MISSISSAUGA, Oct. 18, 2024 – The days may be getting shorter, but in Mississauga, the city is starting is becoming awash with spectacular fall colour, although the city’s peak colour display is expected later in October. Thanks to the Mississauga’s diverse urban forests, which includes native tree species like poplar, maple, elm, oak, hickory and willow, residents and visitors can enjoy the colour show at Mississauga’s many parks and along its abundant nature trails.
Now is the time to go leaf-peeping in Mississauga
Mid-October to November is typically the best time to see the colours. Don’t miss them while they’re here! Check out a few of the City’s own favourite places to experience spectacular fall foliage in Mississauga.
Riverwood
Riverwood is an urban oasis of natural beauty located right in the heart of Mississauga. In addition to its stunning display of fall colours, this park is a delight to experience all year long with its abundant meadows, old-growth forests, ravines, wetland, creeks and diverse wildlife. Riverwood is also home to some of Mississauga’s historical gems, including the 1919 Chappel House, now home to the Riverwood Conservancy, as well as the McEwan Field Station and MacEwan Barn, complete with their original hand-hewn beams.
Streetsville Memorial Park
Pack a lunch, or pick up a treat from Streetsville’s bustling Queen Street South, and head to Streetsville Memorial Park to take in the fall colours along the picturesque Credit River. This sprawling peaceful park is family-friendly, with multiple picnic areas, a playground and open green spaces perfect for playing, or enjoying a picnic. Don’t forget to take advantage of snapping that perfect photo by taking a walk over the bridge across the tranquil Credit River!
Meadowvale Conservation Area
Looking to make a day of it? Located in north Mississauga, the gigantic Meadowvale Conservation Area serves up abundant picnic and barbecue spots, open fields for games and wildlife spotting, in addition to views of the colourful fall displays. While hiking along the trails, you can also stop by the remains of an early pioneer settlement, including an old mill and farmhouse.
Jack Darling Memorial Park & Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Did you know Rattray Marsh Conservation Area features the last remaining lakefront marsh between Toronto and Burlington? The peaceful winding boardwalk takes you through the conservation, providing viewpoints to enjoy the fall colours, as well as the diverse wildlife that call it home. Take the trail to or from Jack Darling Memorial Park to enjoy the pops of fall colour against the bright blue of Lake Ontario.
Amazing trails in Mississauga to see fall colour
Looking to take a stroll or bike ride along a trail instead? Check out the Waterfront Trail, Lake Wabukayne Trail, Lake Aquitaine Trail, Glen Erin Trail, the David J Culham Trail and Lisgar Meadowbrook Trail.
Protecting Mississauga’s urban forest
There are more than two million trees in Mississauga, which improve the environment, health and quality of life for all. The City’s Natural Heritage & Urban Forest Strategy, Urban Forest Management Plan and Invasive Species Management Plan and Implementation Strategy help address environmental pressures that trees face from invasive species, urban redevelopment and severe weather events.
How you can support Mississauga’s trees:
- If you spot an invasive plant species on City property like a park, trail or boulevard, you can report it using the invasive species reporting form.
- Stay on official trails to avoid picking up and spreading invasive plant seeds.
- If you see a tree that looks diseased, unhealthy or dead, report it.
- Help plant a tree though the City’s One Million Trees program.
- Get to know the trees in your neighbourhood using the City’s tree map.
- Nominate a tree as part of the City’s Fantastic Trees program and check out other fantastic trees using the interactive map.
Practise park etiquette
When visiting Mississauga’s parks, it’s important to practise your park etiquette. Please throw out your litter in the correct container, always pick up after your dog and keep them leashed, stay on the designated trails and don’t feed the wildlife.
To find a park near you, visit mississauga.ca/parks.
by Terry Lankstead, with extensive notes from City of Mississauga
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