Ontario Tourism has produced a guide outlining 20 fall driving excursions around the province. The guide includes overnight options. (Photo courtesy of Ontario Ministry of Tourism)

The frost may be on the pumpkin, but there's still plenty of time to enjoy a great fall drive.

Ontario Tourism has produced a guide to 20 "exceptional fall excursions," including things to do along the way amid the spectacular autumn colours, along with overnight options.

"Fall weekends are the perfect time to plan a getaway along Ontario's gently rolling back roads, resplendent in their fall colours," the province's tourism promoters say.

"Plan a few days for yourself -- relax, rejuvenate and head off the beaten track to enjoy the abundance of the harvest. Enjoy the flexibility of your own agenda, stopping where you want, discovering the charming hospitality of the small towns and villages along the way."

In Great Fall Drives 2006, there are suggested weekend trips leading to "great lookouts, down-home festivals, talented artisans and the bounty of the harvest."

Here's a look at one of those drives: Southern Exposure -- Windsor, Essex, Pelee and Chatham-Kent, covering 215 kilometres.

Shagbark hickory, tulip trees and a protected oak savannah thrive at Rondeau Provincial Park near the western end of Lake Erie.

Besides being a birding hotspot, the park is a natural environment for recreation enthusiasts and naturalists, including hiking or cycling on a variety of trails or checking out the view from the observation tower.

Nearby, the tiny green oasis of Point Pelee National Park is internationally known for its stunning autumn monarch butterfly migration.

Board the Jiimaan Ferry to Pelee Island, Canada's most southerly community. Spend the day hiking along the beaches, biking, birding or fishing. Stop for lunch and a tour at Pelee Island Winery.

The 90-minute ferry run, from April 1 through Dec. 16, leaves from Leamington at the foot of Erie Street and the Kingsville Government Dock off Park Street to Pelee Island's West Dock.

This region is home to several thriving wineries, collectively known as the South Coast Wine Route, and harvest is the perfect time to enjoy tours and tastings.

While driving the wine route, there are many roadside stands offering farm-fresh produce and veggies, maple syrup, honey and flowers.

En route, stop at Jones Popcorn outside of Leamington to pick up fixings for that next movie night.

(Map courtesy of Ontario Ministry of Tourism)

Tucked away in every corner of nearby Windsor are haunting tales of intrigue and a ghostly self-guided tour booklet is available from the Windsor Visitors Centre.

Chrysler Canada Greenway is a 50-kilometre corridor that runs from Oldcastle, just outside Windsor, south to Harrow, then east through Kingsville to Ruthven.

It's on land owned by the Essex Region Conservation Authority and has been developed as a public trail for hiking, cycling and jogging. The greenway passes through natural areas, creeks and some of the most productive farmland in Canada. It forms the southern arm of the Trans-Canada Trail.

Among the tour packages available on this drive are:

- Sense-Sational Two-Day Taste of Fall Windsor-Essex County: Experience the charm and country colours, visit five wineries for tours and tastings, enjoy a delectable dinner at a choice of restaurants and stay at Casino Windsor's AAA Four Diamond Award hotel. Weekend or mid-week from $156 a person for one night, two days through December. Contact: Southwestern Ontario Vintners Association, (519) 979-8211; www.sense-sational.com; e-mail: bookings@sense-sational.com

- 2 Good 2 Be True Kingsville: Follow the geese to the home of Wild Goose Jack and savour the service at one of Ontario's finest inns. The package includes two nights in the luxurious Vintage Goose Inn, two aromatherapy massages at the in-house spa, two decadent dinners for two and two gourmet breakfasts. It's priced from $550 a person, double occupancy. 1-877-737-5557; 519-733-5070; www.vintagegoose.com; e-mail: vintagegoose@cogeco.ca.

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IF YOU GO

- To plan a scenic one-tank trip, go to Ontario Tourism's Great Drives website at www.ontariotravel.net/greatdrives, or call 1-800-ONTARIO (1-800-668-2746).

- There are links on each route for more information about the points of interest along with maps. The guide also can be downloaded, ordered by phone or picked up at an Ontario Travel Centre.

- Also available is the Ontario Travel Discoveries fall magazine Ontario's Distinctive Getaways Theatre, Wine and Culinary Escapes Fall 2006 travel guide.

- Additional information on the Southern Exposure route is available from the Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island Visitors Bureau, toll free at 1-800-265-3633.