By Natalie Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Key Takeaway: There’s no shortage of fall activities in Ontario, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to vibrant harvest festivals and breathtaking fall colour drives. Whether you’re exploring the GTA, Central Ontario, or the Ottawa region, you’ll find plenty of things to do in October in Ontario, including family-friendly outings, seasonal events, and scenic spots to soak up autumn’s best views.

What are Some Fun Things to do in October in Ontario?

The leaves are starting to turn, and the Fall season has officially started!  As we welcome the crisp autumn weather this also means fun fall activities are here! 

Fall is one of our favourite seasons with colourful scenery around every corner, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall fairs, themed walking trails, apple cider, Oktoberfest and so much more! 

Although we have summer in our name, Summer Fun Guide is a great resource to use all year long with an Event Calendar chalk full of amazing events and our directory has loads of Fall attractions and activities to choose from. We have summed up lots of fun fall ideas below to get your started.

What are Some Fun Fall Activities in the GTA?

In Hampton, visit Pringle’s Harvest Festival and try to escape the secret agent corn maze and partake in the endless fall festivities before harvesting your own apples and pumpkins! Take in the scenic views while having fun high in the trees at Treetop Trekking. Swing, climb, zipline, and test your balance on different obstacles while you make your way through the fall-coloured trees in Stouffville, Hamilton, Brampton (and many other locations across Ontario!).

What are the Top Fall Activities in Central Ontario?

Central Ontario has all kinds of fall activities that you won’t want to miss. In Elmvale, head to Rounds Ranch for tractor rides, where they have everything pumpkin from a pie eating contest, to games like pumpkin bowling! In Collingwood, try tons of different apples at the Apple Harvest weekend, a true fall harvest experience. Enjoy live music, fall colours hiking, cider tasting, with AGORA: Path of Light, family fun and more. While you’re in Collingwood, stop by Blue Mountain Village and take a ride on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster that takes you on an exhilarating 1 km ride down Blue Mountain.  You’ll get up to speeds of 42 km/h and you get to drive your own cart down the track while you take in all the fall colours and views of Georgian Bay.

What are Some Family-Friendly Activities in the Southwestern Region?

If you’re in the Southwestern region, you’re in luck, because there are loads of fall activities for you to enjoy! Visit Snyder’s Farm for tons of daytime fun with corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, and endless entertainment! In Barrie, head to Barrie Hill Farms, where you try pressing our very own apples into cider, try pumpkin spice mini donuts made fresh, and more!  

What are the Most Popular Fall Activities in the Ottawa Region?

In the Ottawa region, prepare for a day of fun, since this city has all kinds of fall activities and festivals you won’t want to miss. At Bushels Fun on the Farm where you’ll get to explore a corn maze and more as you visit the 150-year-old log farm and take a walk through scarecrow lane. ! Join in the fun at the annual Pumpkin Fest at the Proulx Maple & Berry Farm for pumpkin patch fun with tons of outdoor playgrounds and festivities. 

These are just some of the popular fall activities in the Ottawa area, check out our blog post on the best places to see the Fall colours in Ottawa for more insights and tips! 

What are Some Must-Do Fall Activities in the Eastern Region?

If you’re in the Eastern region, and looking for fall activities to do, there are endless opportunities! Spend a day with some cute creatures at Saunders Country Critters Zoo in Oxford Station that features more than 60 different species! See all the fall colours by boat on a fall tour around the 1000 islands on the Jewel of The Thousand Islands Cruise. In Perth go shopping all night long at the Perth Night Market where shops open until the wee hours of the night with local vendors and artisans that have tons of tasty food and entertainment to enjoy under the night sky!

What are the Best Fall Activities in the Niagara and Northern Regions?

