Whether you're an art aficionado, a history buff, a live music fan or a nature lover, there's something for everyone. For a taste of what's on this fall, here are nine fall must-sees in Ontario.
Get your art fix at a National Gallery of Canada exhibition
.Price: $20 for adults, $10 for students, free on Thursdays after 5 p.m.
When: Tuesday-Sunday during fall
Address: 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Delve into Canada's rich and fraught history through art at the National Gallery. During fall, you can check out special exhibits like Riopelle: Crossroads In Time, which looks back on the life and works of this Canadian art icon.
The gallery's permanent collection includes the Indigenous and Canadian Art Gallery, which highlights iconic artwork from Indigenous and Canadian artists like Emily Carr and Tim Pitsiulak. A must for anyone looking to soak up some culture.
Accessibility: Strollers allowed, wheelchair accessible, service animals welcome, adapted tours (using sensory-based strategies) for visitors with disabilities.
Take a ghost tour of Ottawa, Toronto or Kingston
Two Haunted Walk guides.
Courtesy of The Haunted Walk Kingston
Price: $24.99 for adults, $19.99 for youth
When: Various times
Address: 46 ½ Sparks St., Ottawa; 11 Gristmill Lane, Toronto; 200 Ontario St., Kingston, ON
Why You Need To Go: Embrace the spooky season and explore your city from a different perspective by taking a darker, deep dive into the historic buildings and famous creepy goings-on from back in the day.
You'll hear about ghosts, executions, graveyards and haunted hotels as you tour some of the most haunted spots in each city, like the Ottawa Jail, Kingston’s Queen's University and the Distillery District in Toronto.
Accessibility: This tour makes use of sidewalks, street crossings and other city infrastructure. While most areas are fully accessible, occasionally we run into construction or other unpredictable situations where we need to alter our route. For that reason, we recommend this tour be considered accessible with assistance.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn at Mādahòkì Farm
Price: It's free to visit Mādahòkì Farm. Some events are ticketed with varying prices.
When: September and October 2023
Address: 4420 W. Hunt Club Rd., Nepean, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located on the traditional and unceded territories of the Algonquin Nation, Mādahòkì Farm welcomes visitors to engage with local Indigenous cultures and traditions. The meaning of Mādahòkì is "to share the land" in the Anishinaabe language.
Visit the marketplace featuring unique products from Indigenous makers, artists, farmers and businesses; meet the rare herd of endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses; or take part in their regular workshops and tours. Don't miss the Tagwàgi (Autumn) Festival if you want to give fall the welcome it deserves.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility for wheelchairs.
Get some fresh air at an urban oasis
Price: Free entry
When: Open daily from sunrise until 11 p.m.
Address: Kariya Park, 3620 Kariya Dr., Mississauga, ON
Why You Need To Go: Named for Mississauga's sister city in Japan (which has its own Mississauga Park), this Japanese garden is a charming spot to take a break from the city bustle while learning about Japanese culture.
You can hit pause on your day to go enjoy the beautiful trees and wildlife in an urban setting before the winter chill hits.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Get in the autumn spirit by visiting a fall fair
Fair goers in Ontario.
Courtesy of Destination Ontario
Price: Varies by fair, usually around $8 to $15 for admission
When: From mid-September to mid-October
Address: In towns across 15 regions in Ontario
Why You Need To Go: Fall is fair season in Ontario, and you can enjoy more than 30 of them across the province between September and October, including Carp, Port Elgin and Bracebridge. Some have even been running since the 1800s.
There are so many events and activities like tractor pulls, cider tastings, giant vegetable contests, horse and cattle shows, pie-eating contests and more. It's the perfect spot for a date, friend hangs or family outing.
Accessibility: Varies by fair, visit the local fair website for more information.
Check out your favourite Canadian musicians at the Ontario Festival of Small Halls
Price: Between $30 to $45 plus tax and service fee
When: October 5 to 22, 2023
Address: Various locations across Eastern Ontario
Why You Need To Go: The Ontario Festival of Small Halls began in 2014 as a way to enjoy live music in historic and sometimes-overlooked venues across Eastern Ontario like farms, churches and community halls.
Great acts like Corb Lund, Terra Lightfoot, The Arrogant Worms and Matthew Good have performed intimate shows as part of the festival. Check it out and you just might find your new favourite artist.
Accessibility: Varies by venue, contact the venue for more information.
Take a historical tour of a former fur-trade hub
Price: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors or students (free for Indigenous Peoples)
When: Open 7 days a week
Address: 1350 King Rd., Thunder Bay, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fort William Historical Park is one of Canada's most important heritage sites and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. You'll be transported back to the 1800s to learn all about the fur trade and French-Canadian culture.
You can watch a birchbark canoe being made, try some traditional bannock and see what it was like to live during that time. Perfect for Francophiles and history buffs alike.
Accessibility: Service animals are welcome
Celebrate cinema excellence at Cinéfest
Price: 4 tickets for $50 including tax
When: September 16-24, 2023
Address: SilverCity Sudbury Cinemas, 355 Barrydowne Rd., Sudbury, ON
Why You Need To Go: Celebrating its 35th year, Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival brings top-tier films, documentaries, animations and shorts to an audience of more than 35,000 movie fans every fall.
Their nine-day program takes care to highlight films made by and for diverse audiences, including Indigenous and Francophone voices in Ontario. Tickets are sold by the book, four for $50 or 10 for $100. To get full access, check out the Cinéfest Passport for $275.
Accessibility: SilverCity Sudbury is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive technology including closed captions and audio descriptions. Sensory-friendly screenings are available for some releases.
Fall Film Festivals 2023 That You Shouldn't Miss on Destination Ontario
Stuff your face with some classic Canadian cuisine
Price: Free entry
When: October 12 to 15, 2023
Address: 100 Sparks St., Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Poutinefest is a week-long celebration of this French-Canadian culinary classic and Canada's favourite food in all its forms.
Whether you're looking for the best version of a classic poutine or interested in trying a new take on the carby staple (Thai poutine anyone?), there's something for every visitor with both food trucks and sit-down restaurants.
Accessibility: Stroller and wheelchair accessible
These are just a few of the activities and events Ontario's arts and culture scene has to offer.
This fall, take a staycation and explore your town through a new lens or road trip to visit one of the many vibrant spots across the province.
To get started, check out Destination Ontario to see just what adventures await.
To learn more about Ontario's vibrant arts and culture scene, check out Destination Ontario's website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
