The north in the autumn has to be one of the most spectacular places on
Earth, and the most visually fulfilling time to experience it. Not only are there fewer pesky bugs, the vast majority of the people have dispersed as well.
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The Author at work, northwestern Ontario
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Temperatures are low enough that swimming is out of the question, but
the daily temperature is still very warm, so that any sort of boating or
hiking are extremely pleasurable. Camping is always better in the fall, as it cools enough at night for a comfortable sleep, yet not so much that it is unpleasant. It is of note that this is campfire season, where fire bans are lifted and campgrounds are less crowded.
It is the northern views however, that make the fall so desirable. The
leaves are changing, giving the trees several amazing shades of color
including red, orange, and yellow mixed in with the bright green of the
conifers. In fact, from a hilltop in the early morning, a forested valley often appears to be on fire as the sunlight hits the bright colors and a smoke like haze is lifting off the ground.
The animals will, of course, heighten the experience even more. Hike up the side of a stream, and you will be amazed at the salmon working their way up river. For the photographer, take your time and follow some tracks. You are likely to come across deer, moose, raccoons, porcupines, hawks, and eagles and maybe even a skunk or bear. (Note: some people find this lucky and some don't).
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Immature Bald Eagle
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Personally, I counted over one hundred Chinook salmon as I walked up the
Root River situated within city limits in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (map). Four days ago I surprised a white-tailed deer with two speckled fawns as I was driving along a backcountry road. As well, I have seen Red-tail, Broadwing and Marsh Hawks all within the last few days. Only two weeks ago, I counted a dozen immature and mature bald eagles in the Nipigon area.
It is, of course, impossible to highlight the visual stimulation of the North without mentioning the absolutely amazing Aurora Borealis. Commonly known as the Northern Lights, the night sky absolutely comes alive as colors dance before your eyes. The occurrence is more likely in the fall, and your chances of seeing it increase as you move further north.
For those who don't know what I am referring to, the northern areas have a phenomenon that is well discussed in native stories, where the sky begins to glow at night, and a kaleidoscope of color sweeps and bends at night. The first time you see it you will be amazed, and if you take a picture it will surely be the prize of your collection.
Recommendation. If you're a nature nut, bring your hiking and camping gear and come for some of the most amazing scenery you can imagine. A good place to start is any National or Provincial Park that you can find on a map (See The North Shore for some recommendations). And please, get some photos. I seem to always have my camera in my backpack whenever I see something worth a picture.
Working in the Area
I am currently working a contract in Northern Ontario, which sends me to
various regions to work on streams flowing into the Great Lakes (Ontario, Huron, Superior, and Erie. Lake Michigan is completely in the USA).
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Ouimet Canyon
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Within the areas of these streams, one can usually find good hiking,
climbing or biking. Recently, I was sent to an area called Dorion, Ontario (80 km west of Thunder Bay), where I experienced most of the hawk sightings. In fact, one day I was in a boat, and I looked up to see a porcupine, and two hawks, sitting beside each other on the limb of a dead spruce.
The main park near Dorion Ontario, is Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
(pronounced we-met). This spectacular park is considered the Grand Canyon of the North, but more impressive is the incredible lack of tourists in this area in the fall.
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Climbing the Dorion Tower
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There are several excellent hiking trails in the park itself, but outside the park boundaries, the scenery is as remarkable. A friend and I found a trail that led to a freestanding pillar, which was one
of the most spectacular climbs of my life. Called the Dorion Tower, the
canine is a 5.6 23 meter (70 feet) route on the south side of the pillar.
The hike into the climb only takes about 40 minutes, and takes you down a canyon, and through magnificent Northern Boreal forest, before the actual tower which is impressive in its own right. From the peak of this pillar, Lake Superior and all the fall foliage will be fully visible. There is even a small pill bottle on top, which allows you to record your emotions when you're there.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
