Tamarack, the latest changing tree species in Algonquin Park, has “just peaked” depending upon the location, showing a brilliant golden colour in wetland areas before the needles of this coniferous tree species drop for the winter. The rusty reds of Red Oak are also present on the landscape offering some colour, in combination with the Tamaracks. All the other deciduous tree species are bare and fully prepared for the onset of winter.

During the past 42 years in Algonquin Park, the peak Sugar Maple fall colour has ranged from as early as September 15 (1982) to as late as October 9 (1996). This year the peak Sugar Maple colour was determined to be October 8, 2015 (nearly record late as a result of warm fall temperatures). Many factors such as temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and daylight length all play factors in when the peak will occur and how long it will last. High winds, rain, or even snow can sometimes quickly result in fragile leaves being knocked off the trees increasing what is called “leaf fall”.

The peak of Algonquin Park’s Sugar Maple forests is traditionally expected during the last week of September or first week of October. An Algonquin Park visit between early and mid-October will observe the peak yellow-orange colours displayed by poplar and birch species. A mid to late October visit showcases Tamarack at their peak yellow colour before dropping their needles in preparation for winter.