Fall is a time of country harvests, crunching leaves, and soothing drinks. It’s a time when families curl up close to stay warm and prepare for winter: the leaves are changing and the air is getting crisp. Don’t let the weather fool you, though; Fall shouldn’t mean hibernating alone at home. There are plenty of fun fall activities to get you outside, around the table, or jumping from the treetops. To help you make your Fall bucket list, we’ve compiled a list of 50 Fun Fall Activities in South Western Ontario.
For More:
- 30+ Fun Fall Activities in and Around London
- 40+ Fun Fall Activities in and Around Kitchener – Waterloo Region
- 25 Bucketlist Fall Experiences in Ontario
For famous festivals in Southwestern Ontario during Fall like Fall Fairs, see Festivals and Events During Fall in Ontario.
1. Events and Festivals
Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour
Tour through picturesque county roads and along historic County Road 50, or meandering the off-road nature trail on the Chrysler Canada and Cypher Systems Group Greenways, during the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour. Saturday, September 23, 2023
Where: Mettawas Park in Kingsville
Reaper’s Realm
Take a horrifying bus ride through a haunted forest this Halloween in Lambton County. You can enjoy food vendors and live entertainment in addition to Halloween haunts.
Where: 2305 Tecumseh Rd, Courtright
Scarehouse Windsor
From crazy, ‘zombies and frightening nightmares’ locked behind doors to horrors lurking in the dark, Scarehouse Windsor has everything that can possibly scare you out of your mind.
Where: 1441 McDougal Ave, Windsor
Ruthven Apple Festival
During the last weekend in September, Kingsville, Ontario hosts the Ruthven Apple Festival, voted one of The Top 100 Festivals in Ontario multiple years in a row. Each year 100+ vendors and thousands of patrons flock to the festival grounds to enjoy live music, great food, games, and shopping. September 30 & October 1, 2023
Harvest and Horses Festival
Celebrate autumn the old-fashioned way with cider pressing, sausage stuffing, corn husk crafts, pioneer demonstrations, pony rides, and more! October 1, 2023
Where: John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd, Essex
Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show
The Norfolk County Fair is one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in the Province! Come to the largest outdoor horse show in Canada! You’ll also find wonderful displays, competitions, art, a wide variety of food, indoor local market, and top notch concerts! You don’t want to miss this celebration. October 3 – 9, 2023
Where: Norfolk County Fairgrounds, 172 South Dr, Simcoe
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Luncheon
Get your tickets to a thanksgiving luncheon at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village! October 9, 2023
Where: Fanshawe Pioneer Village, 1424 Clarke Road London
Festival of the Fountains
Festival of Fountains – The Night Garden will introduce guests to a highly visual immersive experience to indulge all their senses! This interpretive storytelling experience of music, water, and lighting invites guests to explore our scenic 22 acre multi-award winning botanical beauty before nightfall, enjoy on site friendly food and beverage hospitality, and showcase local pop up talent most events before nightfall.’ Saturdays, August 26 – October 14, 2023
Where: Whistling Gardens, 698 Concession 3 Townsend, Wilsonville
Scenic Train Ride
Enjoy a train ride on Port Stanley Railway during the Fall months. In October, in addition to regular scenic train rides, they offer pumpkin patch rides where you can ride from Port Stanley to Whites Park to pick pumpkins. October 21 & 22, 2023
Where: Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Bridge Street, Port Stanley
Swanky Wine Tastings
Join the Oxley Estate Winery on lazy fall afternoons in October for a wine tasting. Winemaker, Andrew Wilson, will take you on a captivating journey through the joys, challenges, and wild adventures of the harvest season. Indulge in a tasting of 4 unique Merlots, each crafted using a distinct method that showcases the artistry behind winemaking. October 21, 2023
Where: Oxley Estate Winery, 533 County Rd 50 East RR #1 Harrow
A Campfire Experience
Enjoy a private campfire experience with buddies!
Where: 936685 Blenheim Rd, Bright
Kingsville Migration Festival
Celebrate migration, heritage, nature conservation, and Jack Miner from October 19th to 22nd.
Where: Various locations in Kingsville
The Prom
See the Windsor premiere of the new boradway hit The Prom at E.J. Lajeunesse in Windsor from November 3 to 12, 2023. The musical follows four Broadway actors lamenting their days of fame, as they travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom.
