Can anything compare with autumn in Toronto or anywhere in the West GTA? The sweltering heat of summer is behind us, and fun and festivity are in the air!
With festivals, light shows, special exhibits, and a world of beautiful scenery just outside your door, it’s easy to pack your calendar with non-stop fun from now right through until the snow begins to fall. Tis the season for happily traipsing through nature’s breathtaking display of colours, picking out the perfect pumpkin, or even brainstorming some fall-inspired ideas for your home decor. The list of exciting things to do is endless. In this post, we’ll highlight just a few activities we are sure your whole family will love!
Toronto
Explore the Fall Colours at High Park
No one puts on a fabulous display quite like Mother Nature, and Toronto is full of scenic wonders! Come experience some of the best scenery the city has to offer along the trails of High Park. Prepare to be awe-stricken by the splash of red, orange, and yellow as you make your way along the paths near Grenadier Pond while listening to the sound of crisp leaves crunching under your feet.
Visit Casa Loma
What does autumn mean for you? If it means screaming in fright, you will love the Legends of Horror tour. If it means music and relaxation, then you will find the perfect garden symphony to soothe your soul. Got a flair for a good ol’ fashioned murder mystery? The Murdoch Mysteries escape adventure gives you the chance to solve the crime. You’ll find all these experiences and more to keep you and your family spellbound at the incredible exhibits of Casa Loma.
Take a Ghost Tour
Did you know that the Distillery District is haunted? You and any stalwart family members can come to investigate the supernatural happenings for yourself – if you’re brave enough to face the ghosts! If not, come during the day for a fun afternoon of shopping, dining, and exploring the sights of one of Toronto’s most engaging neighbourhoods. The autumn weather is perfect for an all-day adventure of sightseeing!
Enjoy a Harbourfront Tour
Imagine the view of the stunning Toronto Islands as you cruise by, warm and cozy, on a guided boat tour. Though open all year long, this is a relaxing and unique way to enjoy the fall colours and hear the fascinating stories behind some of Toronto’s legendary landmarks.
Immerse Yourself in Night of Lights
Featuring over 2 million LED and RBG lights flashing to your favourite spooky tunes, this Halloween walk-through adventure is one that you will look forward to each year. The fun continues when you come to the end of the trail, where a fall fair awaits you at Pumpkinville. The event runs for two months, ending on November 1, allowing the witches, ghouls, and goblins to rest up for the following year.
Visit the One-of-a-Kind Winter Show
When the spookiness ends, the magic of the holidays begins! For many of us, that means searching for the perfect gift items for loved ones. If you want to see their eyes light up with wonder, browse the browse hundreds of unique, artisanal offerings at the One-of-a-Kind Winter Show. Highly skilled craft makers all over Canada will be showcasing their beautiful hand-crafted items from November 27 to December 7.
Curious about Toronto? Learn more about all this great city has to offer in our community guides right here.
Mississauga
Enjoy an Afternoon High Tea
There’s nothing like good food and great company to warm your spirits as the fall chill sets in. What better way to enjoy both than an afternoon of high tea at the Tea Room, Tea One Bakery and Cafe, or one of the many other cozy hideaways in Mississauga? Finger-sized sandwiches, delicious baked treats, and steaming hot beverages provide the perfect backdrop for lively conversation and bonding with friends.
Indulge Your Tastebuds
In Mississauga, the flavours of fall are everywhere! Yes, you will find pumpkin spice in ample supply, but that’s not all. It’s the perfect time to visit an apple orchard or farmer’s market, where you’ll find a delicious array of treats and hearty pre-cooked meals. Plus, a bounty of fall crops awaits, including succulent squash, turnips, and more. This time of year, your favourite comfort foods become a feast for your eyes as much as for your tastebuds! The Erin Mills Lions Farmer’s Markets may become your new favourite fall hangouts.
Go On A Historic Walking Tour
Did you know that Streetsville is home to the most historic buildings in Mississauga? Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 22 at 7:00 pm — that’s when the final Streetsville Historic Walking Tour of the season kicks off. This 1.5-hour, free stroll begins at the clock in Streetsville Village Square and is led by local historian Richard Collins. You’ll see landmarks like the Montreal House, Timothy Street House, Franklin House, Memorial Cemetery, the Cenotaph, and more — plus, on this last walk, stories of paranormal encounters along Queen Street too.
Spooktacular Fun in Streetsville
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Streetsville Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25 from 12–4 pm. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating at local shops, pumpkin painting, and a special meet-and-greet with K Pop Demon Hunters characters Rumi and Zoey. A festive afternoon that’s perfect for kids and families.
