's gems. It is surrounded by naturalized ponds, hiking trails and farmers' markets, and offers some amazing skyline views, especially in the fall! 

Pro Tip: The Governor's Bridge Lookout and Don Valley Brickworks Park Lookout will provide you with a sweeping view of the city. A person walking in your photo can help put the view into perspective. 

High Park

The fall foliage in High Park does not require much explanation. You can see stunning calm early morning reflections over Grenadier Pond or Catfish Pond just across Ellis Avenue. There are many beautiful hikes you can do, a zoo for kids, playgrounds and much more. 

Pro Tip: Your best chance to get mirror-like reflections on the lake is early in the morning when the water can be still.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a favourite summer destination for many Torontonians. In fall, however, the cooler temperatures, warmer colours and fewer crowds make it an ideal choice for a visit. This is the fastest and easiest escape from busy city life. Take a ferry or a water taxi to the island and enjoy a picnic, take a walk, a bike ride, or spend time at the beach on the southern part of the island. You can do all of this while surrounded by fall colours.

Pro Tip: You can get one of the best skyline photos from near Sunfish Cut on Cibola Avenue. The CN tower and the skyline are framed by Snake Island and Algonquin Island Park.

David A. Balfour Park

David A. Balfour Park is an urban park located in the Deer Park neighbourhood of Toronto near Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue. Among the park's features is a large open space on a reservoir, ornamental fountains, reflecting pools, a gated garden retreat and a children's playground. A forested ravine flows into a tributary of the Don River from the park. There are trails that descend into the ravine and connect to the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail.

Pro Tip: You can add leading lines using wooden fences or stairs for a pleasing composition.

Coronation Park

Coronation Park is just east of Ontario Place along the Martin Goodman Trail. The park is along the waterfront and the shadow play during the sunrise or sunset is great for photographing! Because there is always shade in the park, the light here is ideal for pictures. 

Pro Tip: Early morning is the best time to capture soft light and avoid the crowd. The low sunlight penetrates deeper in the park, creating playful shadows. 

Crothers Woods

Near Beechwood Drive and Beechwood Crescent in East York, Crothers Woods offers 10 km of natural trails, a variety of birds and a view of Toronto. Approximately 9 km of natural dirt trails are available, most of which are multi-use. You can find many mature trees here, some of which are over a century old, as well as rare plants and animals.

Pro Tip: Use curvy paths and roads to guide viewers' attention in a photograph.