London 
Credit: Long Point Eco-Adventures
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 tree tops. To help you make your Fall bucket list, we’ve compiled a list of 50 Fun Fall Activities in South Western Ontario.
1. 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!
Where: 1730 Front Rd, Port Rowan
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Fall Migration at Holiday Beach
See spectacular hawk migration at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, one of the best birding hotspots in Canada. — September 20 – October 31, 2020
Where: Holiday Beach, 6952 50 Cr, Amherstburg
5. 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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6. 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
7. 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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8. 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
9. Covent Garden Market
Opened in 1845, this indoor/outdoor market presents fresh produce, local artisanal merchants, and regular family programming. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with live music on select dates.
Where: 130 King Street, London
10. 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. The 2020 festival will be a virtual event on September 26 and 27 with a virtual car show, online shop, cooking classes, musical performances, and lots more.
11. 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
12. 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
13. Phantoms of the Canard Tour
Every Friday and Saturday night in October you can take the Phantoms of the Canard Ghost Tour to learn about hangings, burial sites, historical routes, and river witches of the River Canard, all under the cover of darkness. These guided historical tours also feature French settlements that were significant in the War of 1812. If you’re a little more lily-livered you can rent a watercraft or take a daylight guided tour through Canada’s southern-most county. Details
14. 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. This year, the classes are taking place online!
15. 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. Only limited tickets are availabel each day, so get your today!
Where: Clovermead Adventure Farm, 11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer
16. 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
17. 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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18. 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
19. Thiessen Orchards
Giant tube slides, bouncy castles, 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
For more corn mazes in the region, see:
20. Gardens of Stratford
Shakespeare’s home away from home (not verified!). Download the audio podcast and tour the Gardens of Stratford, including the Shakespearean Gardens, Arthur Meighen Gardens, Millennium Park, and Confederation Park. With leaves changing and fall-flowers in bloom, this is sure to be a calming mix of contemplative history and urban Zen escape.
21. Stonetown Heritage Town 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.
22. Hike or Bike Heritage Aylmer
See Aylmer like you’ve never seen it before on this self-guided tour, exploring over 25 sites along the way. Get outside and learn something new about the old Aylmer – fall is the perfect season for an urban hike!
23. Great Lakes Farms
The Farm opens for apple picking season on September 12th. Although the fun play area won’t open this year, don’t miss their new apple treats while here!
Where: 5111 Union Road, Port Stanley
24. 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.
25. Eldon House
Come and see London’s historic gem, Eldon House. The Eldon House is open by appointment. Reserve a self-guided tour to learn more about this historic home.
Where: 481 Ridout Street North, London
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26. Chocolate Trail
Who doesn’t love chocolates? Tourism Stratford’s Chocolate Trail lets you sample decadent treats from six confectioneries and bakeries in Stratford in a self-guided tour.
27. 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
28. Small Wonders, Big Talent Art Show
This is an art show featured at the Pratt Gallery at Annandale National Historic Site. Runs from September 8 to November 2, 2020
Where: Annandale National Historic Site & Museum, 30 Tillson Avenue, Tillsonburg
29. Oil Museum of Canada
Believe it or not, the first commercial oil well was dug right here in South Western Ontario, in 1858. Visit this 2-floor museum to learn about the Canadian oil pioneers that started the modern petroleum industry. And don’t miss the interpretive video to get insights into the local area history.
Where: Located 25 km south of Highway 402 at interchange 25, on Oil Heritage Road.
30. Paint Ontario Art Show & Sale
See over 200 original paintings that showcase the character, diversity and beauty of Ontario. The exhibition will be held at the Lambton Heritage Museum on September 2-27, 2020.
Where: Lambton Heritage Museum, 10035 Museum Rd, Grand Bend
31. 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
32. 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
33. 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
34. 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, London Clay Art Centre’s fall pottery class is sure to spin your wheel.
Where: 664 Dundas Street, London
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35. 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.
36. 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 is permitted.
37. 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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38. 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.
39. 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
40. 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.
42. 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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43. 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
44. 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
45. 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
46. 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
47. Point Pelee National Park
As the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland you can evade winter’s chill for just a little bit longer. Join for Family Migration Hike on weekends between Early September and October. Enjoy a stroll along the many trails in search of birds of prey and Monarch butterflies.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
48. 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.
49. 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
50. 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