Visit One of Our Many Parks and Trails
Mississauga may be a bustling city, but it is also home to many beautiful parks and nature getaways to rejuvenate you in mind and spirit. In autumn, these green spaces are even more breathtaking as the fall colours burst forth. Whether strolling along the scenic waterfront, exploring the wonders of the Meadowvale Conservation Area, or taking in the magical views from the bridges of Kariya Park, your family is in for a world of outdoor adventure this fall.
Want to know even more about life in Mississauga? You can read all of our community guides right here.
Oakville
Hike the 16-Mile Creek Trail
With its enviable location near the Niagara Escarpment, Oakville is full of natural beauty and scenic parks and trails. The 16-Mile Creek Trail is a must-visit, especially during the fall season. It travels through central Oakville, starting from Oakville Harbour straight through to Lions Valley Park. Along the way, you’ll encounter mature forests full of the dazzling colours of the season, picturesque valleys, and stunning creekside views. As a moderate to easy path, this is a great way to enjoy a sunny fall day with your entire family.
Visit Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Want to explore nature and catch a glimpse of local wildlife? Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a local gem, with scenic hiking and cycling trails and enchanting bridges over the sparkling creek. There’s even a play barn, where children under 10 can run, climb, and even visit the farm animals. What a perfect way to spend a brisk yet sunny autumn afternoon!
Explore Civitan Farmer’s Market
Oakville’s longest-running farmer’s market welcomes you! Open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until the end of November, the market showcases the best offerings from local farmers, bakeries, gourmet food shops, and restaurants. Nothing says fall like food and festivity, and the Civitan Farmer’s Market is one place where you will find plenty of both.
Attend the Oakville Vocal Arts Festival
In 2015, a group of music teachers began the Oakville Vocal Arts Festival, a celebration of music rather than a competition. This year’s event takes place from November 15 to November 29, with classes in vocal instruction, popular music, and musical theatre. Whether there’s a budding performer in your family or you just want to sit back and enjoy the beat, this is a great way to support the up-and-coming stars of tomorrow!
Bronte Fallin’ for Fun Festival
Round out your fall calendar with the Bronte Fallin’ for Fun Festival, happening Saturday, September 27 from 10 am–5 pm at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and Sunday, September 28 from 10 am–2 pm at Bronte Market Square. Families can enjoy live music, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, face painting, and even a pie-eating contest, alongside a waterfront antiques market featuring 40+ vendors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a crisp autumn weekend by the lake.
Halloween Fun at the Oakville Acorn Fest
Don’t miss Acorn Fest: Halloween Edition in Downtown Oakville on Saturday, October 18 from 12 pm to 6 pm at Towne Square. This festive afternoon features one of Canada’s largest giant acorns (8 ft × 6 ft), Halloween-themed live entertainment, family games, local food and drinks, photo ops, and plenty of seasonal fun.
Is Oakville the right place for your family? Find out in our community guides right here.
Burlington
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Whether you want to carve a funny face, enjoy some toasty seeds, or bake a delicious pie from scratch, you need just the right pumpkin for the job. Why not make a fun day of it? Plenty of local farms in and near Burlington offer plenty of options in all sizes and shapes. You will also find a bounty of other fall favourites, like locally grown garlic, delectable root vegetables, and crisp apples. Hutchinson Farm, Springridge Farm, and Hanes Corn Maze & Tiny Shop Bakery are just a few favourite fall destinations.
Explore the RBG
There is always something blooming at the Royal Botanical Gardens! With an incredibly diverse range of plants, flowers, and foliage, it’s hard to find a better place to watch the fall colours change. Hearty, late-blooming roses, colourful perennials, and stunning trails and indoor gardens will warm your spirit on even the coldest day.
Prepare for Santa’s Arrival
Santa Clause is coming to Burlington! This year’s long-awaited Santa Clause Parade takes place on December 7 and features a joyful parade, lively music, and of course, a visit from the jolly man in red himself! The parade begins at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Guelph Line and Prospect Street. From there, the festivities continue downtown to New Street to Martha Street, then from James Street to Brant Street before concluding on Brant Street at Elgin Street. This exciting event is sure to fill you with the festive spirit. What a spectacular way to wind down the fall season and head into the holidays with our loved ones.
Want to discover more about the best of Burlington? You can find all of our community guides right here.
Which of these amazing fall activities to enjoy in Toronto and west GTA will you enjoy? We would love to know!
Do you want to know more about living in the West GTA? The Tanya Crepulja Team would love to help you find a perfect place to put down roots. Contact us today at tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 with any questions.
