Seeing the fall colours in Ontario is one of the best ways to enjoy the fleeting season, and province is full of breathtaking spots where you can see them in their full expression.

While timing out your trips to see the best and brightest fall colours across Ontario can feel like a guessing game, the trusty Ontario Parks Fall Colours Report is here to help you formulate the perfect autumn itinerary.

According to this year's report, which is updated regularly throughout the season, a host of parks in Ontario have already begun their annual transition from the vivid greens of summer to reds, golds and oranges that signify the impending colder months.

As of Oct 2., Algonquin Park leads the pack in terms of fall colours, boasting an 80 per cent colour change with about 20 per cent of leaves fallen. If you're hoping to take a camping trip to see the leaves at this iconic park, you'll want to get out there as soon as possible.

Peak fall colours are upon us! Don't be caught unprepared!

How to plan your trip: https://t.co/Jb9Q0rJUPe
Book your permit: https://t.co/gQzOIN2Yt4
Latest colour report: https://t.co/7XWU7oT0ZM
Consider other parks: https://t.co/cGJIHL1eFC

Check back here for capacity updates! pic.twitter.com/7JpSGoptIx

— Algonquin Provincial Park (@Algonquin_PP) October 1, 2024

Thanks to the park's relatively high altitude (portions of the park rest at 600 metres above sea level, compared to Toronto which is 75), the leaves here are consistently some of the first to change every year, so you still have plenty of time to see the changing colours elsewhere in the province.

As of now, the only other parks in Ontario boasting peak colours are Lake Superior, Samuel de Champlain and Mikisew, which are all at a 70 per cent colour change, while the rest are at 60 per cent or below.

Eyeing @MonoCliffsPP for #FallColours? 👀

Why not take a trip down the road to @EarlRowePP instead and avoid the crowds? 😉 #EarlRowePP has lovely trails, picnic spots, canoe and paddleboat rentals, and lakeside views. 🍁🛶 pic.twitter.com/QtLfPiQ1PM

— Ontario Parks (@OntarioParks) October 2, 2024

Closer to Toronto, parks like Bronte Creek, Darlington, Forks of the Credit, Mono Cliffs and Petroglyphs are all resting between just 10 and 30 per cent colour change, so you'll have to hang on a little longer to see them bursting with colour.

According to Discover Muskoka's Fall Colour Report, you can expect to see peak fall colours in that area from now until around Oct. 20, with maple trees reaching peak colours between late September and Oct. 1o, and the golden encore anticipated to happen between Oct. 11 and 20.

While leaf-spotting is not an exact science, you can also use the weather to anticipate when the leaves at your favourite Provincial Parks will reach peak colour.

The US Forest Service says that temperature and moisture are two of the largest factors affecting autumn colours, meaning warm, sunny days and cool nights paired with a wet spring and summer can speed up fall colours, while also producing some of the most vibrant results.

While we're likely still a few weeks out from full fall colours spreading province-wide, you can keep up with the latest updates on Ontario Parks' website.