Where: E.J. Lajeunesse, 600 E.C. Row Avenue W, Windsor
Amherstburg River Lights
Experience the magic of River Lights every evening as custom LED displays light up our town’s main parks, with Toddy Jones Park offering whimsical displays and King’s Navy Yard Park featuring traditional holiday scenes. Explore downtown businesses adorned with festive lights and make River Lights your cherished holiday tradition. November 18, 2023 till January 8, 2024
Where: Downtown Amherstburg
Tree Lighting on the Lawn
Come see the Service Club Christmas Garden all lit up for the season! Then come inside and enjoy visiting Annandale NHS all decorated for Christmas and our seasonal exhibition, ““A Hallmark® Christmas”. November 24, 2023
Where: Annandale National Historic Site & Museum, 30 Tillson Avenue, Tillsonburg
Super Santa Run 2023
On November 18, more than 500 Santas will share their jolly good cheer along the streets of Amherstburg. This 5km walk or run raises funds to support trails and trees in the #PlaceforLife, and kicks off the Amherstburg River Lights festival.
2. Activities in (and near) the City
Kain’s Woods
This environmentally significant area offers a challenging 5.8 km long hike through an urban forest. The area remained rural unto the 1990s and was historically a logging and farming area for European settlers. Perfect for fall wild-life viewing, these woods are an important corridor for birds and animals, offering the chance to see Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagles, Wild Turkey, White-Tailed Deer, Eastern Cottontail, Grey Tree Frogs, and even Yellow-Spotted Salamander.
Where: Located in west London near Kains Road, north of the Oxford Street West
bridge, along the Thames River.
Artist Alley and Maiden Lane
Free 4 Walls – This public art project aims to “be a positive gesture to the community [that brings] long-lasting character, energy, and beauty to the city”. Take some time this fall to explore Windsor and find this hidden gem in the alley between Ouellete and Pelissier Streets.
Where: Maiden Lane, Windsor
Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum
Located on 155 acres of Longwoods Road Conservation Area in London, this museum features artifacts from local excavations of the pre-contact period between 800-1200 AD. There is a recreated Haudenosaunee village featuring 18 outdoor exhibits, as well as longhouses and a palisade maze.
Where: Longwoods Road Conservation Area
Fall Pottery Class
In line with the themes of harvest and homestead, fall is the perfect time to get your hands muddy and make something new while you’re at it. Whether you’re an experienced, albeit out-of-touch potter, or just looking for a new experience, Clayworx Ceramic Art Learning Centre’s fall pottery class is sure to spin your wheel.
Where: 664 Dundas Street, London
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Fingal Wildlife Management Area
This historic World War 2 Air Force Training Base has been reclaimed into 724 acres of crown land, featuring cutting edge conservation alongside historic relics from Canada’s past. The site has 395 acres of active farmland, 40kms of trails, and is home to over 200 species of wildlife. Walk beneath the leaf-canopied trail and keep track of all the wildlife you can see in this not-so-little retreat. Be sure to visit the website and take note of hunting days, as small game hunting.
Eldon House
Come and see London’s historic gem, Eldon House. The Eldon House is open Wednesday- Sunday from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Learn more about this historic home.
Where: 481 Ridout Street North, London
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Kusterman’s Berry Farm
Is there anything more fall-like than a pumpkin patch? Head down to Kusterman’s Berry Farm to pick your Halloween pumpkin, feed the animals, take pony rides, and ride the berry train – there’s even a kid-friendly zip-line! And don’t forget to stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Where: Kustermans Berry Farms, 23188 Springwell Rd, Mount Brydges
Fall Cooking Class
Fall is the perfect to time to buckle down and learn a new skill. Now that the kids are back in school, it’s time to focus on you! So embrace the harvest season and take a fall-themed cooking class where you will learn to use seasonal foods to warm your cozy hearth.
Covent Garden Market
Opened in 1845, this indoor/outdoor market presents fresh produce, local artisanal merchants, and regular family programming. The market is open Monday – Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM with live music and special events on select dates.
Where: 130 King Street, London
Riberdy Farms
This 3rd generation family farm has been growing cucumbers, raspberries, peaches, plums, zucchini, gladiolas, and fall mums since 1943. Open until Thanksgiving, this is the perfect stop to bring home the fall harvest for your Thanksgiving feast.
Where: 13049 Riverside Dr., Tecumseh
Meadowlilly Farm
In the middle of the Meadowlilly Woods Nature Preserve, in the heart of London is, Meadowlilly Farm. This bee-rescue and beekeeping farm is your one stop shop for beeswax, syrup, and locally harvested, raw, all natural, clover and wild flower, non-pasteurized honey. In the fall you’ll also find locally harvest black walnuts and free range duck eggs.
Where: 25 Meadowlily Rd. S. London
A Canoe Fun
Rent a watercraft and enjoy a self-guided tour or overnight secluded camping in Canada’s southern-most county. Call (519) 734-8558 To Book Your Adventure!
