Hike through fiery fall colours and vibrant sunsets at this Ontario provincial park
If you're looking for your next fall nature escape in the region, then add Pinery Provincial Park, in Grand Bend, Ontario, to your list, where the annual eruption of beautiful fall colours is just weeks away.
This year-round park boasts ten kilometres of sandy beaches in the summer and an abundance of winter activities to keep you busy during the colder months. But the fall colours are an unmatched experience that makes this season perhaps the best time to visit Pinery Provincial Park.
Home to the rare Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune Ecosystems, featuring over 800 plants and 319 bird species, the autumn season is a great time to stroll through 21 kilometres of woodlands in the crisp air.
Things to do
You can expect everything from biking, hiking, camping, and even relaxing by the beach when you think of an escape to Pinery Provincial Park.
The Savannah Trail, a 14-kilometre wooden path that runs along the Old Ausable River Channel, is your best bet to soak in the seasonal hues while getting your step count in. While on the trail, you have access to a common picnic area, perfect for a mid-hike lunch.
But, if you're looking for a shorter trail to trek, the park has a total of ten different trails for you to explore. You'll get a great view of the fall colours and foliage throughout all of these, but the one you shouldn't miss is the Sassafras Trail.
Parks Ontario notes that this trail is the best for fall colour viewing, when you can see bright oranges and "rusty reds" throughout the park, typically showing up later in the season.
You'll also notice that birding is very common in the park. But that only makes sense because it is home to over 300 species of birds, of which 124 have built a permanent home in this rare habitat. You can see these species on trails, or explore the park by canoe for a closer look at its avian inhabitants.
And while you're at it, don't miss the sunsets. Apparently, they're absolutely gorgeous, and National Geographic has rated them among the Top 10 Best in the World.
Pinery Provincial Park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the Trumpeter Swans, which are normally sighted towards the end of the fall season.
And of course, you can also camp at a nearby site if you want to take a small, outdoor staycation. The Riverside campground, specifically Area 1 Riverside, is right next to the Old Ausable River channel, and open year-round, and you have the option of bringing in your own camper van; otherwise, they have yurts that you can reserve in advance.
What to keep in mind
You should always be well-prepared before venturing into the great outdoors, so an experience at the Pinery Provincial Park should be no different. If you're going for a day trip, take loads of water to hydrate, dress for the cooler weather — you're going for the fall colour experience after all — and make sure your phone is charged and that you have a portable charger.
For those who are looking to camp there, former campers have suggested things to keep in mind before you set off. First things first, be mindful of the poison ivy, as one Redditor recalls, "It's a beautiful place, but there's poison ivy absolutely everywhere. On the trails, the edges of your campsite, everywhere."
A striking image of the Old Ausable River Channel, where guests can canoe and kayak while admiring the fall foliage of the Oak Savanna. Photo from
If you're planning an upcoming day trip or even a weekend getaway to soak in some of the fall colours and foliage, then fall is a great time to head over to Pinery Provincial Park.
Prinery Provincial Park is located at 9526 Lakeshore Road, in Grand Bend.
