While the U.S. is famous for its leaf-peeping traditions, nature’s seasonal spectacle stretches far beyond New England.
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While the U.S. is famous for its leaf-peeping traditions, nature’s seasonal spectacle stretches far beyond New England.
As temperatures cool and leaves turn gold, travellers across the world chase the beauty of autumn’s transformation. While the U.S. is famous for its leaf-peeping traditions, nature’s seasonal spectacle stretches far beyond New England. From Japan’s crimson maples to Scotland’s fiery highlands, here are four of the best destinations to witness autumn in its full splendour.
Quebec offers a vibrant and less-crowded alternative to the famed New England foliage routes. The province’s sugar maples transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, colouring landscapes from the Laurentians to the Eastern Townships. At Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton, visitors can glide over a canopy of colour via scenic chairlift or zipline. Meanwhile, Jacques-Cartier National Park, just outside Quebec City, blends urban comfort with wild natural beauty, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and casual explorers.
In Japan, autumn’s arrival sparks the cherished tradition of momijigari, meaning “red-leaf hunting.” From mid-October to early December, landscapes across the country glow with the fiery hues of Japanese maples. The Yoro Valley near Tokyo, Tenryu-Ji Temple in Kyoto, and Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido rank among the top spots for viewing this natural wonder. Autumn is also the perfect season for shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing — a mindful stroll through serene woodlands — and for enjoying harvest festivals like Nagasaki’s Kunchi Festival, which has been celebrated since 1634.
Despite its name, Germany’s Black Forest is ablaze with colour each autumn. From September to November, the dense woodland turns vivid shades of amber and orange. Travelling along the scenic B500 highway offers panoramic views of the landscape, beginning in the spa town of Baden-Baden. Visitors can experience waldeinsamkeit, the German art of “forest solitude,” or unwind with a glass of Riesling amid the vineyards of the Moselle Valley — home to a 2,000-year-old winemaking legacy.
The Scottish Highlands burst into russet and crimson tones from late October through early November. Far from the summer crowds, this is the ideal time to explore Cairngorms National Park or the vast forests of Perthshire, known as “Big Tree Country.” Whether hiking through misty glens or cruising the tranquil Loch Lomond, autumn in Scotland pairs crisp air with cosy stays at heritage retreats like The Highland Club or modern hideaways such as Rocpool Reserve in Inverness.
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