Between putting on that cozy sweater and consuming anything pumpkin spiced, fall is a favourite season around the world (I know it’s mine). What’s even better is discovering a new place while it’s in full peak fall foliage mode.
I’m talking leaves are changing, falling and beautiful views that you only get to enjoy for one short time a year. There’s lots of countries that have beautiful scenery, festivals and food during this time but there are a few that take the cake…or pumpkin spice latte.
Canada
Fall season: September – December
Where to go: Everywhere
No matter what side of the country you’re on, you’ll be blown away by Canada’s fall season. If you find yourself in western Canada, the Rocky Mountains are a must. It’s perfect weather at that time and the enormous mountains hold some beautiful colours. Even Toronto’s surroundings have some serious beauty to them when the leaves start changing colour. If you’re there, check out The Bruce Peninsula and Algonquin Park and enjoy some epic hikes. Last but not least, Eastern Canada holds some of the most gorgeous views of all. There’s two things you absolutely need to do if you’re there during the fall: drive along The Cabot Trail (Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia) and take the Fundy Coastal Drive (New Brunswick).
Denmark
Fall season: September – October
Where to go: Copenhagen
Though the climate can get quite windy, you forget about it right away when you realize the entire country is painted orange. The fall views in Denmark can’t be compared to any other as its vibrancy will make your mouth drop. In Denmark, they take their harvest seriously during this time which makes the food you’ll eat especially fresh. You can enjoy freshly harvested vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, beets and more, everything will blow your tastebuds away. If you want to line your trip up with a cultural festival, check out Kulturnatten. The annual festival is held on October 14, 2022 (the date varies) and features a night full of Danish culture, enveloped in Copenhagen’s idyllic architecture. All galleries, churches, museums, local businesses, and more open their doors to offer cultural activities for free.
England
Fall season: September – November
Where to go: Kingley Vale (West Sussex), New Forest (Hampshire), Westonbirt (Gloucestershire)
Like all other spots, England turns into a crimson wonderland once the leaves begin changing. There are a ton of parks and places just outside of the cities to see these fall colors. London itself is a green city offering some beautiful fall foliage views. If checking out the leaves isn’t the only thing you want to do, London always has some incredible events going on to keep you occupied. The London Design Festival happens from September 17 – 25, 2022, and it’s the perfect chance for travelers to see some incredible pieces at their best. If you have musical interest, the atmospheric West End is perfect in fall with fewer tourists than in summer, and in fall 2022 you can enjoy successes like The Lion King, Tina Turner the Musical, or the pop evergreen Mamma Mia!
United States of America
Fall season: September – December
Where to go: Maine, Vermont, New York, Greenville
There’s a serious amount of variety you have to choose from on where to go during fall in the USA and that’s what makes the country so attractive during this season. You can see a variety of different landscapes in the USA from cities to mountains and more giving you a different perspective of fall all in one country. Cities that offer the best experience in the fall season would have to be New York City (Central Park is stunning during this time), Nashville (the Independent Music Festival and Americana Festival are also in the fall), Boston (Harvard’s campus is a must to walk through), Chicago (with multiple music festivals and the Great Chicago Fire Festival there’s lots going on), along with many other cities offering an amazing experience. Best places to hike? Check out Acadia National Park (Maine), Wildwood Trail (Oregon) or Bear Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park).
Scotland
Fall season: September – November
Where to go: Edinburgh
If you can make it to Scotland in October, do it, as that’s when the fall colors are at their finest. Fall is also the time that many of Scotland’s wildlife come out for everyone to see. Expect to see animals like red deer, barnacle geese, swans and more. Many people think that Scotland is filled with evergreens, but that’s a total myth. Almost one-fifth of Scotland is covered in trees that change color during the fall season, everywhere you look you’ll be reminded of the season. Just like Denmark, the fall harvest is a big thing in Scotland with the best tasting jams and desserts along with oysters and shellfish being most delicious in October.
Switzerland
Fall season: September – November
Where to go: Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland is known for its stunning landscapes and epic hiking trails, so it’s no surprise that the country is a perfect place to go in the fall. Just like others, Switzerland celebrates a good harvest at this time. Here the harvest range is pretty broad, from truffles to walnuts to chestnuts, pumpkins, and more. Starting mid-September, there’s a slew of fairs selling artisan products and local foods. If you’re looking for a good walk or hike, Engadine is the spot you need to go as it’s known as one of Europe’s best destinations to check out the spectacular fall colors.
Japan
Fall season: October – December
Where to go: Kyoto, Lake Towada & Oirase Stream (Tohoku), Nikko, Fuji Five Lakes
Japan has some seriously good sites to experience in the fall season. The fall foliage in Japan is at its finest in Kyoto, with beautiful walks and temples to view them from. Since the fall season is the second most popular time to visit, it’s clear that people have noticed the country is downright stunning while the leaves change. The country’s diverse cuisine has some fall favorites that can’t be missed either, like matsutake mushroom soup, salt-grilled sanma and even pumpkin croquettes. It’s a fantastic addition to the already culture-filled adventure you’ll have while traveling throughout Japan. On top of all this, it typically costs a bit less to travel in the fall season than in others.
