Fall, a time of true colours

There’s no denying that fall’s approach carries with it the slight sadness of yet another summer season drawing to a close. Yet, for many of us, autumn in Ontario is a favourite time of year. From crisp, cool nights to deep blue skies which set up the rich tapestry of colourful foliage, fall camping is preferred by many of our regulars. It could be the newfound availability of prime real estate or the overall reductions in parks traffic. Or could it be the fact that the bugs are long gone and the nights are cooler ensuring a deeply satisfying night’s sleep? Whatever your reason, we encourage you to discover fall’s many outdoor pleasures.

The Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report is updated as the leaves change. Go online to find out where the leaves are the brightest and richest http://www.parkreports.com/fall

This is the last Insider for the 2008 season and we thank you for reading along with us – and for responding with your comments and tales of your experiences from another wonderful, though often wet, summer camping season in Ontario Parks.

But autumn does not mark the end of the camping season by any means. For those of you looking for a great outdoor adventure at any time of the year, Ontario's Provincial Parks welcome you. And for you who choose to camp only during the fair months of summer, it's time to try something completely different. So, either way, please read on.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~ Albert Camus

There’s science to this time of change

From the gorgeous burnt oranges and fiery reds of our hardwoods to the contrasting yellows of tamarack needles and sun-dried aspens, we embrace the ever-changing palette of vibrant fall colours. But where do they come from? Science tells us that leaves are multi-faceted food factories extracting their water from the ground, their CO2 from the air and use sunlight to convert it – via photosynthesis - into glucose for food. Chlorophyll – present in the leaves to facilitate this process – is what gives leaves their green colour. As fall arrives, fewer hours of sunlight signal the trees to get ready for winter and they begin to utilize the food stored over the summer months. As the chlorophyll disappears from the leaves, the yellows and oranges that are hidden by chlorophyll’s green are revealed. Bright reds and purples are created when glucose trapped in the leaves responds to the combination of sunlight and cold nights. Even as this parade of glorious colour starts to fade, our ability to keep these phenomenal explosions of colour alive in our mind’s eye is just one of autumn’s magical attributes.

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn." ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

The happy trails of harvest time

Some folks prefer to sample the season through the car window – with a few stop-overs to take advantage of fall’s rich bounty. Log onto this site for a listing of 17 fantastic Great Drives through the province. www.ontariotravel.net/falldrives or call 1 800 ONTARIO and speak to a travel counsellor who can help you plan your trip.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~ George Eliot

An autumn adventure which runs deep

One of North America’s most stunning spots for sampling nature’s fall colours is the Agawa Canyon near Sault Ste. Marie. The Group of Seven did their part to popularize the rugged Lake Superior shoreline and these same panoramas will inspire you as well. Book a spot on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train and make tracks for an unforgettable, eye-opening ride.

Be sure to check on the Soo’s other attractions including the Art Gallery of Algoma and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

When travelling to or from Sault Ste. Marie, there are any number of parks which offer camping up to the Thanksgiving weekend. You can look to Sleeping Giant, Pancake Bay, Lake Superior and Chutes to name just a few.

And, you can look well beyond Thanksgiving. There's much more to discover about spending time in Ontario Parks during the quiet months of late fall and early winter.

"Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits." ~ Samuel Butler

Look up For One of Ontario's Greatest Tourist Atractions

Maximum choice, minimum hassle

You’ll be pleased to know that we keep many campgrounds open and accessible throughout much of the fall season. With a drop-off in traffic choice sites become more available and cooler, bug-free climes prevail. Before you go, double-check that your destination is available.

"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, As I have seen in one autumnal face." ~ John Donne

Robert Bateman’s Limited Edition Ontario Parks exclusive offer

Iconic Canadian artist and conservationist Robert Bateman has partnered with Ontario Parks with the release of a set of four limited-edition prints depicting park wildlife (polar bear, woodland caribou, common loon, peregrine falcon) in four featured parks. Funds raised will benefit research and environmental education programs as well as the Robert Bateman Get to Know Program – which teaches kids about the out-of-doors and about wildlife in particular.

This special series of prints are being sold from displays in Canadian Tire stores and at key Ontario Travel Centres and Ontario Parks store locations. For more information http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/bateman.html

Hurry before these prints are sold out. And, remember when you purchase these prints, you’ll be supporting Ontario Parks’ research and education programs.

Start falling for winter

As the nights grow cooler and the nightly frosts take their toll, that first snowfall becomes as inevitable as your ticket to a fresh take on camping wonderland. You’re never at a loss for interesting things to do in Ontario Parks and this site will plug you into special activities, year-round.

Don’t forget that our yurts are warm and comfortable when the temperature drops. So start planning your winter adventure and be sure to check our up-to-date cross-country skiing reports.

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolour, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all." ~ Stanley Horowitz

The Write Stuff

We’re big fans of camping but we’re big fans of our campers, too. There’s nothing more satisfying than reading about your personal expeditions and memorable adventures; discovering your favourite spots and funniest stories from across the province. You’ve been reading those stories in each issue of the Insider. So, join us in congratulating those whose stories were featured - Ed Schaefer, Manon Ringuette, Mike and Pat Kostecki (and their dog, Chase), Dale Lantzer, Mike and Marilyn Hamel, and Heather Jack.

We look forward to seeing all of you again in 2009. Happy camping!