Cooler temperatures leading to vibrant fall colours in Ontario, experts say

It certainly makes the Don Valley Parkway drive more tolerable.

Ontarians have been enjoying stunning orange, yellow and red fall colours this season, and experts say the foliage is more vibrant than in recent years, thanks mainly to specific weather patterns.

Sean Thomas, a professor of forest ecology at the University of Toronto, says the fall colours in Toronto this year have been among the best he’s seen in a long time, especially after what he called last year’s “remarkably dull” fall.

“We have some of the best fall foliage in the world,” Thomas said. “The signal that trees receive that leads to the formation of those pigments is low-temperature events but still above freezing, but in conjunction with high light.”

Thomas says lower temperatures but — not frost — combined with sufficient rainfall typically bring vibrant fall colours, whereas drier and warmer weather results in dull colours.

Destination Toronto has a list of local spots to get your fall foliage fix, including Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, Evergreen Brickworks, Toronto Islands and Coronation Park.

Ben Rubin, an assistant professor of forest ecology at Western University, says the fall colours this season have been bright and beautiful in his home city of London as well.

He says leaves change colours based on species, the length of a day, and the weather.

Ontarians have been enjoying stunning orange, yellow and red fall colours this season, and experts say the foliage is more vibrant than in recent years, thanks largely to specific weather patterns. Photo: Simon Berger.

Rubin says that since the weather is the factor that varies from year to year in a similar provincewide pattern, a vibrant fall in one part of  Ontario means similarly stunning colours can be expected in other parts too.

The fall colours are so spectacular that Ontario Parks has enlisted a feature on its website that displays “peak viewing” opportunities based on the leaves colour.

“There are spectacular viewing opportunities throughout Algonquin Provincial Park along the Highway 60 Corridor and other access points, such as the Park’s trails and day-use areas,” the website stated on Oct. 16.

According to the most recent data, Peterborough and Barrie are currently two of the best locations to see bright red leaves and peak fall viewing. Forks of the Credit and Sandbanks are others, with 100 and 90 per cent of trees in those areas through colour change.

Southern Ontario is feeling the chill this week, with below-seasonal temperatures dominating the region. By mid-week, daytime highs in Toronto will reach the upper single digits, with cooler conditions expected for cottage country.

Rain is also expected for much of Wednesday and Thursday in Toronto and the GTA, ahead of what should be favourable conditions and sunny skies on Friday and for much of the weekend, with a potential day-time high of 19 C on Saturday.

With files from The Canadian Press and Charlene Close of CityNews 680