Unfortunately, the season of fall doesn’t last very long in Canada, so when it does end up coming that one time of year, we tend to go a little overboard in finding the best and most activities to try out. There’s our extreme need to complete every haunted corn maze, wanting to walk the various Hamilton hikes that showcase some of the best fall colours, and having to visit almost every fear fest in the province - but fall has so much more to offer than just hikes and haunts!
From the numerous craft beer festivals to the endless cafes and restaurants to check out, your fall bucket list shouldn’t stop at Halloween or nature-inspired activities. If you’re still not sure where to start, then check out this list on the all of the things Ontario has to offer this season.
READ MORE: 30 Things To Do In Ontario That You Have To Add To Your Fall Bucket List
Embark On A Cruise With The Hamilton Harbour Queen
I actually used to work in the same lot as the Hamilton Harbour Queen, and whenever people would come up to me asking questions about the touristy things they should do, my response was always this: “Go on the cruise. Always go on the cruise.” Offering both tasty dinner options and your chance at a booze cruise, this awesome tour runs until the end of October.
Grab A Snack At The Tremont Cafe
While there are endless coffee shops to experience within every Ontario city, The Tremont Cafe in Collingwood is truly something worth road tripping for. Housed inside a historic and minimalist chic location, this elegant restaurant features complex coffee options and gourmet European cuisine.
Ride The London Pedal Pub
While this one is a little different from the party bike I rode in Nashville, this epic pedal pub in London is one of the best ways to experience the city. No alcohol is actually permitted on the bike, but as you’re touring the local breweries and bars in the city, you’ll find that it doesn’t exactly stop you from getting the perfect buzz.
Go Kayaking In Gananoque
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1000 Islands is already beautiful by just observing from afar, but the option to kayak through it’s divine waters is sure to be just as breathtaking. With 1000 Islands Kayaking Company, a kayaking program located in Gananoque, you are able to tread the waters of the islands until the end of October.
Ride A Hot Air Balloon
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To me, a hot air balloon ride always seemed like something I would never be able to do. It still feels like one of those things that you only see in films or dreams, but at Skyward Balloons, a hot air balloon tour agency in Kitchener-Waterloo, you are able to live those dreams by embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
Attend The Toronto Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo may hold the ranks for Ontario’s biggest beer festival, but the one in Toronto is also a great place to spend the beverage-themed holiday. From September 27 to the 29, transport to Germany during the Munich-modelled event at Ontario Place.
Explore The Temagami Fire Tower
While the Temagami Fire Tower does indeed involve some walking, the outcome of it is probably a lot more breathtaking than a regular hike. Located in Temagami, a city about five hours north of Toronto, this massive observation deck gives you the chance to experience some of the most beautiful views of the autumn colours.
Ride The Blue Mountain Ridge Runner
This one is actually open throughout all of the seasons, but imagine riding through a mountain in the fall?! The colours, the perfect breeze, the ability to enjoy it all while wearing the most comfortable knit-sweater. Seriously, don’t miss out on this one this season.
Bake Some Pies At Le Dolci In Toronto
The pastries that are baked at Le Dolci are ridiculously tasty, so it’s fair to assume that you will never be able to amount to their exceptional talent *insert sad face.* Though this doesn't mean you can’t try. At Le Dolci, an adorable bakery in Toronto, you can attend pie-baking classes until the end of October.
Zipline Across Niagara Falls
With four parallel routes that face both the American and Canadian falls, the Mistrider Zipline danges you above the water with an average speed of 64 km. Most likely the coolest way to experience Niagara Falls, the Mistrider Zipline is a must-do attraction that stays open until Thanksgiving weekend.
Attend The Bala Cranberry Festival
The Bala Cranberry Festival is an annual festival held in Muskoka, and apart from the fresh farmer’s market that they host in addition to an adorable petting zoo, you also get the chance to step knee-dip into a pile of cranberries. Talk about #instaworthy.
The 5 Drive-In
Movie theatres are quite popular during all seasons - but when the chilly weather returns and we crave the need for screen-time snuggles, it’s at the drive-in where we find the best experience. Drive-ins are scattered all across Ontario, but the 5 Drive-In in Oakville has quite the massive theatre complex that is totally worth road tripping for.
Tour The Cape Vineyards
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Located in the beautiful Prince Edward County, Cape Vineyards is a decently new winery that is capturing the hearts of fellow Ontarians. With 120 acres of land purchased by Michael Lewis 120 in 2010, the winery is now home to a wide selection of delicious and authentic wines.
Go Apple Picking At Frootogo Orchards
Frootogo Orchards is a vibrant farm that has been run by the Hekman family for over 40 years. Located in Waterdown, this apple picking lot offers some of the freshest fruits and home-made pastries in Southern Ontario.
Attempt To Flyboard
I know what you’re thinking - flyboarding seems tough enough, but doing it in the fall? That actually won’t be too much of a problem, since this flyingboard service in Turkey Point is open until the beginning of November. How exactly? Well, when receiving your flyboard gear, you’re also provided wetsuits when the water if chilly, so there’s really no reason you shouldn’t added this to your bucket list this fall.
Relax At The White Oaks Spa In Niagara-On-The-Lake
Ontario is filled with countless spas to experience, though one of the best has to be the White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Located inside a 4-star hotel, White Oaks offers multiple therapies and programs that showcase their expertise in the three special ‘R’s - relax, refresh, and rejuvenate.
Visit A Treetop Trekking Park
My experience of Treetop Trekking is a little different compared to the ones at these adventure parks. Basically, my cousins and I would walk the branches of this huge tree in their backyard in Binbrook, and if we fell - well, you know, we fell. Luckily, you won’t have a similar experience when trying out one of the five treetop trekking parks in Ontario. Geared towards both safety and fun, a Treetop Trekking Adventure Park is definitely something you should consider trying out this fall season.
Eat Dinner Inside The CN Tower
The CN Tower is already quite the Ontario landmark, so why not further it’s worth by doing the most beautiful and perfect thing in the world - by eating. In addition to exceptional views of the Toronto skyline, the tower’s main pod is also home to 360 The Restaurant, a delicious spot for food, wine, and tasty dessert. Access to the LookOut and glass floor levels are also included with your prix fixe meal.
Take A Tour Of The Winter Garden Theatre In Toronto
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The Winter Garden Theatre may be a huge tourism venue for those attending TIFF or other performances, but just to even witness the beauty of it is worthy enough to be on a fall bucket list. Tours of this National Historic Site are year-round and about an hour and a half long. Included in the tour is a guide of the theatre, the backstage, dressing rooms, and other hidden areas.
Visit The Donkey Sanctuary In Guelph
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Let’s be honest, all of the characters in the Shrek franchise are awesome and all, but is there really anyone that is better than Donkey?! A little ditzy but filled with a heart of gold, Donkey has solidified quite the reputation for donkeys all across the world, and what better way to check them out for yourself by visiting the Donkey Sanctuary in Guelph?
Taste Epic Beer At The Elora Brewing Company
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Nestled in the beautiful town of Elora, the Elora Brewing Company is a perfect destination for those who want to drink incredible beer while also escaping to the silence and peacefulness of the town it’s located in.