Lighthouse Conservation Area
Visit this single hectare park at the mouth of the Thames River in Lake St. Clair to see a 200+ year old lighthouse – one of the three oldest on the Great Lakes! In addition to seeing a little piece of history, take advantage of the cooler weather to walk through the conservation area for a light hike and a picnic, but don’t forget your thermos!
Where: 19028 Harbour Drive, Lighthouse Cove
Long Point Eco-Adventures
Hiking through a colourful forest is an unforgettable experience! Experience the scenic beauty of the Carolian Forest during the fall season. Surround yourself with nature at Ontario’s ultimate wilderness experience! They are offering a number of packages for the fall, so take advantage of their off-season pricing and enjoy a great vacation.
Where: 1730 Front Rd, Port Rowan
Explore the Outdoors
Enjoy hiking, photography, horseback riding, picnicking, and other outdoor activities in the Essex Region. Check out the Outdoor Recreation Map and plan your activity for the day.
There’s No Place Like Home Antiques & Country Flea Market
Open weekends from 10:00am – 5:00pm, this flea market is located in a renovated barn and holds more than 2500 square feet of antiques and collectibles. With new items every week, this the perfect weekend activity for treasure-hunters and bargain-busters alike.
Where: 1528 Deer Run Road, Leamington
Boler Mountain
This year-round, not-for-profit adventure extravaganza is not for the faint of the heart! Early in September, you can check out the Treetop Adventure Park which features zip lines, rope courses, swinging bridges, tarzan swings, and pirate nets, finishing with an 1100 foot zip line finish. If you miss this adventure, don’t worry – there are still plenty of mountain biking and fitness trails to feed your need for speed! Depending on weather conditions, you might also be able to take advantage of the skiing, snowboarding, and tubing trails.
Where: 689 Griffith Street, London
Puck’s Plenty Foraging Tours
In today’s world it seems everyone is trying to make healthier, more informed decisions that benefit their local community. Well, it can’t get more local than your own back yard! Meet with acclaimed novelist and naturalist Peter Bush, learn, explore, and forage the forests around south western Ontario. Bring along your children and your dog to learn new recipes, eat local and wild, and of course get outdoors.
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Port Franks Wetlands and Forested Dunes
This 5 km hike offers the chance to see an array of plants and animals found nowhere else in Canada. The Rare Oak Savanna ecosystem is designated as an important bird site because of its large concentration of rare and threatened species. Go for a hike this fall and you’ll also have the chance to various amphibians like the spotted turtle and the Eastern Hognose Snake.
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Take a road trip along Lake Erie
Take a road trip from Amherstburg to Fort Erie this sweater weather season and enjoy cool weather, warm bites and exciting activities.
Thames Valley Parkway
Sure, the emphasis is always on getting fit for a summer body, but we all know fitness is important year round. The Thames Valley Parkway offers an excellent urban route with 40 km of multi-use pathways, linking all corners of London.
Pinery Provincial Park
Pinery Provincial Park offers 10 km of sandy beach on the shores of Lake Huron and 21 square km of rare and fragile ecosystems with over 800 plants and 300 bird species. Add to that, National Geographic ranked sunsets here among the “Top 10 Best in the World”, so you might as well make a weekend of it!
Where: 9526 Lakeshore Road RR2, Grand Bend
Fanshawe Lake Trail
There’s no time quite like fall for an epic outdoor adventure. The Fanshawe Lake Trail offers 20km of biking and hiking trails around beautiful Fanshawe Lake. While you’re at it, rent a canoe or kayak and explore the conservation area by area. For the more experienced, test your hands at fishing the lake, and maybe you’ll bring home your own fall harvest.
Downtown Bike Loop
Fall brings to mind a warm hearth, good food, and time spent with the family – but you’ll have to get there! Leave the car at home and make the most of this mild season with downtown London’s 3km bike path. With access to local restaurants, entertainment, and connections to the larger Thames Valley Parkway, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this before.
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Rock Glen
See one of Ontario’s hidden treasures this fall. Featuring a magnificent cascading waterfall, tree-canopied pathways, and waterfront access, this will fully immerse you in the colors of Fall. Pack a warm lunch and have a picnic on the well-kept grounds – there’s even a playground for the kids!
Where: 8680 Rock Glen Road, Arkona
Joany’s Woods
After all the summer visitors have returned home, Fall is the perfect time to escape your day-to-day and venture off the beaten path. Joany’s Woods offers 367 acres of conservation area covered in hikes of varying difficulties. See wildlife and explore new landscapes on this path less travelled.
