Canadian fall foliage: Scenic eastern routes

If autumn fills you with a bittersweet feeling—sad that summer is departing but head-over-heels with the profusion of changing colours—then you may want to get in the car for a fabulous fall drive.

Although Canada is beautiful everywhere this time of year, it is Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia that are endowed with the most awe-inspiring range of crimsons, burnt oranges and golds. Here's a sampling of outings that I consider singularly breathtaking:

Ontario

Don Valley Parkway A commuter byway, most Torontonians look further north for their autumn inspiration. But this winding six-laner is drop-dead gorgeous when the maples, birch, and sumach begin their annual show.

Highway 117 to 35 to 60 The blaze that lines these curving roads leading to Algonquin Park also offers a summit from which to view the parade of colour. The old Dorset fire lookout (http://www.dorset-tower.com/), built in 1922, is 365-feet-high and has a 360-degree panorama. Be sure to also stop in Dwight where Henrietta's Pine Bakery, a jam-lover's landmark for five decades, has stellar baked good perfect for picnic fare.

Peninsula Road (# 7) This small road snakes up, down and around Muskoka's Lakes Joseph and Rosseau. Don't whiz past Silver Streams Market in Port Sandfield—it's a cottage classic with cinnamon buns made fresh daily. Factoid: The swing bridge built in 1924 is the oldest in the province. Intersecting roadways with an equally mind-boggling array of colour include 118, 169 and 632.

Agawa Canyon Tour Train (http://www.agawacanyontourtrain.com/) Members of the Group of Seven used this train to get them and their supplies into hard-to-reach wilderness areas. About 115 kms from Sault Ste Marie, in the midst of the Canadian Shield with its granite outcroppings, this eye-popping autumn trip is so popular you'll need to book right away.

More info: Ontario Parks Fall Colour report (http://www.parkreports.com/fall/)
More fall road trip ideas: Ontario Fall Colours Road Trips and Drives (http://www.400eleven.com/colour-report.html)

Quebec

The Eastern Townships is only rivaled by the Laurentians when it comes to jaw-dropping colour in la belle province.

Ski Country Travel Highway 15 North, take exit 60 then Route 364 to the charming town of Saint-Sauveur. Continue on 364, then Route 329 towards Saint-Adolphe-D'Howard, a picturesque village on Lac St. Joseph. Continue on 364 into Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts where a cruise on the Lac des Sables is a leaf peeper's dream-come-true. Carry on route 117 to Saint-Jovite/Mont-Tremblant village and take in the majestic view.

Keep reading for more foliage-friendly spots!