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Photo Credit: Lenok UA
Whether fall makes you want to cozy up indoors, walk through the city, or explore the changing natural scenery, Hamilton has something for everyone. Check out this list for 50 ideas on how to spend your fall in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
Puddicome Estate Winery
Whether as a couple or with a group of friends, you can never go wrong with a wine tour during the fall season. Puddicome Estate offers tours and tastings of their award-winning vintages. Cider also available! They are also open for a variety of pick-your-own fruits.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Credit: Royal Botanical Gardens
Whether you’re interested in strolling through gardens, hiking trails, or taking courses or workshops, the Royal Botanical Gardens have something for everyone! Take part in yoga in the gardens taking place every Tuesdays, until October 13th. In addition, there are several art programs as well as programs catered towards kids. Plan your visit during The Great Pumpkin Trail to see hundreds of jack-o-lanterns – all lighted up!
If you are visiting RBG during fall, don’t forget to check out the Rock Garden. Remarkable fall colours, water displays, flowering conifers, ornamental trees make it a wonderful place in the autumn season. Apart from fall colours the RBG is made colourful by the blooms in the garden beds. Use the bloom calendar in the RBG website to check out which flowers are in bloom while visiting.
Historic Cooking Classes
Combine your love of history and cooking and experience a historic cooking class at the MacNab Kitchen of Dundurn Castle. As a group, create a traditional recipe from scratch.
African Lion Safari Drive-thru
Drive through the Game Reserve before they close on October 12th. African Lion Safari is home to over 1000 birds and animals.
Canada’s Warplane Heritage Museum
Interested in planes and history? Check out Canada’s Warplane Heritage Museum, which boasts a complete collection of Canadian flown military aircrafts. Do not forget to attend the Remembrance Day service.
Fall Festival Weekends at Brantwood Farms
Each Saturday and Sunday, Brantwood farms will be open to the public for a day of fall fun for the whole family. Enjoy pumpkin bowling, pumpkin hop, corn maze, obstacle course, corn pit, haunted barn, and more activities and fun to keep all visitors entertained.
Walk with Dinosaurs
This fall, enjoy a unique experience at Bingemans! Enjoy a walk-thru or drive-thru experience into the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. October 10-25, 2020
Hamilton Youth Film Festival
In its fourth year, the Hamilton Youth Film Festivalwill be aired online. Check out films every fridays from September 18 to October 9, 2020
The Bruce Trail
To fully enjoy the changing colours of leaves in southern Ontario, it is a must to check out the Bruce Trail in the fall. The trail extends from Tobermory to Niagara, spanning over 890 kilometres. There are various places you can check out during the trail, including the Limehouse Conservation Areain the Halton Hills.
Hamilton Farmers’ Market
A local favourite, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market is home to over 60 vendors, featuring international and national food, baked goods, flowers, and more! This year, the Farmer’s Market will be operating on reduced hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to Saturdays.
Spencer’s Gorge and Webster Falls
Feel likechasing waterfalls? Spencer’s Gorge and Webster Falls offer stunning views and an even better photo backdrop, particularly with the changing colours of fall leaves in the area.
Get your tickets here.
The Escarpment Rail Trail
Biking enthusiasts, this one is for you! Follow the historic railroad starting from downtown Hamilton and ride along part of theTrans Canada Trail. This is a moderately difficult trail that is 19 kilometers round-trip, recommended for experienced riders. The changing natural scenery during fall will make it all the more worthwhile!
Wild Orchid Restaurant and Café
If you’re looking to try out new restaurants, Wild Orchid is a great place to start. It serves award winning dishes, most notably their seafood ones, and has a rustic atmosphere that adds to the experience.
Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Experience the natural setting with trails running through forests, past fields, and lakes of the Niagara Escarpment. Pack a picnic and spend your day under a canopy of fall colours!
Ottawa Street
Need a relaxing day in the fall to stroll around town and do some window shopping? Ottawa Street in Hamilton is a charming spot to do just that!
