Four Ways to Have an Autumn Adventure

Head outdoors for a fall road trip to admire the changing leaves and enjoy hiking, corn mazes and more

By Amanda Demeku

Posted: September 28, 2021 01:13 PM ET

The leaves are turning and the air is crisp which can only mean one thing: fall has officially arrived in Ontario. The season brings with it so many natural wonders and outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy, whether visiting the province for the first time or if you’ve lived here your whole life.

Scroll down to find four fun adventures.

Visit a pumpkin patch

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a copper-coloured corduroy coat with a shearling collar is facing a young child wearing a brown sweatshirt and an olive green toque. He is holding a small pumpkin with both of his hands.

Fall in Ontario isn’t complete without a pumpkin-picking adventure. A visit to Saunders Farm will have you surrounded by row after row of pumpkins of all sizes. Plus, the kids will enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, puppet shows and so much more.

Take a wagon ride along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment when you visit Dyments Farm. This family-owned 120-acre attraction has a corn trail, animal farm, a nine-hole mini putt, and starting Oct. 9, you can pick your own pumpkins.

Go apple picking

A pair of hands painted with white nail polish holding out three apples. One of the apples has some leaves on it.

Drive directly into the orchard at Archibald’s Orchard and Estate Winery where there are almost 10,000 trees with apple varieties like silken, ambrosia and mutsu. Stop in at the farm’s market to stock up on fresh-pressed cider, pies, syrups and jellies.

Puddicombe Estate Farm, Winery and Cider is a popular pick-your-own fruit destination. From mid-June to October, visitors can pick the likes of strawberries, peaches, sour cherries and of course, apples. The fall harvest brings more than a dozen types of Ontario apples. Hop aboard Little Pudd, the farm’s agricultural touring train, to explore the vineyards.

Soak in the fall colours

A dense forested area with trees in various shades of green, golden yellow, orange and red with a blue sky.

If you want to experience all the colours that fall has to offer, a visit to Walker’s Point Lookout should be your next seasonal destination. The view is nothing short of spectacular, overlooking Lake Muskoka and the changing leaves of Ontario’s lush forestry. And the best part? With no steep climbs, the trail leading up to Walker’s Point is easy as can be—perfect for every level of hiker.

Choose from one of five hiking trails at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, which includes the Ravine Lookout Trail. Hikers who take this 2.7 kilometre path through a dense coniferous forest will be rewarded with beautiful views of the ravine. If you need an accessible trail, try the park’s Maidens Blush route. This one kilometre trail is paved, which makes it ideal for strollers and wheelchair users.

Hit the trails on horseback

A woman wearing a white billowing blouse and black pants is sitting on top of a chestnut-coloured horse. She is wearing a black helmet and patting the horse's mane.

Just east of Stirling, Fina Vista Farm is home to a herd of paso fino horses, a breed known for its loving temperament and smooth ride. Led by Camilla Willings, farm owner and a certified master instructor, you can take horseback riding lessons, or a guided group tour and trail ride through the valleys of Oak Hills to gaze out at the gorgeous landscape.

With a little help from CAA

Before you set off on a fall road trip, download the CAA Mobile App^TM to access roadside assistance (and to track its arrival) should you need it. You can also find offers from CAA Rewards partners along your route that will help you save money and earn CAA Dollars^®.

Image credit: Halfpoint/iStock, AleksandarNakic/iStock, Natalie Grainger-Dap/Unsplash, jimfeng/iStock, yamasan/iStock