If you’re looking for some last-minute ideas for fall break, here are a few of my favorites that you should consider with your kids or teens. Most were trips that I took in the summer, but would be wonderful in fall too, and with the bonus of fall colors! I’ve included timeframes for peak colors for each destination for you. Just be sure to check hours for some of the activities to confirm that they are open. For the Canada locations, keep in mind that a passport is needed if you’re traveling from outside the country (even from the US).
US Destinations:
1. Lake Tahoe, NV and CA
Lake Tahoe is easy to get to, and has a wide variety of things to do in the non-winter months, including alpine hiking, mountain biking, crystal clear lakes, mountains, golf, and even gambling on the Nevada side. It’s unique in that the East side of the lake is in Nevada, and the West side is in California. Lake Tahoe is over a mile deep, at over 6,225 feet, and the water is 99.994% pure, which makes it extremely clear, and a beautiful blue-green color. Be sure to check out Emerald Bay, and have a drink or meal in the cozy Edgewood Resort. Fall colors will peak in the Lake Tahoe area in mid-to-late October.
2. Telluride, CO
Telluride is a very small box canyon town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, and was originally established as a gold mining area in the mid-1850’s. Telluride has beautiful hikes, waterfalls, lakes for kayaking and boating, white water rafting, and a great little historic downtown (be sure to try Brown Dog Pizza). Stay in Mountainside Village (I recommend the Madeline Auberge Resort) and enjoy the fire pits in the evenings! Fall colors will be perfect for viewing in the first half of October in Telluride.
3. Park City, UT
Park City is an easy drive from Salt Lake City (SLC), and could be combined with a couple of nights in each location. In Park City, I recommend staying as close to Main Street as possible. You can walk to restaurants, shops, and lifts or gondolas from there. Don’t miss the Alpine Slide! For a family-friendly stay, try out Marriott’s Mountainside; complete with an outdoor pool, game room, and fire pits to enjoy during the cool evenings. Check out Utah Olympic Park for a full day of activities, and be sure to visit Log Haven for a fancy dinner in a beautiful log cabin deep in the forest. Fall colors will peak in Park City from late September through late October.
Canada Destinations:
1. Banff and Lake Louise, AB
As long as you have a passport, Banff is quite easy to get to via Calgary, AB (YYC). Banff National Park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been, and should be on your bucket list. I recommend staying in Canmore, unless the Fairmont Banff Springs is in your budget. If it’s not, definitely visit there for a meal so that you can experience it up close. There are many hikes, rivers, and lakes to explore in Banff (be sure to take the gondola up for amazing views), and a day trip to see Lake Louise and hike there is a must-do! The fall colors peak early here, so in order to catch them visit before mid-October.
2. Whistler, BC
Whistler is just a short drive from Vancouver, BC (YVR), but the views along the Sea-to-Sky Highway are amazing, and there are lots of scenic places to stop along the way. Whistler is a great little village surrounded by lakes and mountains, and plenty of outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, swimming, and my favorite, the Scandinave Spa (not for those under 18 though). Head up Whistler Mountain to experience the Cloudraker Sky Bridge and see the Inukshuk, and then take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola across to Blackcomb Mountain…what an experience! Don’t miss Pizzeria Antico for great pizza and local beer. The fall colors will peak in October in to November in Whistler.
3. Vancouver, BC
Vancouver can be done on its own, or combined with Whistler if you have time. You probably only need 2-3 days in each to experience the major highlights, and if you have time, make a day trip to Vancouver Island as well. Trip Advisor has various day tours available that I’d recommend in order to keep things easy. Be sure to stay in the city for easy access to the harbor. You can watch the sea planes there, take a harbor cruise, and walk to Stanley Park to see all that it has to offer. Also be sure to check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park…it’s something that should not be missed! Fall colors will peak between end of October and early November in Vancouver.