In the Niagara Region, you’ll find no shortage of fall activities, including the annual Balls Falls Thanksgiving Festival in Jordan with 50+ vendors, games for kids, heritage tours, nature hikes, and more. Sail Lake Superior for incredible views of the fall colours by catamaran onboard the Sail Superior Tours ! These tours boast incredible views of Lake Superior that you’ll only get by boat. Eat tasty food onboard the boat, see Thunder Bay’s most iconic landmark, the Sleeping Giant, see 1200 ft high cliffs, eagles, vultures, and the boreal forest.

What is the Most Popular Fall Activity in Ontario?

You can check off your Ontario fall bucket list ideas item by time, as we have all the information you need to build your fall itinerary! Choose from these popular fall activities and partake in the local experiences that Ontario has to offer.

Fall Getaways in Ontario

When the trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, it’s the perfect time to plan a fall getaway. Spend a quiet weekend at a lakeside lodge in Muskoka, unwind in a boutique inn in Prince Edward County, or head north to a secluded retreat near Algonquin Park. 

For inspiration and travel ideas, explore Ontario’s Autumn Escapes: Unveiling the Best Fall Getaways.

Halloween Events & Spooky Season Fun

As late October approaches, Ontario’s spooky side comes alive. Haunted houses open their doors, historic towns host ghost walks, and farms transform into glowing pumpkin villages. For an overview of fright-filled attractions across every region, start with the Halloween Events in Ontario 2024: Regional Guide.

Looking for serious scares? Head to Screemers in Toronto, Fort Fright in Kingston, or Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village—each brings a different kind of thrill!

If you’re planning your October weekends, check out The Best Halloween Events in Ontario for signature seasonal highlights, or discover more haunted happenings and eerie adventures in Where to Get Spooked This Halloween in Ontario.

Apple Picking

Apple season is one of Ontario’s sweetest fall traditions, and nothing beats heading to an orchard for apple picking with the whole family. Wander through rows of crisp, red apples, breathe in the fresh autumn air, and enjoy homemade cider or baked treats right at the farm. 

Want to plan your perfect apple-picking day? Check out our regional guide to Where to Pick Apples This Fall in Ontario for the best orchards across the province.

Taking in the Fall Foliage

Ontario’s autumn colours are breathtaking, whether you’re strolling a short walk along Hardy Lake Provincial Park’s hiking trails in South Georgian Bay, climbing the Dorset Lookout Tower, or venturing to Algonquin Provincial Park, for mind-blowing fall views. Scenic drives past rolling hills, vibrant forests, and even waterfalls make this an incredible season to visit Ontario. 

For a unique fall experience, hop on one of Ontario’s scenic train rides like the Agawa Canyon Tour Train in Sault Ste. Marie that takes you through the spectacular Agawa Canyon, surrounded by a sea of red and gold, or the Portage Flyer Steam Train in Muskoka that offers a charming journey through the colorful forests and along the pristine Muskoka River.

Ontario delivers some of the most breathtaking fall scenery in Canada. From misty mornings to golden sunsets, it’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors. For even more inspiration, check out the best places to view the fall colours in Ontario, featuring must-see lookouts like Dundas Peak, Niagara Glen, and Rattlesnake Point.

Fall is also prime time for a scenic drive. Ontario’s winding backroads and heritage routes take you past rolling hills and sparkling lakes that come alive with autumn beauty. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full fall road trip, our great places to go enjoy fall colours in Ontario blog post highlights all the routes worth the drive.

If you’re after something a little different, discover Ontario’s unique experiences in Ontario to see the fall colours that take leaf-peeping to new heights — literally! Soar above the trees on a hot air balloon ride, cruise through vibrant landscapes on a fall boat tour, or take in panoramic views on a zipline or chairlift adventure. 

Prefer to stay closer to the city? There are countless ways to enjoy the season on foot. Explore local gems like Dundas Peak, Mono Cliffs, Hilton Falls, Rouge National Urban Park, Crawford Lake, Forks of the Credit, and Kelso Summit, all featured in the best fall hikes close to Toronto to see stunning autumn foliage. These trails offer incredible lookout points, waterfall walks, and forest paths just a short drive from downtown Toronto.

