Fall is an incredible time of year in our province. With so many seasonal events, beautiful changing leaves, and cooler weather, now’s the time to fill your calendar (and your camera roll) before winter sets in. Here’s a list of all the best things to do this fall in Toronto to make the most of these crisp and golden days.

Which of these activities and events are you crossing off your autumn bucket list?

Apple or pumpkin picking

Nothing says autumn vibes 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 pick a pumpkin or two 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

Fall n’ Leaves T.O.

Fall n’ Leaves has returned to the heart of downtown for the third year in a row, complete with fall foliage, pumpkins, and hay bales to make you feel tucked away from the busy city.

There’s so much to do and experience at Fall n’ Leaves this season. In addition to picking and painting your own pumpkin, you can warm up by an open fire, lounge on the hay bale sofa, go pumpkin bowling, and indulge in autumn-themed food and drinks.

Where: 621 Richmond Street
When: Until October 31st, 2022

Go on a gorgeous fall hike

It goes without saying that the changing leaves only add to this season’s beauty, and with so many scenic hikes to do in Toronto and the GTA, you’ll be spoiled with some of the best views around.

Whether you’re up for a sweaty climb up a tree-lined staircase or want to meander along a cliff with sweeping views all around you, you won’t have to travel too far out of the city to find what you’re looking for.

Where: See the best hiking spots in Toronto & the GTA

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Dine in an igloo pumpkin patch

Nothing screams “fall szn” more than dining in a spooky pumpkin patch. Face your fears and feed your hunger at the Proof Pumpkin Patch in Toronto. This limited-time-only experience welcomes lucky guests to enjoy a Halloween-themed dinner and drinks in a large igloo big enough for you and a few friends.

The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel – Proof Bar and Lounge has transformed its outdoor courtyard into a pumpkin patch for the season and they’re only accepting a few reservations daily.

When: October 28th to 31st, 2022
Where: Proof Bar – 220 Bloor Street West

Halloween Food Truck Festival

It’s a family-friendly Halloween fair and a food festival all in one! Come out for delicious food and drinks, entertainment, crafts, kids’ costume contests, and Halloween treats.

Admission is free but you can make a donation to support Variety the Children’s Charity, which organizes unique programming for individuals with disabilities.

Where: 3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough
When: October 29th and 30th, 2022

Downey’s Farm Pumpkinfest

Pumpkinfest is back at Downey’s Farm, with loads of entertainment, activities, food, and of course, thousands of pumpkins ready for picking. Hit up the 8-acre corn maze scavenger hunt, say hello to the farm animals, and be sure to pick up some fresh goodies to take home.

Where: 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon
When: Until October 31st, 2022

South Simcoe Railway Fall Colour Excursion

What better way to see the changing leaves than through the window of a heritage steam train? The South Simcoe Railway is holding a special scenic train ride in Ontario this fall through the majestic Beeton Creek Valley.

Your trip will be accompanied by friendly and educational commentary from the train’s conductor, who will tell you all about this railway and how it helped Canada become the country it is today.

Where: 28 Mill Street West, Tottenham
When: Various dates in October 2022

 

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Head to a scenic lookout spot

Fall hikes are always beautiful in Ontario, but nothing beats the view from up top. These dramatic cliffs, canyons, towers, and observation decks are considered the best lookout points in Ontario for fall colours, according to Ontario Parks.

Whether you’d rather stay in the GTA or feel inspired to venture out and see something new, these incredible fall lookouts in Ontario are sure to inspire your next outdoor adventure.

Where: See the best fall lookout spots in Ontario

Work from a cozy coffee shop

Fall is the perfect time explore to the many picturesque cafes in Toronto that you’ve been meaning to check out. Tempting as it may be to stay in your PJs all day, these coffee shops are totally worth putting on pants for.

Between the dreamy atmosphere, scenic views, delicious coffee, and fresh pastries, it’s time to say hello to everything your 9 to 5 has been missing.

Where: See the coziest cafes in Toronto

Pingle’s Farm Harvest Festival 

Celebrate fall on the farm with apple picking, wagon rides, a giant corn maze, live music, and delicious treats like pizza, brisket, and fried apples!

