Best Fall getaways in Ontario

Fall in Ontario is beautiful, it has vibrant foliage that paints the landscape in shades of gold, crimson, and amber. As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there's no better time to explore the province's scenic beauty and charming destinations. From cozy towns with rich histories to sprawling parks perfect for outdoor adventures, Ontario offers an array of fall getaways that capture the essence of the season. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed weekend, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences amid the splendour of fall.

Here is a highly curated list of the best Fall getaways in Ontario by travel bloggers.

Manitoulin Island

by V Kay from Travel Addicted Unicorn

Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron, Ontario, is the largest freshwater island in the world. It is known for its rich Indigenous culture, beautiful landscapes, and numerous outdoor activities. Hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail is a great experience and one of the main things to do on Manitoulin Island. It is the highest point too, towering 70 meters above the surrounding landscape. The Cup and Saucer Trail offers a variety of both moderate and challenging routes suitable for various hiking skill levels. The main trail (Red) spans approximately 4 kilometres round trip and typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way. In addition to the main Red trail, there are two other routes: the Blue Trail, which adds an extra 5 kilometres to your hike, and the Yellow Trail, known for its adventurous terrain. Most hikers opt for the Red Trail, as it's the easiest of the three hiking paths on Manitoulin Island. The Cup and Saucer Trail is especially beautiful during the fall. As the leaves change, the forested areas along the trail come alive with reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your hike. The cooler autumn temperatures, typically ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day, make for ideal hiking conditions—cool enough to be comfortable, but still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors without heavy layers. Another advantage of visiting in the fall is the reduced crowds. During the peak summer months, the trail can be quite busy, with hikers eager to enjoy the panoramic views. However, in the fall, the number of visitors drops significantly, offering a more peaceful experience. Overall, the combination of beautiful foliage, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds makes fall an ideal time to explore the Cup and Saucer Trail.

Haliburton Highlands

recommended by Stephanie from The World As I See It

For those looking for an alternative fall getaway to Muskoka, Haliburton Highlands makes for the perfect escape. Filled with lakes and charming small towns, visitors will find plenty of things to do in the Haliburton Highlands. With so much in common with Muskoka, what Haliburton lacks is the overwhelming crowds.

Haliburton offers a quiet fall getaway that’s ideal for adults looking for scenic fall hikes, fabulous dining and unique sights. There’s even an adult’s only resort, Sir Sam’s Inn that’s home to a spa and a chairlift that’s fun to take in the fall colours.

Hikers keen to enjoy trails that offer sweeping views of the fall colours will find plenty of options in Haliburton. One of the best is the Circuit of 5 Viewpoints hiking trail, a 5 km loop with multiple viewpoints. Another popular attraction is Haliburton Forest. This massive parkland features treetop trekking, hiking trails, and a museum. The main draw is the Wolf Centre, where you get to see wolves up close through a one-way glass.

The weather during the fall in Haliburton is typical of southern Ontario. Temperatures are generally around 15 degrees with a mix of sun and cloud. Perfect weather for exploring the outdoors with layers, and not having to worry about bugs.

So, if you’re looking for a great place to visit during the fall without the crowds but still have lots to offer, Haliburton is the perfect getaway.

Tobermory

by Chanelle from Chasing Chanelle

Tobermory is a small harbour village on the shores of Georgian Bay, located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, around a 4-hour drive from Toronto.

This quaint town and its surrounds are best known for having crystal-clear turquoise water, visible shipwrecks, secluded beaches, beautiful national and provincial parks, and some of the best hikes on the East Coast.

Hiking in the region is especially spectacular in fall, thanks to the vibrant contrast of the bright blue water against the orange, red and gold hues as the leaves change colour. It’s relatively accessible to all hiking abilities, as there are endless trails to choose from all along the peninsula.

The best and most popular trails to do in the area during fall are the Lion’s Head Lookout in Lion’s Head Provincial Park, as well as the Stormhaven section of the Bruce Trail, and The Grotto hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park. The Grotto is a natural limestone sea cave which is the region’s most famous landmark and is a must-visit attraction no matter the time of year.

And, to see the colourful fall foliage from above, it’s worth heading up the 65-foot Lookout Tower, located right by the Visitor Centre in Bruce Peninsula National Park. From the top of the tower, you’ll get incredible panoramic views of the park and Georgian Bay in the distance.

Fall is also one of the most pleasant seasons to explore the Tobermory area, with daytime highs between 12-18° Celsius and fewer crowds than during the height of the summer. Although it’s worth noting that this is still a popular time to visit. As such, you are required to make park reservations in advance to access some of the region’s most popular hikes.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Recommended by Sarah from Navigating Niagara

Visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake in the fall is like stepping into an autumn postcard. This charming town, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, wineries, history, and boutique shops and accommodations, makes it a top choice for a fall getaway.

There are so many things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and fall is the perfect time to visit! Crowds are much more manageable during this time, offering a more relaxed visit compared to the peak summer months.