Corn Maze Adventures
Fall just isn’t the same without the tall corn stalks that provide the perfect landscape for family fun. Check out the corn maze adventures in and around Hamilton!
Apple Picking
Open throughout the fall, Wheelbarrow Orchards provides a variety of apple trees ripe for the picking. Be sure to try some of the homemade baked goods on your way out, including apple pies and butter tarts!
You can also enjoy PYO apples at Carluke Apple Orchard.
Whistling Gardens
Visit the National Award Winning, Internationally acclaimed and one of Canada’s only privately run Botanical Gardens and see why Whistling Gardens was recently voted as one of Canada’s Best Botanical Gardens. Explore nearly 20 acres where you can view over 4,500 different plants.
Dundurn National Historic Site
The former home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Dundurn Castle is a stunning 40-room villa built in the early 1800’s. Explore the rich history of the former military encampment and of those who lived within its walls.
PYO Pumpkins
Pick the perfect pumpkin for your fall decor, jack-o’-lantern or your favourite pie. PYO pumpkins are open at Lindley’s Farm and Dyment’s Pumpkin Patch.
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site
Head to the Museum to view the exhibit ‘The Power of Design: The Architecture of Hydro-Electric Buildings in Hamilton’. The exhibit explores the architectural majesty of Hamilton’s beautiful hydro-electric buildings.
Paddling
Take a paddling trip from Paris to Brant Park and experience scenic paddle from a town setting into pristine wilderness! The fall colours will make your experience that much more memorable.
Mum Show
Hamilton’s favourite fall show will be back this year! From October 23rd to November 1st the Gage Park Greenhouse will be blooming with Chrysanthemums.
Six Nations
Experience the Grand River Territory with the Haudenosaunee community through rich oral histories and traditions. Fall activities include canoeing along the river, walking trails, exploring the crafts of the Haudenosaunee people, and visiting the Chiefswood National Historic Site.
Farmyard Experience
Have a great family experience at the Farmyard! With a variety of games, corn maze, fire pits, pedal-karts, farm animals, and more activities, a visit to the farm is cherished by both the young and the old.
Bogle Seeds
The Bogle family welcomes all to visit their family farm and historic barn. Observe how they process and mix their popular bird seeds.
Halloween
Where do you want to experience the best of scares?
Art Gallery of Hamilton
Visiting the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the perfect activity for a crisp fall day. Browse historic or contemporary art styles or visit the current exhibition featuring The Artist’s Dream: Works of French Symbolism.
Cranberry Harvest
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!
Twin Valley Zoo
Enjoy a day at the 25-acre, family-run, wildlife park that is home to 80 species of animals including; Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Birds, Bears, Deer, Alpaca, Primates, and so much more!
Ancaster Farmers Market
Featuring 15 vendors, the Ancaster Farmers Market is a great place to source fresh and locally grown food. Be sure to take advantage of the last few weeks of harvest!
Dundas Peak
Dundas Peak offers a beautiful lookout over Dundas and Hamilton. Ideal for those wanting a short and sweet hike and ideal fall views from the top.
Get your tickets here.
Farmhouse Artisan Cheese
Looking to spice up your charcuterie board? Visit the Farmhouse Artisan Cheese shop to sample a large selection of cheeses and pick up some jams and chutneys on your way out!
The Workers Arts and Heritage
A place where workers achievements are celebrated, the Workers Arts and Heritage strives to honour the history of all working people. Exhibitions and events change regularly, but this fall be sure to check out One Big Union: The Revolutionary Graphics of the IWW that provides a rare look at graphic art created from original print blocks produced by the Industrial Workers of the World.
The Ship
Whether you’re looking for a bit to eat in the morning or evening, the Ship offers a delicious menu and craft beers. Burgers and brunch will never be the same.
