Fall is here and the leaves are changing colour in Canada, so today I’d like to share some vocabulary for talking about this annual event in English.

The simplest and most common way to express this natural phenomenon is to say that “the leaves are changing (colour).” Sometimes the word “colour” can be omitted. People will still know what you mean.

If you want to mention a specific colour, you can use the verb “turn,” as in “the leaves are turning red.” 

Ex. The leaves change colour in mid-October in Toronto, but they start turning red much earlier in Northern Ontario.

Of course, we like to use other words to make the fall colours sound more exciting and beautiful. For example, you might see descriptive language (especially on tourism websites) such as “stunning array,” “vibrant tones,” or “blanketed in.” Here are some examples taken from Canadian websites:

Ex. A stunning array of colours can be spotted as you drive along Edwardson Rd. and Cranberry Lake Rd., just west of Hwy. 23 near Grafton.

Ex. The best place to experience the vibrant tones of maple, oak, poplar, birch, and tamarack trees is at the main day use/beach area, which provides views of the entire shoreline of Round Lake.

Ex. With a special view from our drone, you can see the islands blanketed in reds, oranges and yellows.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a nice or easy way to say “autumn-leaf viewing” in English. No matter how you try to say it, it always sounds a bit unnatural and awkward. If you try to translate an expression like “momijigari” (紅葉狩り) from Japanese to English, you end up with “fall/autumn-leaf viewing/hunting,” which we do not commonly say in English! Most often, we simply say that we “enjoy” the fall leaves/colours.

Ex. We went for a long hike in Quebec last weekend and really enjoyed the fall colours. 

Using a verb like “view” sounds a bit formal, but you may see it on websites or in brochures. Another option is to “take in” the fall leaves/colours, which means to view/watch something (you can also “take in” a play or film).

Ex. In Ontario's Highlands, the best time to view fall colours will vary depending on where you will be traveling.

Ex. While you’re here, be sure to take in the stunning fall colours that Ontario has to offer.

At the end of autumn, you can say that the leaves “fall” or “drop” from the trees or that the trees “lose,” “drop,” or “shed” (“shed” is more formal) their leaves. A tree which has lost most or all of its leaves is “bare.” 

Ex. Most of the trees around my home have lost their leaves already. They’re looking pretty bare these days.

Well, that’s all for now! I hope this helps you to describe fall colours in English, and I hope you’re able to enjoy the changing colours and cooler fall air soon!