In Canada, winters are for snow sports, summers are for hiking and water sports… but what is there to do in the fall? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to the fall (autumn) season. Read on for the best fall activities, like pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and some of the many exciting events happening this year. Plus, we share some bonus ideas for experiencing fall stateside, and general tips for how to make the most of the season.
1. Admire the colours of the fall foliage
Watching the leaves change colour—otherwise known as leaf peeping—is a quintessential part of the fall season. Peak times can vary depending on location but the brightest colours generally appear between late September and early October.
Below are some of the best places across the country to experience fall foliage:
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia
The east coast is definitely the best coast for leaf peeping. Witness the full spectrum of fall colours, thanks to the abundance of maple trees that provide the beautiful reds and oranges.
The climate in these provinces also leads to a longer season, with chances of seeing fall colours spanning all the way from early September to late October, depending on the specific area.
In New Brunswick, the main areas for leaf peeping include the Appalachian mountains and the Bay of Fundy. In PEI, take the scenic heritage roads. In Nova Scotia, head to the Cabot trail in Cape Breton.
Algonquin National Park (Ontario)
Ontario as a whole is another great province for photographing fall leaves, but the most recommended spot for leaf peepers is Algonquin National Park.
In fact, it’s so popular that you now need to book an advance reservation if planning to visit for fall colours. Select the Highway 60 corridor access if your main goal is to view the changing leaves.
Mont Tremblant (Quebec)
Popular with locals as a skiing destination in winter, Mont Tremblant is also known for its fall colours. Take the panoramic gondola for a new perspective, seeing the leaves on the trees from a bird’s eye view.
The Rocky Mountains (Alberta)
Although you won’t find the vibrant red leaves that the east coast experiences, the Rockies delivers on golden yellows from the larch trees. Driving the Icefields Parkway is an easy way to leaf peep in Alberta.
Okanagan Valley (B.C.)
Enjoy the unique experience of vines on the vineyards changing colour in wine country. Some of the best towns in the Okanagan Valley for fall foliage are Kelowna, Osoyoos and Kamloops.
2. Apple picking
Apple picking, apple cider, apple pies… you name it, Canadians go crazy for apples in the fall!
Apple orchards
Picking your own apples (known as U-Pick) has become a popular fall pastime. Ontario is one of the best provinces for apple picking. Its climate and access to large bodies of water contribute to the perfect conditions for growing a large variety of apples.
No matter where you live, you should be able to find a suitable orchard. Be aware that some charge an admission fee. Others will offer free entry but you pay based on the amount of apples you pick.
Apple delicacies
Apple cider (don’t worry, it’s not alcohol, it’s more like apple juice!) is drunk in Canada year-round but is especially popular in fall. Many farmer’s markets and orchards will sell apple cider in glasses or bottles for you to take home.
Apple crisp, apple tart, apple fritters, candy apples, etc. are also popular at this time of year; make sure you try one of everything! In southern Ontario and Quebec specifically, look out for donuts made with apple cider.
Ontarians can also benefit from the free apple pie trail that maps out some of Georgian Bay’s best orchards, farmer’s markets and breweries.
Best places to visit
Some popular apple farms across Canada (for U-Pick and apple-themed treats) include:
- The Apple Orchard, Bennett’s or Chudleigh’s (Ontario)
- Applebarn (B.C.)
- Petch or Quinn (Quebec)
- Noggins or Willowbank (Nova Scotia)
- Use the New Brunswick tourism website for a summary of their U-Picks
3. Pumpkin picking
Pumpkins are synonymous with both fall and Halloween. Much like with apples, picking your own pumpkin—for carving or for baking pies!—at a pumpkin patch is a top-rated fall activity.
Pumpkin patches
Many farms offering U-Pick for apples, berries, corn, etc. will also open a pumpkin patch and offer pumpkin picking when the season begins. Similar to apples, you will either pay an entry fee or pay for the individual pumpkins you take home.
