This blog post comes from Emma Webb, Head Gate Attendant at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park.
Driftwood is my favourite provincial park. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Samuel de Champlain, but there’s something magical about Driftwood. It’s where I started my parks career.
Although it may be smaller, the park has a lot of heart, and even more charm.
Word has gotten out about visiting Driftwood, so the demand for campsites during peak season has become much greater.
But who can blame folks for wanting to visit the park that is known for its serene sunsets and stunning river setting?
So why not visit Driftwood in the fall? The park is open for fall camping and day use until Thanksgiving.
Imagine experiencing the beauty of Driftwood while adding in one of the best displays of fall colours that our province has to offer. Plus, you don’t have to beat any crowds to experience it all!
Ready for a fall adventure? Here’s what you need to know.
Paddler’s paradise
If you’re visiting the park in September or October, make sure to bring your canoes, kayaks, and boats (or rent a canoe or kayak from the park office) because the best spot to view fall colours at Driftwood is from the water.
Paddlers can adventure from the shores of Driftwood Provincial Park, across the bay to the mouth of the Dumoine River in Quebec or stay in Ontario and explore along the park’s shoreline.
You can expect to see forests transforming from green into gold and burnt orange in front of your eyes on both sides of the river.
Avid anglers have an opportunity to fish against this picturesque background. Walleye, Small and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge have all been caught near Driftwood.
Make sure to have a valid fishing license with you if you plan on casting a line!
The importance of prioritizing safety when heading out on the water in the fall is crucial. As the air temperature drops, so does the water temperature.
Ensure to bring all necessary safety equipment including extra warm layers, safety kits, and PFDs.
Stunning hikes
If picking up a paddle isn’t on your fall camping to-do list, you can check out the fall colours from the forest floor!
Driftwood has some amazing hiking trails for you to explore.
The Oak Highland trail system which features two trails, Riverview and Beaver Pond, is a wonderful option for those looking for a moderate hike accompanied by stunning views.
Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the clearing on Riverview, which provides an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape.
Hikers have even reported seeing Bald Eagles flying overhead from the Oak Highland Trail system.
Spectacular sunsets
It’s not a camping trip to Driftwood if the days aren’t started by a dream-like sunrise and capped off by sunset of vibrant burning colours.
These two displays of nature’s beauty are even more spectacular in the fall than in the summer.
With the sun rising later in the day, you don’t have to be an early bird to witness the dew settle or the fog roll over the river and up into the Quebec landscape.
This is a wonderful view to enjoy with a mug of hot coffee, tea, or apple cider.
While it’s a bit sad when the days get shorter, signifying the end of summer, at Driftwood, the end of the day is an event worth looking forward to.
Fall sunsets at Driftwood transform the entire sky into a painting of red, orange, and pink.
It’s incredibly hard to capture the wonder of fall sunsets at Driftwood.
Pictures cannot fully capture the depth of colour, and words cannot convey the power of what unfolds in front of you.
The only way to truly take it all in is to come and experience it for yourself!