Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
Indian summer in Canada: A colorful trip!
As summer draws to a close, the leaves change color and lend a unique ambience to the forests and fields. Canada offers, at this time, a striking landscape from the month of September, in its vast forests and its wild expanses.
The famous Indian summer then begins ... During this phenomenon, the leaves of maple trees and oaks begin to shine with all imaginable splendor. The natural spectacle of the fall foliage is particularly spectacular here, like nowhere else in the world.
Fire forests
Red, yellow, orange and ocher, the leaves of the maples, oaks and alders of Canada's forests literally explode with color during the Indian summer. But why are the colors of the leaves that create the fall foliage so intense in this part of the northeastern Americas?
The answer is very simple. In Western Europe, forests containing around 50 different tree species also take on flamboyant colors. In contrast, the forests of this region are home to over 800 tree species, which make the forests glow like flames during the Indian summer. Finding the perfect time to witness the unique interplay of colors in trees being colored in person is not easy.
Just at the right time
The leaves start to change color in late September and can be seen in some places until mid-November. Every year, many leaf watchers wait for the perfect time to enjoy the spectacle of colors atop the foliage. However, the exact timing is difficult to predict due to the number of different determining factors.
In fact, the splendor of autumn leaves may be earlier or later. It depends on the length of the days, the abundance of rain, the sugar content of the leaves or the temperatures. For this special occasion, it usually only lasts a few days.
Why is it called Indian summer?
There are different explanations for the origin of the term "Indian summer", it is therefore incongruous to say with certainty which term it comes from.
A first explanation comes for example from Indian mythology. According to a Native American legend, the blood of dead bears seeps through the soil and travels through the roots to the leaves of trees. And that's what makes them blush afterwards.
Another explanation is based on another Indian tradition. It is said that the Indians made late fall their main hunting season. They did so because of the mild temperatures at this time of year which attracted wild animals out of their hiding places.
As for the sailors, they were supposed to have finished loading their ships in the fall to begin their voyages to the Indian Ocean.
Why visit Canada during the Indian summer?
One of the best seasons to visit Canada is fall, for the profusion of colors and contrasts that the landscapes take on during this period. Canada's vast forests and wilderness are tinged with a multitude of colors, from yellows and ochres to reds, oranges and greens.
Here's why you should travel to Canada to make the most of the warm weather.
Mont Tremblant National Park, Quebec
Canoeing enthusiasts will find this park a real favorite with 6 large rivers, 400 lakes and streams. In addition, the 40 species of mammals, including the wolf, testify to the wild character of this magnificent natural space. In autumn, the rich vegetation and lush forests offer impressive and colorful landscapes.
Niagara Falls
One of the best times to visit the famous Niagara Falls is fall. Appreciate the huge water curtains are surrounded by vegetation tinted with many different colors.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Its beauty is characterized by rolling hills with spectacular maple trees and numerous lakes for activities such as canoeing and kayaking. The park is located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in Ontario.
Parliament of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
Parliament Hill in the Canadian capital of Ottawa makes an even more beautiful landscape when surrounded by many colorful trees.
Red maple
The maple leaf is the symbol of Canada. (the representation of the flagship Quebec product: Maple syrup). Fall is the perfect season to admire the contrasting colors of trees such as red maple.
Montreal city, Quebec
The largest city in the province of Quebec, Montreal is a very cosmopolitan and welcoming place. Autumn is mild here and you can admire the magnificent multi-colored trees integrated into the cityscape of the city.
A road in Quebec
You will be able to admire the immensity of the forests of Quebec and its fascinating colors.
Mauricie National Park, Quebec
This park preserves the natural wealth of the Southern Laurentians, with 536 square kilometers of lakes and forests.
A forest on the shores of a lake
Shades of red, green, yellow, orange, reflecting on the water, seem unreal.
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City
The symbol of Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac hotel, an impressive building located in the historic district of the city. Many elements of this chateau are typical of the style of French chateaux, such as the sloping roof, huge towers, tall chimneys, etc. It is definitely worth spending a night at this 611 room hotel for a fairytale experience.
Young white-tailed deer, Quebec
The national parks of Canada allow you to admire a very rich fauna.
Red headed fox
One of the most abundant species in North America is the red fox.
Ottawa Valley, Ontario
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is located in the Ottawa Valley in eastern Ontario. On this south shore of the Ottawa River, as in the entire region for that matter, the fall colors are astonishing in this part.
Rocher Perce, Quebec
In the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, near the Gaspé Peninsula and the village of Percé, lies a pure rock formation. This block of limestone 433 meters long and 90 meters wide is one of the most imposing maritime arches in the world. Indeed, you can visit this rock at low tide and enjoy a dazzling view at sunset.
Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River
The capital of the province of Quebec is located on the banks of the river around a hill overlooked by the Chateau Frontenac hotel.
Colors in the province of Ontario
The different colors of the autumn leaves are reflected in the water and create a magical landscape.
New Brunswick
Most of this province is covered with forests that turn into a mosaic of different colors.
Ferland-et-Boilleau, Quebec
Ferland-Boilleau is part of the municipality of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. It is a natural area of great beauty, ideal for hiking, hunting and fishing.
Petit lac, Quebec
The blue sky of the Indian summer and the profusion of spectacular colors, reflected on the water.
Calgary, Alberta
Calgary, the largest city in the province of Alberta, is a popular destination for winter sports and eco-tourism. First, two major rivers flow through the city: the Bow River and the Elbow River. In addition, vegetation is particularly lush in the river valleys and inside Fish Creek Provincial Park.
Banff National Park
Filled with beautiful alpine lakes and mountainous backdrops, this national park incorporates spectacular greens, blues, grays and reds in fall.
Sunshine Meadows, Banff
Try hiking at Sunshine Meadows to experience beautiful mountain lakes, yellow grass, and mountain views. This site is on the border between Alberta and British Columbia.
Now that you know the must-see places in Canada during the Indian summer, where do you plan to go on a colorful trip?
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Comments
Splendides photos
By: Cathy LAURENT On 09/13/2021Vos photos sont magnifiques !!
J'ai vécu 4 ans au Québec, en Montérégie et revoir de telles splendeurs me fait vibrer !
J'aimerai tellement repartir y vivre !
Merci !
Cathy