Where: West Williams Ward, Municipality of North Middlesex
Wheatley Provincial Park
Camping may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Fall, but it really is the perfect season. The rains of spring have passed, summer’s heat has subsided (along with the bugs!), and there’s nothing like waking up to crisp autumn air and multi-coloured leaves. Visit Wheatley Provincial Park for radio-free camping offered to small tents and camper vans. With biking, birding, canoeing, fishing, and hiking there’s something for everyone.
Where: 21116 Klondyke Road, Wheatley
Korny Korners Farm
A favourite family destination during the fall, Korny Korners Farm attracts visitors with its playground, corn maze and petting farm. Before you leave, be sure to check out their food trailer for amazing eats and stock fresh produce.
Where: 6193 Blackwell Sideroad, Sarnia
Point Pelee National Park
As the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland, you can evade winter’s chill for just a little bit longer. Several events are planned at the park, so be sure to check their calendar before planning your trip.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
Delhi Rail Trail
This is a 13.8 km trail that travels through farmlands, farmhouses, and forests. The trails start from the outskirts of Delhi and connects to the Northfolk Sunrise Trail in Simcoe. There are various access points in the trail with benches and bike stands to take breaks along the route. This is an easy hiking and cycling trail with a fairly level surface.
Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo
Make great memories at the Greenview Aviaries Park and Zoo. See zoo animals including lions, tigers, zebra, cougars, wolves, reptiles, birds, and much more. There is a splash pad as well as a large playground. The Zoo is open Daily 9 am to 8 pm, until Thanksgiving,
Where: 12752 Talbot Trail, Ridgetown
Long Point Provincial Park
One of the oldest provincial parks in Ontario, Long Point Provincial Park offers 1.5km of sandy beach along Lake Erie, and is located within a designated world biosphere reserve. On top of that, it is one of the largest bird and waterfowl migration areas in North America. With over 300 migrating birds flying overhead, this will be a picnic to remember!
Where: 350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
Head to the Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens to enjoy the petting farm, mini-golf, and arcade room.
Where: Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 East, Kingsville
Clovermead Adventure Farm
Enjoy a wagon ride, bee train ride, visit farm animals, get lost in the corn maze, and enjoy the fall decorations and family photo spots. Take a spin on the pedal carts or bounce on the giant jumping pillow/pad. There are bushels of fresh family fun on the Adventure Farm.
Where: Clovermead Adventure Farm, 11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer
Grand Bend Farmers’ Market
Find fresh fruits, vegetable, flowers and more from local artisans and farmers at the Market. The market is open on Wednesdays from 8:00 to 1:00 pm, mid-May to October.
Where: 10035 Museum Road, Grand Bend
Apple Land Station
Famous for their apple pies and made from scratch pumpkin and praline pies, fall is the perfect time to visit this family farm. Pick your own apples or that perfect pumpkin. check out the farm animals, enjoy a corn walk, play on the sand mountain, and take a tour on the train. Also check out their outdoor market for delicious treats and fall decor.
Where: Apple Land Station, 329 Richmond Street, Thames Centre
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Thamesville Maize
Sometimes, it’s fun to get lost! Load up the family for a day of fun at the Thamesville Maize.
Where: Thamesville Maize, 12768 Longwoods Rd, Thamesville
Thiessen Orchards
Giant tube slides, bouncy castles, sunflower fields, huge swings, corn mazes, pick-your-own apples, apple treats, and more family fun can be found at the Orchard.
Where: 400 Talbot Road East, Leamington
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Town of St. Marys Heritage Walking Tour
St. Mary’s, Ontario is a bit of an undiscovered historical gem. Take it upon yourself to learn the deeper history behind the town through this self-guided walking tour.
Great Lakes Farms
The Farm is open for apple picking season. Start your visit with a wagon ride around the farm or a trip through the corn maze. Later, head into the orchard to pick apples straight from the tree.
Where: 5111 Union Road, Port Stanley
Paddle the Rivers
Experience the outdoors on a paddle! There is no better time than fall to paddle Ontario’s southwest to enjoy the changing fall colours. Big Creek and Grand River are two great options to explore.
Port Burwell Provincial Park
Enjoy tent camping at Port Burwell Provincial Park. The park has a sandy beach very near to the campground that makes your trip all the more enjoyable. Look up and you might see the “Marvels of Migration” – the annual autumn hawk migration including hawks, vultures, and eagles. Identified as a birder’s paradise, Port Burwell features 2.5km of sandy beach, a family playground, hiking trails, and a gift store.
Where: 9 Wilson Lane, Port Burwell
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