October is the season to celebrate all things autumn here in Ontario, and at Pingle’s Farm, you can do it all in one place.

Where: Pingle’s Farm, 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton
When: Until October 30th, 2022

Get lost in a corn maze

Wander in the crisp autumn air through this 10-acre corn maze just north of Toronto. There are many corn mazes around the GTA, but this one is truly one-of-a-kind.

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

Warm up in a local hot spring

If you’re struggling with the loss of our beloved summer weather and are in desperate need of warmth, the next best option is a hot spring. That’s one of the best ways to stay warm this season cause we all know we need it.

Travelling south may not be much of an option so thankfully these hot springs are just a drive away from Toronto. So grab your things, hit the road, and soak your post-summer blues away!

Where: See the best hot springs near Toronto

Visit a charming small town

Autumn in Toronto is a beautiful thing, but nothing compares to the charming atmosphere of small towns in Ontario. The historic buildings, quaint boutiques, and cozy cafes make this special season one of the best times to visit, not to mention all of the gorgeous fall hikes you can do while you’re there.

Where: See the most charming small towns in Ontario

Relax on a heated patio

No city does patio season quite like Toronto does. Even on chilly nights, you’ll still catch people dining and sipping their cocktails on patios next to heaters and fire pits. There are tons of gorgeous heated patios in Toronto equipped with everything you need to stay toasty all season long.

Whether it be an extra shot in your drink or a sheepskin blanket to wrap around your shoulders, these spots have your needs covered.

Where: See Toronto’s best heated patios

Poutine Festival

Indulge in over 50 variations of Canada’s favourite comfort food. In addition to all of the poutine creations you can handle, the event will also have roller skating, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, an artisan market, and more.

The best part? Admission is free!

Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
When: October 28th to 29th, 2022

Chase waterfalls

We love our busy city, but nothing compares to an afternoon spent hiking and admiring beautiful waterfalls during the fall season. Lucky for us, there are tons of waterfalls near Toronto that are ideal for a day trip.

Whether you want a full-on hiking experience or just a little glimpse at nature to watch the leaves change colour, there’s a waterfall for you. So hop in the car and hit the road, these cascading waters are calling your name.

Where: See the best waterfalls near Toronto

Go on a Halloween scavenger hunt

Every Halloween, we grown-ups must suppress the urge to dress up and go door-to-door for candy. But, this year, we get to relive our trick-or-treating glory days with a Halloween scavenger hunt in Toronto hosted by The Grand Order of Divine Sweets.

Every participant gets a delicious prize, but there’s one in particular that’s especially grand — a chocolate smash pumpkin stuffed with $1,000 cash!

Where: Various locations & 1162 Queen Street West
When: October 29th, 2022, 11 AM to 3 PM

Illumi: A Dazzling World of Lights

Prepare to be amazed, friends. A new immersive light show has arrived in the GTA. The experience is called illumi — A Dazzling World of Lights and it’s said to be the first of its kind in the world. Here’s a first look inside so you know what to expect!

Illumi spans 600,000 square feet in Mississauga, taking visitors on a magical journey through 13 different worlds, each with its own theme and spectacular sights. There’s even a Halloween-themed world to check out during spooky season.

Where: 7174 Derrycrest Dr (near Hwy 407 and Hurontario St), Mississauga
When: Until January 8th, 2023

The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience

Bridgerton fans, your Queen’s Ball invitation is here. Toronto is getting an exclusive ball experience inspired by the hit Netflix series so you can feel like royalty for one magical night.

Get ready to mingle with other royal members, sip on cocktails and take part in an evening of music and dance.

When: Various dates in October & November 2022
Where: Cinespace Studios, 8 Unwin Avenue

Mean Girls: The Musical

This is SO Fetch! Tina Fey’s Broadway hit Mean Girls is hitting the stage in Toronto this fall.

According to Mirvish Productions, Mean Girls is a hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team. And as they say, “It’s not a regular musical. It’s a cool musical.”

This production is not one to miss, and this fall is your only chance to see it in Toronto.

Where: Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
When: October 25th – November 27th, 2022

Take a gondola to an enchanted forest

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.

Where: 201 Scenic Caves Rd, The Blue Mountains
Cost: $29-$39 per adult

 

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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