With three famous cities – Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara Falls – and plenty of fall festivals, activities and experiences to get around, there’s so many reasons why Ontario ticks all the boxes for an autumn trip. Here’s why Ontario in autumn is the perfect time to experience all the fall glory of this multi-layered province.
Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, is the ideal destination for your clients’ dream autumn experience. Think fall foliage, sweater weather, small-town charm, hayrides and all the idyllic seasonal adventures that we just don’t have in Australia.
It’s also off-peak tourist season from September to November, so travellers can enjoy fewer crowds, crisp temps and cheaper flights. This makes it even easier to get out and about outdoors and enjoy all the magic of Ontario in autumn, whether you opt to fly-drive on an epic road trip or take the cruisy scenic route with VIA Rail.
Here’s nine ways we reckon your clients will fall for Ontario in autumn
1. Fall foliage
Witness Ontario in autumn for a fall colour spectacle as deciduous trees light up the landscape in fiery hues of yellow, orange and red. While fall foliage season in Northern Ontario and Algonquin usually peaks between late September and early October, autumn reaches Toronto and Niagara a little later in October, so your clients should be able to see the fall colours up until late October.
2. It’s in our nature
What’s the best way to view fall foliage in Ontario? Our picks include the 1000 Islands by boat or helicopter, canoeing and trekking in Algonquin Provincial Park, a panoramic view from Dorset Lookout Tower (only open seasonally), crossing the Ottawa River for hiking and biking in Quebec’s Gatineau Park and, of course, from Niagara Falls (more on that below).
3. Harvest time
Fall is traditionally the fruit harvest season, and Ontario in autumn makes it an annual event your clients won’t forget. Many special activities and festivals are only available in fall, such as the classic ‘cranberry plunge’ at Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, spooky Halloween pumpkin patches and corn mazes, pick-your-own (PYO) apple orchards and cideries, so be sure to time their trip to feature these one-of-a-kind local experiences available in Ontario in autumn.
4. Indigenous experiences
Ontario’s diverse and rich cultures include Canada’s Indigenous communities who have an innate tie to the land, water, sky and seasons. Visitors can learn about the traditions and connections through guided tours and immersive experiences, such as the new purpose-built Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough (between Toronto and Ottawa), which houses the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft. Located lakeside, enjoy Voyageur Canoe Tours or rent your own canoe or kayak until October.
Find out more about Canada’s First Nations cultural experiences.
5. Autumn on the water
With more than 250,000 crystal-clear lakes and 346 provincial and national parks, you’re never far from nature in Ontario, and there’s no better way to soak up the fall colours than from the water. In Niagara Falls, explore different perspectives of the famous cascades.
In Niagara Falls, explore different perspectives of the famous cascades. Travel right to the edge of the Fall’s crashing waters on Niagara City Cruises. Get a bird’s-eye view from Niagara Helicopters or Zipline to the Falls. View from behind at Journey Behind the Falls. Ride the Class V rapids of the Niagara River on a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour.
Kayak on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, kit up for canoeing at Algonquin Provincial Park or cosy up to a lakeside retreat amid the autumn landscape, such as Elmhirst’s Resort (Kawarthas) and Deerhurst Resort (Muskoka) – accessible from Toronto and Ottawa.
6. Canadian Thanksgiving
It’s like the one down south, but Canada was the first to celebrate Thanksgiving – traditionally giving thanks for voyagers’ safe travels in the New World. Celebrated on the second Monday in October, Canada’s annual Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday. Your clients’ hotel may lay on a Thanksgiving feast of turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, potatoes, squash and pumpkin pie. Yum!
7. Season’s eatings
While we’re on the topic of dining, visiting foodies can enjoy a cornucopia of fresh seasonal produce sourced directly from Ontario’s food bowl regions and farmers markets, making its way into delicious culinary fare spanning multicultural cuisines. For the haute diners, Toronto has its own Michelin Guide, which has now expanded to include the Hamilton, Niagara and Blue Mountain regions. Bon appetit!
Alternatively, let the locals guide your clients on a walking or cycling tour of regional delicacies and Ontario flavours. C’est Bon Ottawa guides visitors on tours of famous foodie neighbourhoods and Byward Market, while Toronto’s Chopstick + Forks and Culinary Adventure Co. will take you to the city’s historic and tempting markets.
Find out more about culinary adventures in Ontario.
8. Here’s cheers to Ontario in autumn
Niagara Peninsula is home to Canada’s largest and most concentrated viticulture region with more than 100 wineries within 45 minutes of Niagara Falls alone. Famous for its signature icewine as the world’s largest producer of the drop, visitors can also swirl, twirl and taste-test other cool-climate, wines such as chardonnays, Rieslings and pinot noirs, on guided tours. Fall is grape harvest season, so it’s an extra lively time to visit.
9. City culture, fall vibes
Ontario’s cities have plenty of diversions for those after cultural immersion. Canada’s capital Ottawa has seven of the country’s nine national museums, spanning art, aviation, history, science, war and more. View Canadian and Indigenous art at the National Gallery of Canada and check out Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and outdoor ice rink in winter.
In Toronto, visit cultural spaces such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, which feature the works of The Group of Seven and other Canadian artists who were inspired by Ontario’s landscape.
While Niagara Falls is a popular destination known for its namesake attraction, the historic Niagara Parks Power Station is a great example of regenerative tourism and another interactive experience for visitors.
Ontario is always on
While now is an ideal time to travel for Ontario in autumn and reap the rewards of the province’s natural appeal and seasonal benefits, it’s also a four-season destination with plenty of year-round experiences, festivals, events and activities you don’t want to miss out on.
Discover more about Ontario at destinationontario.com
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