Quatrefoil Restaurant
Sometimes the best thing to do is treat yourself – Quatrefoil will do just that. A fine dining experience that includes local ingredients and superb pairings, it has been rated one of the top ten newly opened restaurants in Canada.
Supercrawl
Head down to James St. North to attend Hamilton’s legendary festival. This year, enjoy a six-concert series of distanced yet intimate performances from September 24 to 27.
Paris
No, not the one in Europe! Visit the ‘Prettiest Town in Canada’ this fall and relax on a patio, stroll through the downtown, or grab a bite to eat.
Toronto Premium Outlets
Here’s a place where you can shop ‘til you drop’ and get the perfect Fall and Winter Fashion! Toronto Premium Outlets offers great savings on over 80 retail stores and premium brands. Don’t let the name fool you – the mall is located in Halton Hills off Highway 401.
Bayfront Park
Described as a green oasis in the city of Hamilton, Bayfront Park is the perfect place to spend time at during those warm fall days that remind you of summer. Relax and enjoy your surroundings or rent a bike or walk along the Waterfront Trail.
Chili FestEnjoy delicious chilis and fun activities during the Chili Fest! The event will be held from October 23 – 25.
The International Village
Home to over 100 shops and services in the heart of Hamilton, the International Village is a popular place for dining and shopping.
The Hamilton Store
This is a must for all things Hamilton. The store sells unique souvenirs and trinkets that all are linked to Hamilton in some way.
Merry Farms
Fall is calling all to the Merry Farms. The farm is open to enjoy a whole lot of activities from corn mazes to giant slides, rollercoasters to obstacle course, climbing mountain, and more.
Rock Chapel Loop
Hike this 6.3 km trail along the Niagara Escarpment that features Borer’s Falls, a 15-meter waterfall drop. This scenic valley is home to a diverse variety of rare flora and fauna.
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
One of the more popular conservation areas dues due to the presence of two waterfalls – Tiffany Falls and Washboard Falls. This area is also an Earth Science Area of Regional Significance due to the exposed bedrocks seen here.
Eramosa Karst
A unique natural area composed of forests, underground caves and streams, Eramosa Karst offers several activities for fall days. Hike through the conservation area and explore all it has to offer.
Carnegie Gallery
Located in Dundas, the Carnegie Gallery offers both exhibitions and an art shop. The space showcases contemporary Canadian artists and changes exhibitions on a monthly basis.
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Fabulous lookout points, rock climbing, excellent hiking trails, picnic spots, overnight camping… Plan your day trip/overnight trip to the Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area. There are many trails that you can choose – from quick ones to overnight treks.
Beanermunky Chocolates
A heavenly place for all chocoholics. These chocolate treats are created onsite – watch as chocolatiers create their masterpieces. Workshops for both kids and adults are available throughout the fall season.
Fifty Point Conservation Area
A perfect place for bird watching and fishing, Fifty Point is the place to go before the winter rolls around. The Fifty Point Lighthouse is a picturesque stop and must-see.
Guided Bird Hikes
Enjoy a guided bird hike at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. This 3-hour hike is great for both beginners and experts and will focus on birds that pass through the region during each fall. The hike will be led by James Lee on September 25th and October 2nd.
Fall Festival
There will be corn mazes, haunted barn, farm animals, and more at the Brantwood Farms Fall Festival.
Albion Falls
Hamilton is home to a wide selection of waterfalls, but Albion Falls is a must see! The beautiful cascade is accessed by an easy 5-minute walk and the memories of the fall backdrop will last a lifetime.
The Creative Hub
Tap into your creative side and take a fine arts class, pottery class, or attend an event at the Creative Hub in Waterdown. Check out the Fall term schedule and develop new skills from trained teachers!
Healing Salt Caves
Exploring Hamilton and the surrounding areas are bound to leave you needing some R&R. The Healing Salt Cave is a halotherapy wellness centre and holistic spa that offers a warm and relaxing experience, perfect for cool fall weather.
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