Autumn is such a romantic time of year and there are so many ways to make the most of these precious few months in Toronto and the GTA. Whether you want to keep it classic or try something new with your S/O, you’ve got tons of really great options.
Here are 12 fall date ideas in Toronto to impress your special someone this season.
Apple picking at a scenic orchard
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Nothing says autumn romance like a trip to the apple orchard, and there are so many great apple picking spots in and around Toronto. Fill up on Gala and Cortland apples at Chudleigh’s in Halton Hills, and go for a cute tractor ride while you’re at it.
Or if you’re looking for someplace extra scenic, Albion Orchards in Caledon was recently rated one of the best in Canada.
Where: See the best orchards in the GTA
Visit Pumpkins After Dark
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Snuggle up in your car as you drive through an enchanting tunnel filled with thousands of glowing jack-o-lanterns. These pumpkins are hand-carved and there are live carving demonstrations so you can see how the pros create their masterpieces.
The orange glow of carved pumpkins will make for some dreamy mood lighting.
Where: Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd
When: September 17th to November 7th
Take a scenic steam train ride
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Autumn is the most beautiful time of year in Ontario, and what better way to see the changing leaves in all their glory than through the window of a heritage steam train?
The South Simcoe Railway is located less than an hour from the city and it’s holding special scenic train rides this October through the majestic Beeton Creek Valley.
Where: 28 Mill St W, Tottenham
When: Various dates in October 2021
Visit Riverdale Farm
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Stroll among the charming barns and cottages at the historic Riverdale Farm, and pay a visit to the horses, cows, pigs, ducks, goats, and sheep that call it home.
You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported from the city to the quaint countryside, and the colourful fall leaves will make it all the more picturesque. Visiting is free, but there are many ways you can help support this special place.
Where: 201 Winchester St
When: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get lost in a corn maze
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Wander hand-in-hand through this 10-acre corn maze just north of Toronto. Maybe you’ll do a little sneaky corn maze smooching, maybe you’ll lose each other for a second only to be lovingly reunited a moment later.
You can also get tickets to explore the maze at night on Fridays and bring your dog on Saturdays.
Where: Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze, 266 Ashworth Rd, Zephyr,
When: Opens September 17, 2022
Go on a secluded fall hike
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If you’re hoping to soak up the magical autumn views with your S/O, there are plenty of places you can check out without the crowds.
According to Ontario Parks, there are lesser-known destinations that have some of the best fall views in Ontario and depending on when you visit, you could practically have it all to yourself. Talk about romantic!
Where: See the best lesser-known parks here
Hit up PumpkinFest
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When it comes to quintessential fall fun, it doesn’t get better than PumpkinFest! Downey’s Farm has thousands of bright pumpkins on display, a corn maze, farm animals, wagon rides, live entertainment, jumping pillows, and more.
The farm has pumpkin donuts made fresh on-site and pumpkin donut ice cream sandwiches, so be sure to bring your appetite.
Where: 13682 Heart Lake Rd
When: September 17—October 31, 2022
Get spooked at a haunted theme park
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Stay close and cover each other’s eyes as you run through the terrifying attractions at Halloween Haunt. The annual event is back this year at Canada’s Wonderland, with the new Day of the Dead Festival and Pandemonium, a haunted maze under the mountain.
Once you’re good and scared, you can switch it up and go on a few nighttime rollercoaster rides and treat yourselves to a well-deserved funnel cake.
Where: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Dr
When: September 24th — October 31st
Take a gondola to an enchanted forest
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You may think enchanted forests only exist in fairytales, but we’ve got one right here in Ontario. AGORA: Path of Light in Blue Mountain whisks you away on an open-air gondola to a magical night walk through the woods.
Make a weekend of it and stay in Blue Mountain Village, and while you’re in the area, you can take a romantic autumn stroll down the world’s longest freshwater beach.
Go on an illuminated night walk
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This dreamy nighttime adventure is back at The Toronto Zoo. Your moonlit walk will be enhanced by vibrant glowing lights, multimedia, and sound effects, as well as breathtaking video projections.
You’ll get to wander through a luminous forest, a dreamy Arctic landscape, a prism of light, and more. Plus, with physical distancing guidelines in place, you’ll get even more privacy as you wander.
Where: The Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto, ON
Cost: Adult (18-64) $29.99 + HST
Plunge into a sea of cranberries
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If you and your love aren’t afraid to get a little down and dirty, Ontario cranberry plunge is a silly and surprisingly romantic date idea to try this fall.
Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh is a sprawling 27-acre farm that produces up to 400,000 lbs of cranberries each year. This huge harvest is something you have to see to believe, and you can get the best view possible by strapping on some waders and plunging right in.
And yes, there will be plenty of adorable photo ops!
Where: Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, 1074 Cranberry Rd, Bala
When: Starting on September 26, 2022
Dance the night away at Oktoberfest
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Bust out the lederhosen and grab your boo for Toronto’s beloved Bavarian bash! Toronto Oktoberfest is returning to the city after two long years this fall, just in time for its 10th anniversary.
In addition to delicious German eats and sips, there will be dancing and live entertainment of all kinds, including the popular Fräulein E cabaret show, traditional Bavarian dancers, and competitions.
Where: Ontario Place, 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
When: September 30 & October 1, 2022
