Discover the Caucasus mountains of Svaneti, Georgia
June 19, 2025
Where to see the best fall colors
|There are certain destinations where the foliage of fall puts on an especially spectacular show, adding a fleeting beauty to the landscape as summer gently gives way to winter. If natural color and dramatic scenery inspire you, or if you’re an avid landscape photographer, fall can be a fantastic time to travel. The usual exciting range of attractions and activities are still there to enjoy, now enhanced by some of the best fall colors you’ll find anywhere, creating a stunning seasonal backdrop.
The timing of the leaves changing can vary slightly each year depending on temperatures and local conditions, but with the help of our local partners’ expertise, you’ll have the best chance of catching your destination’s foliage at its most stunning. If you’re wondering where to see the best fall colors, read on as we share our top favorite destinations for this spectacular seasonal display.
The blazing fall colors in Georgia
Fall is a fantastic time to discover this land of abundance. Grape harvesting and winemaking take center stage, with festive events celebrating the season’s bounty and the arrival of new wines. As autumn unfolds, Georgia’s striped vineyards come alive with vibrant hues, shades of orange, deep red, and even purple sweeping across the hillsides. It’s captivating to see how different grape varieties paint the valleys in a colorful patchwork. The romantic, fortified town of Sighnaghi, nestled in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains and the Alazani Valley, where vineyards ripple across the landscape. Take a tour of centuries-old wineries, soak in the brilliant fall colors up close, and savor the bold flavors of Georgia’s celebrated wines.
Patagonia’s resplendent fall colors
The Southern Hemisphere fall months of April and May are some of the best times to venture into the wilds of Patagonia. Shades of yellow, orange, and red streak across the mountain slopes, and the last of the summer sun highlights the breathtaking scenery. The hiking trail leading to Laguna de los Tres offers spectacular views of the dramatic crags of the Fitz Roy massif and the brilliant colors of the Nothofagus (southern beech) species that thrive in the region, including ñires, guindos, and lengas. Another top spot for experiencing the vibrant fall foliage is Argentina’s Lake District, especially along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos. The warm hues of the trees contrast beautifully with the cool blues of the lakes, nature at its most impressive, and a must-see for anyone chasing the best fall colors in the Southern Hemisphere.
The majesty of Japan’s fall colors
Japan’s peak time for tourists is ‘sakura’ season – and justifiably. In late March to early May, the country is swept with the powder pink blooms of cherry blossom, that pickle the trees and fall as softly raining petals onto those who walk beneath. What too many people overlook, however, is that Japan’s fall foliage – in the months of mid-October to December – can be just as stunning.
Fall in Japan is known as ‘koyo’ season, where the landscapes transform into a cacophony of fiery oranges, mustardy yellows and vibrant, scarlet reds. Kyoto is one of the best places to catch this natural display, where the ornate temples like Tofuku-ji, or Eikando, are bordered with bursts of golden leaves. Nearby Nikko is another recommended pitstop, where the autumnal mood is offset by waterfalls, mountain scenery and peaceful shrines, not to mention the free-roaming deer. If your trip is only short and you’ll be visiting Tokyo only, you still won’t miss out. The urban parks, Shinjuku Gyoen most famously, are full of gorgeous trees that crackle with the warm, burnt hues of fall, making for atmospheric walks and regal scenery.
Where to see fall colors in Canada
What better place to experience the grand performance of fall’s transformation than a country whose symbol is a red leaf? Canada’s glorious forests of tall pines, lush landscapes and reflective lakes make for the perfect fall scenes which you won’t forget in a hurry.
Ontario is one of the top contenders, especially from September to mid-October, ,as Algonquin Provincial Park is teeming with vibrant shades of orange, and red maples that tower over the still lakes below. One of the oldest parks in the country, its over 7,600 square kilometres of forests and rugged wilderness become an epicentre of autumn magic for visitors. Be on the lookout for moose, for that perfect Canadian postcard scene. The Muskoka region is another favourite, where winding roads lead to sublime natural panoramas, charming towns, still lakes to canoe across, and fertile farmland ready for harvests. Head to this laid-back part of North America to experience all the crisp air and cosiness that fall should be about.
Don’t forget Quebec, where Mont-Tremblant is another fall favorite. The Laurentian peaks glow with rich reds and blazing golds at this time, and the small alpine villages dotted around the area are perfect for a Canadian fall getaway.
Bright and cold colors China
Beijing offers two fantastic spots for taking in the stunning multicolored display of fall foliage. First, visit Fragrant Hills Park, where the maple and persimmon trees burst into vibrant shades, beautifully contrasting with the traditional pagodas scattered throughout the park. Many sections of the Great Wall of China are surrounded by forest, and some of the best spots for panoramic views of the fall canopy (like Jinshanling) are easily accessible from Beijing.
Beyond the capital, there are several other incredible places in China to admire the brilliant hues of fall. The Yellow Mountains, for example, are especially breathtaking, with bright red foliage standing out against the sea of clouds below. In Guilin, the Longji rice terraces take on a rich golden tone in the fall, made even more striking by the deep reds of the maple trees and the yellows of the ginkgos.
Make it happen
Fall is the perfect season to witness landscapes at their most breathtaking, with nature putting on a spectacular show of color. If any of the destinations above have caught your eye, simply fill out our inquiry form to start crafting your personalized trip – it couldn’t be easier. And exciting news: we’ll soon be offering Japan as a destination, so you’ll be able to experience some of the best fall colors in the world with us next season. Don’t miss the chance to see these incredible displays for yourself!
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