From Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario to Banff in Alberta, Canada transforms into a kaleidoscope of color come autumn. Hike through forests ablaze in greens, yellows and reds or gaze upon expansive views from lakes and viewpoints. Prince Edward County is straight out of Gilmore Girls with charming boutiques, galleries and amazing food – plus fall-themed activities in picturesque surroundings.

Algonquin Provincial Park

The rugged beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario’s largest wilderness area, is at its best in autumn. The park’s 7,635 square kilometres of maple hills, rocky ridges and thousands of lakes are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike and paddle on foot, canoe or kayak, bike and snowshoe across the Vibrant Colors of Canada park’s pristine landscape.

The park’s diverse landscape features forests of varying types, creating habitat for over 1,000 plant species, 53 fish species and 272 bird species. Algonquin is also home to moose, deer and bears. The Algonquin Park Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Its exhibits begin with a large and detailed relief map of southern Ontario, then progress in a flowing manner through the region’s ecology and history. Its many taxidermied wildlife specimens set in their native surroundings provide a fascinating and informative introduction to this region.

Camp in one of the eight campgrounds inside the park’s boundaries. Choose from a prospector or safari-style tent (complete with king size bed), a bunkhouse or even a basic pole tent. Or try one of the many wilderness cabins or hotels. Explore the park on one of 14 interpretive trails, or attend a Discovery Program event. Check the park’s bulletin boards for details of guided hikes, kids’ programs and other events.

Prince Edward County

The southeastern tip of the island province of Prince Edward Island is often overlooked in favor of Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, but this charming region packs in sand beaches, world-class vineyards, and Anne of Green Gables-inspired villages. It's also home to stunning fall foliage, especially from mid-September to late-October. The Coastal Drive is the best route to see the area's maple forests, and you can take advantage of a whole festival dedicated to the season.

Pale grey might be the sartorial king in the neutrals arena, but beige still has a solid following in Canada, too. Warm, buff Mushroom Cap (20YY 55/151 WN19) is one of the 10 most popular paint colours in the country, according to CIL.

It's a perfect compromise if you and your partner can't agree on the ultimate neutral, or if you want to add a hint of warmth and sophistication to a cool-toned space. Pair it with beachy accessories—a rope-wrapped table lamp base here, striped duvet cover there—to create a look that's seriously seaworthy.

For a bolder hue, look no further than the deep and dramatic Classic Burgundy (09YR 05/305 R52). This rich shade is a favorite among Atlantic Canadians, who find it more "livable" than their counterparts to the west, but it's equally striking across the country. This regal hue would be beautiful in a dining room, or anywhere else that's usually dressed to impress.

Banff

The Rocky Mountains in Alberta’s Banff National Park are a painter’s palette come fall. The resort town’s main street, Village Road, is a riot of rust red and sugar maple hues, while the turquoise waters of iconic lakes such as Moraine Lake stand out like jewels among snow-capped peaks.

The National Parks of Canada Colour Collection by Beauti-Tone includes six geographically inspired palettes. Choose from Beyond the Prairies, Coastal Character, Fireside Warmth, True North, Range of Hues, and Patriot Love to find your perfect color match. Available at Home Hardware stores across the country, the colour card features room inspiration and a color swatch for each shade.

One of the most popular whites in Canada, Antique White (40YY 83/043 WN03) is a soft and creamy shade with subtle pink undertones. This cozy, neutral works well in any space with northern exposure and limited direct sunlight, especially when paired with a white trim.

While many people assume that there’s only one neutral, the truth is that there are countless options. A recent study by CIL revealed that Atlantic Canadians have a soft spot for pastels, particularly Candlelight Yellow (7YY 87/169 Y16). This buttery, mellow hue is an ideal accent in any nursery.

Mont-Tremblant

The best time to see the autumn colours of Mont-Tremblant is from mid-September to late October. The region is home to sugar maple trees, which change to fiery reds and bright yellows over the course of a few weeks. The colours are especially vibrant this time of year because the sun is lower in the sky and the weather is cooler. The town of Mont-Tremblant is a popular fall getaway for Quebecers who live in the city and want to take day trips to see the leaves.

Whether you’re looking to take a cue from the landscape or simply add some warmth and coziness to your space, there are many shades to choose from when selecting paint colors. To help you narrow down your options, we consulted the experts at CIL to discover the 10 most popular paint colours in Canada.

Classic Neutrals

It’s no surprise that neutral hues make up the majority of paint sales in Canada. From creamy cappuccino to warm, earthy mushroom caps, these go-with-everything shades are a staple in homes from coast to coast. Mushroom Cap (40YY 83/043 WN03) is a rich, cozy option that pairs perfectly with grey and brown furniture, or you can opt for Scroll Grey (20YY 43/083 WN37), a lighter shade with a hint of pink undertone.

Conclusion

Colour is everywhere in Canada, from the streets of major cities to the vibrant hues of our national parks. From traditional motifs to sleek modern designs, Canadians use color as a form of celebration and expression. At festivals like the Calgary Stampede and Just for Laughs, cowboy hats and rodeo gear blend with cosmopolitan fashions, while indigenous powwows showcase dancers in vivid regalia.