There are definitely many times when I’m out and it’s minus 10 with 2 feet of snow on the ground and like so many people, I think how great it would be to be somewhere that’s warm and sunny all year round. I honestly believe I would miss the seasons though and fall is definitely one of them. I love the coziness of fall, the colours, smells and the cooler days but that it still gets warm enough to go for a walk to enjoy all of it.
We’re very fortunate in Ontario to have four distinct seasons and have so many different activities and events to enjoy in each of them. Now that fall is all around us how can we enjoy and celebrate this season? Here are 10 activities & events worth doing this fall:
1 – Leaf Peeping. Hike, bike or take a road trip and capture the spectacular art of mother nature! Belfountain is a particularly beautiful place to start, anytime of year but especially in the fall. The Conservation Area nature trail spans across the river gorge using a suspension bridge and continues along the Escarpment. A great way to spend a couple of hours or a day enjoying this breathtaking scenery.
2 – Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, plenty to see and do for everyone from October 11th to 19th, 2019 at various venues in KW. Thanksgiving Day Parade on October 14, tasty treats and live entertainment for more details check out their website here.
3 – Pumpkin Sculptures! Over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins will light up the skies at Country Heritage Park in Milton from September 26 to November 3, 2019. Find out more Pumpkins After Dark.
4 – Ontario Farms. Get lost among the giant corn stalks, enjoy the ghoulish fun of haunted barns, go apple picking, have fun on a hayride or pick the perfect pumpkin to carve for this Halloween, Ontario farms are fun for all age groups.
5 – Scenic Train Tours. What a great way to explore more of the countryside all around us. Sit back, relax and take in all the colours. Find out more at Scenic Train Tours in Ontario.
6 – Thanksgiving Festival at Ball’s Falls. This 4-day annual tradition is in its 45th year and runs from October 11 to 14, 2019. Plenty to see and do for all, over 170 artisans, food vendors, demonstrators and entertainers.
7 – Cranberry Harvest – Ever wonder how those super healthy little red berries synonymous with everything Thanksgiving come to be? Visit the Cranberry Marsh this year and find out! Events run from September 28 to October 31, 2019. So much to do and do not miss the Bala Cranberry Festival!
8 – Toronto Pumpkin Festival – Wander through an enchanting sea of pumpkins at Toronto’s annual festival. Enjoy activities like pumpkin bowling, costume contests, and pumpkin carving. Inflatables, games, food trucks, kiddie midway, and more. Festival runs from October 12 to 14, 2019. Find out more here.
9 – Niagara-on-the-Lake – Did you know that fall is the best time to visit wine country? With most of the grapes finally ripe, the vineyards are bustling with activity during the harvest. Visit one of the many popular vineyards, Peller Estates, Jackson-Triggs, Trius, or Wayne Gretzky Estates just to name a few. Bike, shop or take a tour there is so much to see and be part of in this picturesque town and region.
10 – Thanksgiving – Relax and enjoy the season, even if it means just sitting back with a warm cup of apple cider and reflecting on all that there is to be grateful for, family, friends, home and great food. If you find yourself still looking for more to do, possibly consider giving back to those who may need some assistance this season. Most grocery stores set up a donation box to accept food contributions.
Wishing all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
How do you celebrate fall? What are your traditions?
