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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.
- Ancaster Fairgrounds
Throughout the fall, Ancaster Fairgrounds offers events and shows including the Ancaster Lions Fall Craft show and a Gem, Mineral, Bead and Jewelry show. Join for 168th Ancaster Fair and celebrate the best of Fall!
- River Rafting
Take a guided rafting trip through the Grand Valley and experience southern Ontario in a way you haven’t yet! The fall colours will make your experience that much more memorable. The various trips provide options for both distance and duration of your trip.
- 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.
- Collective Arts Brewing
Take a fall beer tour at Collective Arts Brewing. This craft brewer prides itself on the producing delicious tasting craft beer and working together with local emerging artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
- 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! Events this fall include the Fall Migration Fest which celebrates bird migration season, and the Great Pumpkin Trail which includes live entertainment and pumpkin-themed activities.
- 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.
- Experience the local flavours of Halton
This fall, connect with local food experiences throughout the region. Explore themed events, on-farm markets, restaurants, specialty shops and local attractions for a taste of the harvest season. Meet the people and places that produce and offer local food and see how agriculture is thriving in Halton.
- 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.
- A Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game
Avid football fans rejoice! Hamilton is home to the Canadian Football League’s Tiger-Cats, with regular season games extending into early November.
- 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! Experience a whole new world of fresh meats and cheeses this fall, paired perfectly with local wine from the Ridge Road Estate Winery.
- Spencer’s Gorge and Webster Falls
Feel like chasing 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.
- The Escarpment Rail Trail
Biking enthusiasts, this one is for you! Follow the historic railroad starting from downtown Hamilton and ride along part of the Trans 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.
- 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 at Marshall’s farm!
- 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!
- Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum
If you’re interested in learning more about the local history of Hamilton, Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum is a perfect place to start. This cultural heritage centre offers rotating exhibits, adult workshops, and children activities (upon request) throughout the fall.
- 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. Take a guided tour to explore the rich history of the former military encampment and of those who lived within its walls.
- Halton Country Radial Railway
Enjoy a scenic 2-kilometre ride on a full-size electric railcar – it’s not just for kids! This vintage attraction is sure to be a fall highlight.
- 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.
- Myrtleville House Museum
Take a step back in time and learn about the early life of Canadian settlers through the story of the Good family. The museum includes a blacksmith workshop, ice house, smokehouse, and gardens. A perfect fall day trip for people of all ages!
- Bogle Seeds
The Bogle family welcomes all to visit their family farm and historic barn. Observe how they process and mix their bird seed and see their sunflower crops prior to harvest in October.
- 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 work of Canadian artist Kim Adams.
- Brux House
Brux House features quality fine dining paired with craft beers and ciders, inspired by Europe’s Beer Belt. Your tastebuds will thank you!
- McMaster Museum of Art
Boasting a collection of over 6000 pieces, the McMaster Museum of Art is a place to expand your knowledge of art and art history this fall. It strives to purposely develop its collections, with current efforts being focused on Canadian art and modern and contemporary European art.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
- HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Step on the legendary ship of the Royal Canadian Navy located at Pier 9 in Hamilton! For a more in-depth experience, choose a guided tour. For a limited time this fall, the ship will have an interactive play presented by the “Live History” Theatre Company.
- 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 Deborah Koenker’s “Grapes and Tortilla’s” project based on temporary agricultural workers from Mexico.
- 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.
- James St. North ArtCrawl
Head down to James St. North on the second Friday of the month to experience the openings of new exhibits at all the art galleries on the same night. Check out what this vibrant street has to off.
- 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.
- The Cannon
Sometimes, pumpkin spice lattes are just not the answer. The Cannon is a cozy café in Hamilton that serves breakfast and brunch options, and has delicious coffee to boot.
- 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. This fall, check out the Theatre Aquarius for theatrical performances and entertainment!
- 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.
- Hamilton Food Tours
Forget walking and talking – it’s more about walking and eating! Hamilton Food Tours offer a 3.5 hour walking tour that showcases tasty local food, perfect for a fall day stroll.
- Whitehern Historic House & Garden
Go back in time with a tour of this pristine Victorian household. Tours are guided by costumed actors and as of November, Whitehern hosts The McQuesten’s Childhood Christmas event.
- 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. This fall you can view the collective works by George Wallace.
- 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.
- Flamboro Speedway
Flamboro Speedway hosts the Halloween Enduro “300” in October. The venue is suitable for patrons of all ages and is sure to excite all who attend.
- 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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