Gorgeous Fall Foliage Destinations

It’s almost time for the leaves to turn from green to bright orange, red, and yellow in the Northern Hemisphere. While not every location north of the equator sees a vast change in season, there are places in the world where you can experience the best of fall foliage between September and November. Here are some of the most beautiful destinations for leaf peepers to visit during the fall. 

Quebec City, Canada

Canada almost always ranks at the top of the lists of best foliage destinations, and Quebec City is no exception. A visit to this city in each season will bring a different adventure, and in the fall you can still enjoy all the outdoor activities you might miss out on in the winter as you stroll the streets of Old Quebec, travel out of the city for a hike or to a winery, or relax at one of the city’s popular Nordic Spas, which are often nestled into beautiful natural landscapes where the fall colors will be on full display.

Stowe, Vermont

The northeast region of the USA receives millions of tourists each year hoping to view fall foliage at its peak, and though you could travel to the Catskills, Adirondacks, or the quaint towns of Massachusetts and Connecticut, a bit further north, Stowe, Vermont is  renowned for putting on one of nature’s most colorful displays. The region is also perfect for a fall hike or cycling, grabbing an ice cream at Vermont-based Ben & Jerry’s, and enjoying a quintessential northeast town. 

Paris, France

Conde Nast traveler says there’s hardly a bad time to visit Paris, and we agree. Winter coats the City of Light in enchanting layers of snow, spring brings new life and color to the streets, and summer brings residents and visitors to share glasses of wine and fresh fruit along the Seine. During autumn, however, the warm hues of the leaves weave their way along pedestrian walkways and streets. Walk along the corridors of orange and yellow leaves as you approach the Eiffel Tower, sip a coffee or a glass of wine in a sunny square, and enjoy all the pleasures this beautiful city has to offer.

Denali National Park, Alaska 

The warmest temperatures at Denali National Park cool off in August as the landscape begins to bloom in color with ripe berries. At the end of the month, fall foliage and cooler temps sweep in and turn the Denali tundra browns, reds and golds. According to Alaska Collection, the park quiets down in September and October as outdoor experiences for visitors begin to wind down, so this is the perfect time to visit if you like to have the park to yourself for the best views and most laid back vibes. 

Jiuzhaigou Valley, China

China’s unique architecture makes its natural beauty even more stunning, and in the fall new colors paint even more beautiful pictures in areas like Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park. This park stuns any time of year with unbelievably clear teal mineral-rich waters of Five Flower Lake. As the warm temps slide away, the red and orange foliage stand in stunning contrast to the water. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

This Gothic city is the perfect backdrop for an autumnal visit. Not only is the fall foliage here top tier, but the city itself is made for cooler weather. Cozy up in a pub with a bowl of stew and stout, or pull on a sweater and roam the streets, shop for a kilt, or take a walk through Stockbridge and along tree lined trails along the Water of Leith enjoying the colors of the leaves.