Fall is here, and it’s the perfect time for a day trip out of the city. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal outing with the fam or a wholesome way to spend a Saturday or Sunday with pals, these fall fairs in the GTA have what you need to get into the fall spirit. Bundle up and set out for some pumpkin-picking, treat-sampling, photo ops, and memory-making.
Here are some fall festivals in the GTA to make a day trip out of this fall.
Waterford’s Pumpkinfest
Every year for 40 years, the town of Waterford (just over an hour’s drive from Toronto) transforms for Pumpkinfest. Most houses here go all out with spooky decor, making it a true spectacle. The festival features some fairly epic jack-o-lantern towers, a marketplace, midway, parade, soap box derby, beer garden, and more. The event runs Oct. 14 – 16th.
Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest
If you’re up for a bit of a trek (2 and a half – 3 hours drive from Toronto), Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest offers a true fall festival experience, complete with giant vegetable competitions, a classic car show, a petting zoo, a midway, and local vendors. Plan your trip for the weekend of October 1 – 2.
The Woodbridge Fair
For over 170+ years, the Woodbridge Fall Fair has brought together families and vendors from all over the province. Come out the weekend of Oct. 8, 9, 10th to spend a day during Thanksgiving weekend antiquing, homemade pie sampling, midway exploring, and witnessing the farmer Olympics.
The Caledonia Fair
Just over an hour from Toronto, the Caledonia Fairgrounds puts on a full country fair the last weekend in September – Sept. 29 – 30, Oct. 1 – 2. The Caledonia Agricultural Society has hosted this annual seasonal fair for 150 years, which includes livestock shows, home craft exhibitions, midway rides, a marketplace, and all manner of local vendors.
The Fall Festival at Brantwood Farms
This local family-run farm in Brantford celebrates the fall season each year with hay rides (haunted and non-haunted options), corn mazes, fall games for kids, and apple picking. You won’t find better homespun fall treats than at this marketplace. The fall festival runs each weekend throughout September and October.
Oktoberfest in Toronto
This two-day festival takes place in a recreated Festhalle tent and outdoor Bavarian Village at Ontario Place, the weekend of Sept. 30th – Oct. 1st. Complete with Bavarian communal tables and benches imported from Germany, German food and drinks, dancing, and entertainment, it gives an authentic taste of the season in Germany. Be one of the first 500 people to arrive and get yourself a free German glass beer stein.
Blue Mountain’s Apple Harvest Weekend
Did you know Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest apple-growing region? The highest point of the Niagara Escarpment, this section of the region provides the perfect microclimate for apple growing. Hence, apple season is a big deal around here. Come and celebrate all things apple Oct. 7 – 10th, when the town is alive with celebrations. Make it a weekend if you can, and tack on a spa moment or two.
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Fall is just about here and it’s time to get cozy. Whether you’re looking to impress a summer love for another season, or you’re planning out some date nights to look forward to with a significant other, these unique date ideas in the city can help keep the romance alive and moving forward this fall. Because it’s way too early in the year to get into Netflix and chill mode just yet!
Here are our top unique fall date ideas in Toronto.
Take a fall hike and stop for a picnic
You do not need to travel far from downtown to get a taste of the outdoors, along with some stunning fall colours. Plan a hike and a picnic around Rouge National Urban Park where you can choose from over 15 trails ranging from 15 minutes – 2 hours, or Don Valley Brickworks, where audio tours are on offer if you want to learn about the geological history of the area as you walk, or High Park, which is also home to a zoo, greenhouses, and the Grenadier Café.
Hit up the Canzine Festival of Zines and Indie Print Culture
This zine festival has been running for over 25 years, uniting a community of passionate writers, crafters, and artists from across the country. Plan a date for Saturday, October 1st and head to the Toronto Reference Library to join in the celebration of print culture and all things handmade. You’ll surely leave with plenty to talk about.
Forest bathe at the Royal Botanical Gardens
Engage your senses at the Toronto Botanical Garden’s September 24th guided forest bathing experience event led by a certified forest therapy guide. Unplug for a Saturday with your partner and immerse yourself in the colours and scents of the season. Leave feeling renewed, and a little more deeply connected to your wildness.
Stroll around the Word on the Street’s Pop-Up Festival
Couples that share a love of books can make a day of this community pop-up festival/celebration of reading at Evergreen Brick Works on Sunday, September 25th. Explore over 30 exhibitors, hear author talks, and take author-led forest walks around this picturesque, ravine-lined abandoned brick-making factory.
Get spooked at the After Dark Film Fest
The spooky season is almost here. Cozy up in front of the big screen after hours at Scotiabank Theatre and take in one of the new horror, sci-fi, action, and cult short and feature films that will be playing between October 19 – 23rd.
Get creative at a freestyle painting night
Let your creative juices flow at one of the in-studio freestyle painting nights at this Danforth art studio, shop, and cafe. Enjoy some snacks and banter over freestyle painting, or, check out one of the weekly guided painting workshops on offer for a more structured experience.
Watch a movie under the stars as the Oakville Drive-In
For privacy and novelty factor, a drive-in movie experience is a truly unique and inviting date night. The 5 Drive-in Theatre in Oakville has been around since the early ’60s and now serves patrons with 3 screens, showing the Hollywood films you’d see at any chain theatre. It’s just 30 minutes from downtown. Pack up the car with blankets, and pillows, and prepare to unwind.
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It’s officially cuffing season, the time of year when the weather gets colder and when we leave behind our wild and free-spirited ways of summer in favour of settling down and cuddling up with someone special. But deciding what to do on your date can be tough and going to the same old restaurant everytime gets boring. Whether it’s you’re going on your first date, your 10th date, or your 100th date, getting some fresh and new date ideas can never hurt.
Here are 5 super fun and cozy date ideas that are perfect for fall!
Go Apple Picking
Not only is apple picking one of the more classic fall activities, it’s also an easy and casual date idea. What could be more romantic than strolling through the apple orchards, holding hands with your significant other, while wearing matching cable knit sweaters? Take this date one step further by taking your freshly picked apples and turning them into a sweet baked good. After all, nothing is better than apple pie, especially when it’s made with a secret ingredient — love.
Rent a Cabin for a Cozy Weekend Getaway
Before the crazy holiday season starts with parties and gatherings, take some time for a cozy weekend getaway with bae at a cozy cabin in the woods. The time together away from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day lives will allow you two to really connect and focus on each other on a deeper level. While you’re there, spend your time cuddled up on the couch, roasting s’mores over a bonfire, and drinking hot chocolate.
Go for a Hike
Get outdoors while you still can without having to pile on a million layers of clothing and take a romantic hike with your boo. The best thing about the autumn season is all the colours of the changing leaves on the trees. So, grab your date and hit the trails to soak in the fresh air and admire that gorgeous view with your date!
Head To The Museum
Fall is known for its chilly and rainy days, but don’t let the weather stop you from leaving the house. Head to one of Toronto’s many museums for a dose of culture and fun day out with your SO. Regardless of what you both are into, you’re bound to find a spot that peaks both of your interests.
Spend An Afternoon At The movies
It’s a known fact that boys have been using movies as an excuse to put their arm around the ladies for years. For days when it’s too nasty and cold to spend time outside, snuggle up with your boo at the movies. Make your date even more special by upgrading to VIP where you get a comfier chair, more room, and in-seat food and drink service!