10 Fantastic Fall Activities in Ontario

The cool autumn air heralds a time of country harvests, crunching leaves, and soothing drinks! There are plenty of fun fall activities to get you outside, and here are 10 awesome Fall activities in Ontario.

Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

For more ideas see – 25+ Bucket List Ideas for Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario.

1. Leaf Peeping

It’s the season for leaf peeping! Whether you plan a trip to Algonquin Park or nearby Ontario Parks/ conservation areas, do not miss the spectacular art of Mother Nature! Hike, cruise, ride the rails or take a road trip to watch the leaves change colour and become a riot of yellows, oranges, and reds.

Ontario Parks Leaf Colour Report

Fall colour activities:

Hikes: 25 Hikes to Enjoy Fall Colours in Ontario
Drives: 15 Fall Colour Driving Routes in Central Ontario
Towers:10 Ontario Towers to Climb For Sweeping Views of Summer & Fall Colours
Lookouts: 26 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
Ziplining: Places to Go Ziplining in Ontario

2. Fall Fairs

Fall is the time for fun and frolic across Ontario at Fall Fairs held by Ontario’s agricultural societies. See prized produce, pick up artisan crafts and gifts for the fall table, and enjoy the thrill of amusement rides!

Some of the famous Fall Fairs in 2026 include:

Carp Fair — September 24 to 27, 2026
International Plowing Match and Rural Expo — September 22 to 26, 2026
Caledonia Fair — October 1 to 4, 2026
Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show — October 6 to 12, 2026
Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival — October 9 to 12, 2026
Woodbridge Fair — October 10 to 12, 2026
Royal Winter Fair — November 6 to 15, 2026

For more Fall Festivals and Events, see:

Festivals in Ontario – Upcoming Celebrations

50 Activities and Festivals to Experience in Ontario This Fall Season – 2026

3. Cranberry Harvest

Turkey Dinners and Cranberry Sauce!! Visit Cranberry Marsh and take part in an experience that is unique in Northern America!! See how 27 acres of marsh that produce around 300,000-400,000 lbs of cranberries are harvested!

September 26 – October 25, 2026 @Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, 1074 Cranberry Road, Bala | Free Admission

Bala Cranberry Festival

Celebrate the harvest of the cranberry with family and friends, enjoy entertainment, go to a bazaar, do juried arts and crafts, go on tours of two cranberry marshes, and much more!

October 16 – 18, 2026 @ Various Venues, Bala | $5 to $15 (Advance Tickets Required)

Foodie Road Trips in Ontario.

4. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

Perhaps no Fall festival in Ontario is as famous as Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival! You can enjoy floats, performers and bands in Canada’s largest Thanksgiving Day Parade; stop by Willkommen Platz for tasty treats and live entertainment.

Venues will feature live Oktoberfest entertainment, Oktoberfest food specials and beer pairings, prize programs and maybe even a visit from the keg tapping team or Onkel Hans!

A number of live events will take place, from Oktoberfest-themed entertainment and concerts to experiences the whole family can enjoy.

Details

Fall Fun in Kthe W Region

Things to Do This Thanksgiving Weekend in Ontario – 2025

5. Pumpkinfernos

Photo Credit: Upper Canada Village

1. Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village

Take a tour through this spectacular outdoor art exhibit of 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins all lit at night along a kilometre-long path in a picturesque 19th-century backdrop. This mesmerizing installation of artist-inspired, glowing pumpkins is a not-to-be-missed event for ALL ages!

2. Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour

See amazing carved pumpkins in larger-than-life forms, fun activities for the family and the Terror Zone awaits!

3. Pumpkins After Dark

Witness magnificent works of pumpkin artistry – 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, creating more than 100 sculptures, displayed among a series of jack-o’-lanterns all illuminated after dark.

6. Fall Colour Chairlift Rides

Witness the beauty of fall by riding chairlifts at scenic ski resorts.

Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride

Kelso Conservation Area offers a weekend ascent above colourful treetops, with hiking and biking trails to explore.

Blue Mountain Resort’s open-air gondola provides 360-degree views, and an evening walk through AGORA’s light and sound installations adds a magical touch.

At Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride, the Canadian Shield’s autumn palette shines brightly and Calabogie Peaks Resort invites you to summit the Ottawa Valley’s highest point, offering breathtaking views of Calabogie Lake and pristine forests.

7. Fall Studio Tours

Fall studio tours offer a perfect way to experience Ontario’s autumn colours while discovering the creativity of local artists and makers. From rural backroads and lakeside communities to charming small towns, these self-guided tours open the doors to working studios, galleries, and creative spaces.

Highlights include:

8. Trip to Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma Canyon Train Ride

Plan a train ride on the Algoma Canyon Train and enjoy vibrant fall colours and various sights of the region.

Take a seat as Canadian and International musicians invade Algoma and see an exhibition of over 20 pieces from the Permanent Collection of The Art Gallery of Algoma of Canada’s Iconic Group of Seven and their contemporaries.

9. See the Salmon Run

Brandon/Unsplash

Cool Fall temperatures see scores of Chinook Salmon fighting their way up rivers and streams on their annual spawning run.

Visit various rivers and creeks that carry salmon upstream during other days of the season.

10. Ontario Farms

Take a hayride, get a perfectly shaped pumpkin for Jack O’ Lantern, pick apples, and get the best products for your Thanksgiving Table, Fall dinners and preserves for Christmas by visiting an Ontario Farm or farmers’ market near you!

Get lost amongst giant stalks of corn near you; you may even encounter devilish children of the corn!