Pumpkin Patch Adventures

Pumpkin patches in Ontario let you pick the perfect gourd while also getting to partake in full-on fall playgrounds. Think wagon rides, corn mazes, petting farm animals, live entertainment, and seasonal treats like pumpkin donuts and cider. Learn more in our post about the best pumpkin patches in Ontario. 

Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Corn mazes are a true fall favourite, offering fun and adventure for kids and adults alike. Across southern and southeastern Ontario, farms transform their fields into giant puzzles that test your sense of direction and bring plenty of laughs along the way. By late October, some even add spooky twists for an extra challenge after dark.

Ready to find your way through one? Explore our full guide to Corn Mazes in Ontario and discover the best spots to get lost (and found) this fall.

What are the Biggest Fall Fairs in Ontario?

Ontario is home to some of the greatest fall fairs around, with tons of options to choose from! From the Markham Fair to small town gatherings like Norwood Fall Fair and others across Ontario, you’ll find thrilling rides, live entertainment, and plenty of tasty treats. Many fairs also celebrate local traditions, from wine tastings in Ontario’s wine country to artisan craft displays in the north.

For a roundup of Ontario’s must-visit fall fairs, explore our blog on Best Fall Fairs & Festivals in Ontario!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Activities in Ontario

Fall in Ontario is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. From apple orchards and pumpkin patches to brilliant scenic drives and spooky haunted attractions, there are countless ways to enjoy autumn across the province. Here are answers to some of the most common questions visitors ask when planning their fall outings.

When is the best time to see fall colours in Ontario?

Ontario’s fall colours typically appear from mid-September to late October, but the timing depends on the region. 

Northern Ontario, including Algonquin Park and Temagami, usually peaks between late September and early October. Central Ontario, home to Muskoka and the Bruce Peninsula, tends to be most vibrant in early to mid-October, while Southern Ontario—including the Niagara region and Prince Edward County—comes alive in mid to late October.

Each area’s peak colour period is short, usually around 10 to 14 days, so it’s worth planning ahead if you want to catch the best displays. A good rule of thumb is that the colours move north to south as the season progresses. Check Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report for up to date information.

What are some of the best scenic drives for fall colours?

A road trip is one of the best ways to experience Ontario’s fall landscape. In the south, the Niagara Parkway is a favourite, winding past vineyards and along the Niagara River. Further north, the Highway 60 corridor through Algonquin Park is world-renowned for its brilliant maple forests. The Thousand Islands Parkway offers another stunning route, with islands on the St. Lawrence River framed by autumn hues.

If you venture to Northern Ontario, the Lake Nipissing Loop provides wide-open views of the water and surrounding hills, while Highway 17 between North Bay and Mattawa delivers sweeping panoramas of boreal forest in full colour.

What should I wear for fall activities in Ontario?

Since temperatures can change quickly in autumn, dressing in layers is the best approach. Light sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a waterproof or windproof jacket will keep you comfortable throughout the day. Jeans or casual pants are a good choice for most outings, while sturdy, waterproof boots are recommended for visits to farms, pumpkin patches, or trails where the ground may be uneven or muddy. Adding a scarf, gloves, and a hat ensures you’re prepared for cooler evenings.

Are there pet-friendly fall attractions in Ontario?

Yes—many Ontario attractions welcome dogs, especially outdoors. Trails at Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Dundas Valley Conservation Area are popular spots for leashed pets. Some farms and orchards, including Carl Laidlaw Orchards and Chudleigh’s, also allow dogs to join in the fall fun.

Beyond farms and trails, many breweries have dog-friendly patios, with places like Black Lab Brewing in Toronto and Old Flame Brewing Co. in Port Perry standing out as pet-friendly destinations. For something extra special, the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises in Brockville even allows leashed dogs on its “Jewels of the St. Lawrence” cruise.