One of the highlights of visiting in the fall is the Discovery Pass, where you can purchase a wine-tasting passport that provides access to your choice of 6 food and wine pairings from a selection of 27 wineries across the region. This incredible event spans over 3 weekends in September every year and is the best way to sample the region’s wine!

The weather in Niagara-on-the-Lake during the fall is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit (12-18°C). This mild weather is perfect for outdoor activities, whether you're exploring the historic streets and shops, visiting art galleries, hiking nearby trails, taking a leisurely bike ride along the Niagara Parkway, or touring through vineyards.

Fall is also a great time to check out the plays at Shaw Festival Theatre, which showcases performances that attract visitors from all over the world. Be sure to visit one of the restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake, like Tradewell, which features farm-to-table cuisine that uses local, seasonal ingredients.

For a truly memorable stay, book a room at the Prince of Wales Hotel. This historic and elegant hotel is right in the heart of the town, offering luxurious accommodations with Victorian charm. Relax at its spa after a chilly fall day - there’s no better way to unwind!

Psst: BRB has a great guide for NotL

Niagara Falls

by Joanna from the World in My Pocket

Niagara Falls is a fantastic place to visit in Ontario during the fall. To get the best experience in the entire area, it is recommended to spend at least three days in Niagara Falls.

In fall, the crowds are less and less and you can experience the park sometimes all to yourself, especially when you stay overnight. Waking up for the sunrise over the falls, you may just find that you are the only person there - which makes it so special! Because the weather is still usually good, the attractions are still open until around mid-October - especially the famous boat ride to the falls, which will get you all wet. Because the crowds are reduced, you don’t have to book tickets in advance, just show up and there will be availability.
Until mid-October, you can also enjoy the daily fireworks show over the falls, which takes place every day at 10 pm. During this season you can experience the beautiful fall foliage around the falls. Whilst September still finds quite a lot of green, from October on the golden and reds take over the leaves of the trees. Hiking in nearby Niagara Glenn is wonderful during this time of the year. Fall is also harvest time in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a town just a few miles up from Niagara Falls, famous for its vineyards. You can go to any vineyard for a tasting and a tour, and, some of them, even organize harvest festivals so make sure you check their websites before you pick one. Getting to Niagara-on-the-Lake from Niagara Falls is very easy, with the WeGo bus that covers the entire area. Just remember that during the fall, the last bus leaves at 5 PM.

Ottawa

Recommended by Kim of Explore Your Bucket List

The capital city of Ottawa is particularly pleasant in the Fall season. The many summer visitors thin out and the hot summer days become milder, making it comfortable enough to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

During the Fall, the entire area becomes vivid with colour as the leaves change. This time in Ottawa is called the Fall Rhapsody. It is easy to enjoy even while in the city since the city parks, walkways and paths along the canal are painted with colour. Or for hikers, they can enjoy treks in the Gatineau Hills where the trees put on a spectacular display.

The Fall in Ottawa also sees annual events including City Folk – a musical festival that takes place in the city in the middle of September each year. A variety of bands and dance performers take the stage for an end-of-season weekend event.

During the month of October, many families enjoy a traditional visit to Saunders Farm for outdoor fun including mazes, jumping castles, wagon rides and pumpkin picking. As the Halloween season draws near, the farm hosts FrightFest with spooky hayrides and haunted houses. It is a wonderful experience for young and old.

The Haunted Walks of Ottawa are a well-known, year-round activity taking place in the city. Tours are led through various historic locations thought to have some spirit and ghost activity and folklore and animated stories are shared for an entertaining experience. During the Halloween season, these walks become more popular as the stories seem to become even more lively. It is a fun and spooky experience for everyone.

Ottawa has a lot to offer in the autumn and should be on everyone’s list for a wonderful Fall getaway.

Elora

by Marianne from The Journeying Giordano's

Located just an hour and a half west of Toronto, Elora is one of Ontario's prettiest spots for a fall getaway.

If you are looking for spectacular fall views, colourful foliage, and an awesome spot for hiking and photography, Elora has it all. Plus, the weather in fall is cool but comfortable, usually staying between 10°C and 15°C. This makes fall a great time to explore this charming gem without the summer heat or crowds. Not only that, but Elora has a cozy, small-town atmosphere in the fall. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants offer seasonal treats and menus and are decorated with fall flowers and foliage. If you enjoy shopping, there are quite a few quirky stores and boutiques in Elora where you are sure to find a unique trinket or treasure. And if you are looking for great eats, be sure to stop by the Elora Brewing Company for some local beer and live music on the weekends.

Of course, one of the best reasons to visit Elora during October is Monster Month. During this annual event, the entire town is taken over by quirky monster displays. Best of all, Monster Month is a family-friendly event. You will find haunted walks, creepy art installations, scary movies playing at the local theatre, a Halloween parade, and specialty drinks and dishes being served in the local eateries. The town does tend to be quieter during the week. But on weekends, expect a bit more activity, especially with Monster Month events and the Fall Farmer's Market that goes on in Bissell Park.

If you’re looking to unwind, consider booking a stay at the Elora Mill and Spa. This gorgeously renovated mill has full Spa facilities and one of the best restaurants for a romantic dinner.