9 Things to Do This Fall in Algoma

Hello fall, welcome back! As the good times of summer fade to memory, it’s time to refocus on the upcoming show of nature’s splendour as the landscape prepares to transform itself into a boldly coloured artist’s canvas. The obvious plan is to focus on the leaves as they transition from everyday green to a red, yellow, and orange rainbow. But you know, there are more ways to do fall in Algoma than meets the eye. Like what, you ask? Well, here are a few ideas.

1. Take a Drive

To get the most for your fall colour buck, you need to cover some ground, and the obvious tool for the job will include the rumble of an engine. Be it a car, motorcycle or RV, one thing is for sure you are in for a treat. Highway 17 along the north shore of Lake Superior is always at the top of any fall drive bucket list. The Deer Trail Loop will immerse you in colour, be sure to stop in at the Fire Tower Lookout near Elliot Lake. Along the Lake Huron North Channel, take in the grand view from high above Spanish Municipal Marina, stop at Lake Lauzon, have lunch in Blind River, have coffee on St. Joseph Island, and so many options.

2. Ride Your Bike

From the Hub Trail around Sault Ste. Marie to the Hiawatha Highlands – Kinsmen Park mountain bike trails, country roads along the Waterfront Trail or a day with Red Pine Tours. Algoma, fall colours and cycling, a match made in leaf piping heaven.

3. Go Camping

The days are short, the nights are cool, and yes, fall camping requires a bit more of a commitment. But the bugs are non-existent, as are the crowds giving you the best chance to score one of the prime beach camping sites at Lake Superior or Pancake Bay Provincial Parks.

4. Take a Hike

It doesn’t have to be spectacular, Shoreline Discovery Trail in Spanish, Boom Camp Trails in Blind River, Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Hiking Trail in Elliot Lake, all easy access and big fall colour rewards. For more of a challenge, the spectacular views from the Helenbar Lookout Trail in Mississagi Provincial Park will wow you; the Orphan Lake Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park is sure to impress.

5. Try Fly Fishing

No experience is necessary; yes, that’s correct. All you need to do is show up to experience the best fall fly fishing anywhere. Let Algoma’s best fishing guides, Adam Vallee or Tyler Dunn, take care of the where, how and the gear. From the urban setting of the St. Marys River to pristine rivers hidden in the forest, the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

6. Catch A Bass

Bass fishing is exhilarating; catching your biggest bass ever, as they say, is priceless. After a summer of feeding and on the hunt for winter supplies, fall is the season to hook into that elusive Goliath. But of course, you need to find them to catch them, and Adam Vallee of Angling Algoma is just the guide to show you where.

7. Hit The Beach

Beach in October, well maybe a swim might not be in the plan, having a Lake Superior beach all to yourself is candy for the soul. While favourites like Old Woman Bay or Sandy Beach near Wawa are obvious choices, hidden coves and off-the-beaten-path pockets of sand abound along Algoma’s lakes, big and small.

8. Chase Waterfalls

From easy access to the Scenic High Falls near Wawa to Chippewa Falls along Highway 17, or Sand River Falls in Lake Superior Provincial Park. See the remote Aubrey Falls or the local secret falls along the Robertson Cliffs Trail. Chasing waterfalls in Algoma is a worthy pursuit in any season but perhaps best when framed by the colours of fall.

9. The Cabin

While there are plenty of things to do to take in the fall colours, sometimes the best activity is no activity at all. The best fall colour view can be from the window of a cozy cabin in the woods in the company of a roaring fire. With the hustle and bustle of the summer vacation season behind us, the many Algoma cottage resorts and lodges offer a perfect way to get away from it all. Fall colours included, of course.

If fall colours are what you are after, Algoma has you covered, but you know, there are more ways to do fall in Algoma than meets the eye.