Autumn might be the best-kept secret at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa. The summer crowds thin out, the maples around Eagle Lake turn every shade of red and gold, and the whole property settles into an easy rhytymn. You could easily spend the whole weekend on-property, moving between the WaterSpa, the sauna and a bonfire down by the lake. But the season’s biggest draw is an hour up the road at Algonquin Provincial Park, one of Ontario’s most popular spots to take in the fall colours. Make the drive, immerse yourself in the vibrant fall colours at Algonquin Park, and be back at the lake by nightfall. Here’s how to plan the perfect day trip to Algonquin from Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa.
Getting to Algonquin Park from Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa
Start your morning at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa and take a few moments to relax before hitting the road. Have your morning coffee on your private walkout patio outside your guest room and soak in the views of Eagle Lake. After easing into the day, start your drive towards Algonquin Park’s West Gate, located about an hour north of the inn along Highway 35.
About halfway there, you’ll pass through the township of Algonquin Highlands, where a couple of stops are well worth your time. Climb the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower for a sweeping view of Lake of Bays and the surrounding hills in full autumn colour. Note that a timed entry ticket is required on fall-colour weekends. A little farther along, you can follow the short trail to Ragged Falls and watch the water rush over the rocks, framed by maples. It’s a great place to stretch your legs before the final stretch to the West Gate.
See the Algonquin Park Fall Colours: Things to Do in the Park
Enter at the West Gate and the whole Highway 60 corridor opens up ahead of you, with trailheads, lookouts and picnic spots scattered along the drive. Here’s how to spend the day:
- Hike a lookout trail. Algonquin has trails for every skill level, from gentle strolls to steeper climbs. Just past the West Gate, the Whiskey Rapids Trail loops along the Oxtongue River. A little farther in, the short climb up the Hardwood Lookout Trail opens onto Smoke Lake and hills of maple in full colour.
- Watch wildlife. Head out on the trail’s early, when the park is at its liveliest. Autumn is rutting season, so mornings are your best chance to spot a bull moose, while loons call across the water and beavers work the shoreline.
- Pack a lakeside picnic. Claim a day-use spot at the Tea Lake Dam Picnic Area, spread a blanket and have a meal surrounded by the breathtaking fall colours of the park.
- Bike the park. Roll through the hardwoods on the park’s flat, easy routes, or take on rougher off-road tracks for more of a challenge.
- Duck into the Visitor Centre. When the afternoon turns cool, warm up at the Visitor Centre and explore the exhibits. Step out to the deck for more incredible views of the fall landscapes.
Timing is everything with the colour, so check the park’s live colour report before you pick a day. When you’ve settled on one, remember that day visitors now need to reserve a vehicle permit up to five days ahead. Peak weekends do sell out, so book early.
Come Home to Eagle Lake in Ontario’s Cottage Country
After a day chasing the Algonquin Park fall colours, the drive home ends back at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa. Trade your hiking boots for a robe and let the heat of the WaterSpa circuit work the day out of your legs. Then, warm up in the sauna or unwind with a massage or facial at our on-site spa. When you’re hungry, settle in for dinner at our lakeside restaurant, Twin Fires. Later, gather around a bonfire on the shore, pull out a board game, or just take in the quiet from a room with a view of the lake.
Ready to see the Algonquin Park fall colours for yourself? Book your stay at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa and turn your day trip into a full autumn getaway!
