Need that fall colour selfie? Here are some spots in and around Waterloo region to get the perfect shot
CBC
Trees throughout Waterloo region have exploded into fall colours recently, making this long weekend the perfect time to get out to enjoy the scenery.
Different variety of trees means there's such a variety of colours in Ontario that it even attracts people from other countries, similarly to how some people travel to see cherry blossoms, says Kevin Forget of Destination Ontario.
"I ran into somebody who came here from Germany and I said to them, 'Hey, why this time of the year?' and they're like, 'We came specifically to Ontario because of wanting to see your fall colours,'" he said.
"We have this in our backyard so we should take advantage and go and take those pictures and do the hikes, too."
Within Waterloo region, Forget suggests the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, which runs from Waterloo, through Kitchener to Cambridge and is more than 25 km in length.
"I like this one because you've got the trees, you're along the river, you're going to see some of the colours," he said.
St. Jacobs is another place to check out the colours, and Forget suggested people could hop on the Waterloo Central Railway, which runs a 1 hour, 45 minute train ride called Scenic Country Heritage Experience through Woolwich Township.
WATCH | Sean Fox talks fall leaves at University of Guelph Arboretum:
Explore Waterloo Region also offers a few suggestions for people check out:
While higher gas prices this weekend may have you rethinking trips up to Algonquin Park or Hockley Valley to see the colours, Forget says a nice spot closer to the region is Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton.
There are "several trails so you can pick your own adventure," he said, adding there are some great lookout points.
Reservations are required to get into the park, so plan ahead, he said.
If people want to get a snack during their trip, he suggests driving the Apple Pie Trail that goes through Thornbury, Owen Sound and Collingwood.
"It's about 30 different stops along the way where you can go. Just unique shops, different cideries and every place along the way is an apple themed stop, pick your own, all of that kind of stuff," he said.