My friends and I spent three glorious days on Manitoulin Island during the last week of September this year – just as the fall colours were peaking.

We had booked this trip back in July, hoping to squeeze out the last few days of the fabulously hot summer. Yet, by the time our trip arrived the temperatures had dropped and we quickly switched our packing list from bug spray and bikinis to boots and touques.

Manitoulin Island was incredibly beautiful, especially at this season. Every corner we turned, another stunningly studded field of trees of every colour and old, rustic barns emerged. The lakes too, stretched for miles, reflecting back the beauty of the shoreline. We loved the scenery and quietness so much, we ended up extending our visit for an extra night.

Our days were spent driving the island, stopping at every lookout and hiking as many trails as we could, wanting to uncover every single gem this place had to offer.

It’s so hard to say what my favourite parts of this place were – the foliage, the lakes and the abundance of stars come in top.

I truly believe we picked the best week of the year to visit and be treated to such unforgettable landscapes.

Cover photo: Buzwah Lookout, Wikwemikong