The beauty of Fall in Canada is majestic that you wish for the season to stay forever. Deemed as the popular time to do outdoor activities just before winter comes, trails are worth adventuring along while being mesmerized by the changing-color leaves and breathing in the crisp autumn air. Let’s get busy this season and check out our top 7 Fall activities to do in Ontario.
- Take a hike
There are many of provincial parks around offering scenic and adventurous trails for a quick fresh air getaway or some rather serious hiking or camping trip. A few places we recommend are The Manitoulin Extension of the Niagara Escarpment and the Cup and Saucer Trail which is one of Ontario’s most popular hikes, consisting of a fairly difficult network of trails that extend to over 14 kilometers in length. Schedule a visit to Dundas Peak and spend the day surrounded by beautiful forests. The trail itself is fairly easy, with a distance of 3.9 kilometers in total, but features a stunning waterfall as your reward. Planning for an overnight stay nearby? Check out the Pines Hiking Trail in Quetico Provincial Park. The hike is 10 kilometers round trip, of moderate difficulty, and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Another Algonquin Park favorite, the Highland Backpacking Trail is an ideal choice for those wanting to explore the park for longer than a day.
2. Fall Fairs
Fall Fairs held by Ontario’s agricultural societies are the spot for you to see prized produce and see livestock shows, pick up a few artisan crafts and gifts for the fall table, and last but not least, the amusement rides! See the upcoming Fall Fair near you here for that freshly-baked pie to dig in on the spot!
3. Oktoberfest
Here comes one of the most famous Canada’s Bavarian Festival! In a normal year, you can enjoy floats, performers, and bands in Canada’s largest Thanksgiving Day Parade, stop by Willkommen Platz for tasty treats and live entertainment.
This year, there will not be large-scale celebrations, however, if you visit the Kitchener-Waterloo region, you can still take part in small-scale events.
Venues will feature live Oktoberfest entertainment, Oktoberfest food specials and beer pairings, prize programs, and maybe even a visit from the keg tapping team or Onkel Hans!
There will be several live events happening, from Oktoberfest-themed entertainment and concerts to experiences the whole family can enjoy.
4. Fall in Love with Maple
This year Ontario Maple Producers are hosting an event called Fall in Love with Maple. Take a hike through maple sugarbush as the leaves on the trees change from green to vibrant yellows, blazing oranges, and crimson reds.
Take a fall road trip to visit participating sugarbushes from the last weekend in September to the first weekend in October and sample maple syrup and maple treats, learn more about maple syrup production, stock up on syrup, and stroll through some of the most beautiful fall scenery in Ontario.
Don’t forget to visit Canada’s oldest sugar maple tree located at Comfort Maple Conservation Area, Pelham.
5. Get produces fresh from the farm
Wander around a pumpkin patch while picking your perfectly shaped pumpkin for Jack O’ Lantern, pick apples, take a hayride, play hide and seek in a corn maze, and get the best products for your Thanksgiving Table, Fall dinners, and preserves for Christmas, by visiting a farmers market near you
6. Pumpkin fiesta
Take a tour through this outdoor art exhibit of 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins all lit at night along a kilometer-long path in a picturesque 19th-century backdrop. This mesmerizing installation of artist-inspired, glowing pumpkins is suitable for all ages and not to be missed. At PumpkInferno at Discovery Harbour, you can witness amazingly carved pumpkins in larger-than-life forms, not to mention fun activities for the family. Lastly, you can have a drive-thru of magnificent works of pumpkin artistry. A total of 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins, creating more than 100 sculptures, displayed among a series of jack-o-lanterns all illuminated after dark is an experience you should never miss out on.
7. Salmon season
It’s that time of the year when scores of salmon fighting their way up rivers and stream on their annual spawning run. These are the places to see salmon run in the Greater Toronto Area and other creeks that carry salmon upstream during other days of the season.