Autumn Leaves

Who doesn’t remember Nat King Cole serenading us with that song when we were younger? Now. with fall upon us, it’s a good time to visit the leaves in person. We found a perfect spot last week, only about an hour’s drive from Toronto.

Many folks know the area. Driving there, it’s best to take the Forks of the Credit, a road that meanders east and west along the banks of the Credit River. The colours are magnificent.

At the end of the road the Bellfountain Conservation Area awaits. The park, designed by Charles Mack back in the early 1900’s, was intended to be a feast for the eyes and the mind, a bit of “whimsey in the wilderness.” There is a choice of paths to follow; most of them under 1 kilometer, and all of them picturesque. They might lead you to a Cave of Curiosities with unique stone carvings on the walls.

Or you might come across the suspension bridge, over a river, beside a falls, and unsteady enough to make you reach for the railings.

Another trail wanders through the woods on boardwalks, and passes a lookout where a bronze fox named Lucky surveys the area. He is definitely lucky in his outlook.

The highlight of the park is the fountain, installed in 1914, with a bell on top in houour of the town. It is considered to be one of the oldest operating fountains in Canada.

If you still have time, another unique place to visit in the area is the Alton Mill Arts Centre, just up the road. A room full of old mill equipment tells the story of the building’s origin. Inside the centre you can shop for treasures for sale by local artists and jewellers, and sit down at a coffee bar selling drinks and baked goods. A trip around the outside of the building provides more treasures including sculptures and waterfalls.

In Canada winter is a long season. Enjoy the fall while we still have it.

Sue