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The Route of the Canadian Autumn
By : Luciana Andrade| Sotaque Brasileiro, Number 2, Fall 2003
Charming countryside and a varied choice of provincial parks make Autumn one of the favourite tourism seasons.
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W
ith the arrival of fall, Canada becomes more charming. No wonder that the Canadian flag shows the maple leaf – Canada’s symbol - red, resembling the appearance of fall. Tourists coming from all over the world come to see the colourful scenery in shades of green, red and yellow. These are the famous "changing of the leaves" or "fall colours" as the visitors say. From east to west, the entertainment options are countless. Luckily for tourists, national and provincial parks are all over the country, giving them more options for their discoveries on Canadian soil.
Known as a country of natural contrasts, especially when it comes to the seasons, there is nothing better for the tourist then to explore the nature reserves of the country in national and provincial parks, and biological conservation reserves. There are 38 national parks and over a thousand provincial parks across Canada. Banff, located near the "Rocky Mountains" in Alberta, is the oldest national park, which had been founded in 1885. The Tuktut Nogait Park, in the Northwest Territories, is the youngest, with only seven years.
The province of Ontario is full of natural parks. The slogan is an invitation: "Near & Natural: for you to discover." These parks attract people from all around the world. The merit goes to the variety of scenery, with leaves of vibrant colors, clear lakes and paths almost always well kept and perfectly clean. Ontario currently has no less than 270 provincial parks. Most are open from May to October, but some operate throughout the entire year.
It is no exaggeration to say that the natural beauty of the province is unique in the world's ecosystem. Majestic pine forests, extensive and abundant flora and fauna, thousands of kilometres of the Great Lakes, besides ancient rocky sedimentations, make Ontario one of the most visited regions of Canada.
Very close to Toronto, we have what is known as the Grand Canyon of the North. The place is called Ouimet Canyon and is located on Lake Superior, near Thunder Bay. Visitors will find caves, and can search for fossils. In addition, other attractions are the trails that can be followed on foot or by bicycle, kayak tours, observing the sunrise or sunset. If you decide to stretch the trip a good tip is to go north on the Mattawa River. This was the route the explorers used for the exchange of products at the time: animal skins. It’s called Quetico, and time seems to have stopped. At least, technology and modern life do not seem to have affected the nature of that place.
If your profile is more artistic or spiritual, be sure to go to Algonquin, Neys and Killarney parks. These were the places chosen by the Group of Seven painters (group of renowned Canadian artists), who spent many months creating and inspiring themselves in these areas. The result was several paintings that reflect the Nordic region of Canada.
In Killarney, Boe Echo and Frontenac parks, with Fall temperatures much more refreshing, the colors on the trees are even more striking: rust, yellow, red and blue reflecting the contrast of the lakes. The parks have spectacular trails, all safe and well demarcated. Everything the visitor needs is courage, good humour and a comfortable pair of walking boots. If you're lucky - or not - you may see deer, moose, caribou and even bears. And be careful if you decide to picnic. Squirrels and raccoons are often around in these parks.
If you decide to see the Petroglyphs Park, you will definitely go back a thousand years. There you will find caves with mythological drawings left by the aboriginal ancestors. In the northern part of Toronto, we have Awenda Park, where the famous sand dunes and beaches are very popular with families, offering freedom and security to children. Alternatively, release your spirit of adventure taking advantage of the regions of Huntsville, Bracebridge and Muskoka. There, you can rent yurts, cabins typical of forest dwellers. But if you are one of those who prefer comfort, take note that some of the parks offer laundry services, and almost all of them have electricity and hot showers. Just check before you begin your trip.
Regardless of your lifestyle, Autumn is one of the best seasons to get to know Canada, whether in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta or British Columbia, the charming landscape and pleasant climate are the main ingredients for an unforgettable trip.
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