Pumpkin delicacies
Look out for pumpkin specialities such as pumpkin butter, pumpkin tarts, pumpkin spiced lattes and pumpkin pie. You won’t have to go far to find pumpkin-themed foods in Canada!
Best places to visit
Some of the most popular places across the country for pumpkin picking include:
- Strom’s Farm or Nature’s Bounty (Ontario)
- Petey’s Pumpkin Patch or Willow View Farms (B.C.)
- Centre d’Interpretation de la Courge (Quebec)
- Calgary Farmyard (Alberta)
4. Get lost in a corn maze
If you’ve never been to a corn maze before, Canada is the perfect place to experience one! Corn mazes are mazes cut into cornfields. You can usually combine a visit to a corn maze with apple and pumpkin picking, as many farms offer multiple fall activities in one handy location.
Corn mazes often run at limited capacity and may need reserving in advance, especially on busy days like weekends and public holidays. Check with the venue before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Best places to visit
- Wynn Farms or Brook’s (Ontario)
- Greendale Acres or Maan Farms (B.C.)
- Grand labyrinth at Ferme Guy Rivest or La Citrouille Enchantée (Quebec)
- Edmonton corn maze (Alberta)
- Happy Hollow (Saskatoon)
5. Holidays and festivals
Fall is a season of celebration. Since fall runs from September to November, it includes holidays like Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October (earlier than American Thanksgiving in November), and Halloween. Many tourist attractions will add fall or Halloween overlays and run special events.
From small, local venues to big parties that shut down the city streets, you will find plenty of events to attend during the season. Here are some of the best ones, split by theme and province:
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are so popular around this time of year that they warrant their own festival!
Ontario
Alberta
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
- List of pumpkin festivals on the official tourism website
Fall
Fall festivals vary in content but are usually about celebrating the best local and seasonal produce to be harvested at this time of year. These events are great for foodies!
Ontario
B.C.
PEI
Quebec
Thanksgiving
Although Thanksgiving in Canada is a quieter affair than in the US, you can still find some special events to celebrate.
Ontario
B.C.
Alberta
Halloween
Halloween is such a big holiday in North America that we could fill an entire post just on different Halloween events! Here is a summary of some of the most popular, including a mix of family-friendly and adults’ only events.
Ontario
B.C.
Quebec
Alberta
6. Experience the fall season in the US
If the celebrations in Canada weren’t enough for you, there are also cosy fall vibes to be found over the border in America:
Vermont
Home of the covered bridge and the maple creemee, Vermont is less than a two-hour drive away from Montreal. Stowe is one of the most popular small towns for a fall visit, but you should also check out the surrounding towns of Burlington, Woodstock, Queechee and Montpelier.
Maine
The provinces of Quebec or New Brunswick are both great starting points for exploring the state of Maine. You can use the Maine government’s handy fall foliage tracker to follow the changing colours from the north of the state—don’t miss Acadia National Park!—down to the southern coastline.
Montana
If you’re in Calgary, it’s only a three-hour drive to Glacier National Park. Here, you will find beautiful fall colours and an increased chance of seeing wildlife, as bears forage for their last meals before they go into hibernation.
New York
Torontonians can head to the state of New York for fall colours at Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park and, further afield, the Adirondacks and Lake Placid.
Some final tips
Check the weather before you travel
First, this is useful for packing—you’ll need layers to be prepared for any cold or wet weather.
Second, it will help you plan your leaf peeping. Based on how the year so far has been in terms of temperature and rainfall, in some years, the leaves die earlier than expected. Other years, the leaves may be delayed in changing colour.
If you don’t want to be disappointed, use a fall foliage tracker to gauge how bright the leaves will be during your planned travel dates.
Be respectful of locals
Shop at the small businesses in the area—you might only be there for peak season but the locals need to make a living year-round!
Finally, remember that for the locals, this is not a tourist attraction. Respect their homes! No matter how badly you want the perfect shot when leaf peeping, never abandon your car in front of someone’s driveway, on private property, blocking the path, etc.
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