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When it comes to exploring Toronto in the fall, the city truly comes alive. The summer heat has cooled, and winter’s chill is still a distant thought. The days remain warm and sunny, while Toronto’s abundant trees burst into vibrant autumn colors. Whether you’re wandering through the city’s neighborhoods or cycling along its scenic bike paths, Toronto in the fall offers a captivating experience. Here’s how to make the most of your autumn adventure in this vibrant city.
Immerse yourself in the autumn foliage
Toronto’s autumn foliage is the stuff of legend, and the city doesn’t disappoint.
For a front row seat to nature’s show, head to Rouge Park, Canada’s first national urban park. It’s the perfect spot for a day of easy hikes! Plus, the Vista Trail overlook offers an unparalleled view of the autumn spectacle. Take advantage of the free park shuttle service if you can. It runs every weekend until the end of September, to see the autumn colours in all their glory.
Prefer to stay closer to the city centre? The Evergreen Brickworks and adjacent Don Valley Trail offer stunning views of the city in autumn colours. Weekends here are a treat, with farmers’ markets and craft stalls to explore. A free shuttle connects the Brickworks to Broadview and Chester subway stations, making it an easy and picturesque outing. High Park, another favourite, is just a subway ride away. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic in the autumnal splendour.
To catch the peak of autumn colours, keep an eye on the Ontario Parks website for the latest updates.
Cycle through Toronto’s autumnal beauty
With Toronto’s ever-expanding network of bike lanes, exploring the city on two wheels has never been easier or more fun. Grab a bike from Bike Share Toronto and head out on the Waterfront Trail for a scenic, off-road ride with views of both the lake and the city. Heading west on the trail, you’ll discover gems like the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and Trillium Park, where a fire pit awaits – perfect for warming up with s’mores on a crisp autumn evening.
Head east on the Waterfront Trail to Tommy Thompson Park (aka the Leslie Street Spit) for sweeping skyline views. Also get a first-hand look at how a landfill was transformed into a thriving wildlife sanctuary.
For a truly unique cycling adventure, hop on a ferry to the Toronto Islands and rent a bike from Toronto Island Bicycle Rental. Choose from a variety of options, including family-friendly quad bikes, and enjoy peaceful, car-free paths while snapping the perfect shot of the Toronto skyline.
Get spooked: Halloween in Toronto
In Toronto, Halloween isn’t just a holiday; it’s a full-blown celebration of all things spooky. Every year, Casa Loma, the city’s iconic castle, is transformed into a haunted house with live actors ready to give you the creeps. Its spooky underground tunnels and shadowy gardens are the perfect setting for a hair-raising Halloween experience.
Not into haunted houses? Try a ghost tour instead. Wander the cobblestone streets of the historic Distillery District while listening to gruesome tales, or join the Tour Guys on a Fact or Fiction Ghost Tour to separate the real from the creepy in Toronto’s ghost lore.
For a more light-hearted Halloween outing, take a stroll through one of Toronto’s neighbourhoods and admire the creative and over-the-top Halloween decorations that homeowners proudly display. When the weather turns, head indoors to the Royal Ontario Museum’s Spiders: Fear and Fascination’ exhibition, which runs until 6 January 2019, for a Halloween adventure that’s more educational than terrifying.
Shop for unique local souvenirs
Toronto is a hub for handmade goods, and autumn is the perfect time to shop for one-of-a-kind finds. Start with the Etsy Made in Canada show on September 29, 2018, where the city’s top artisans showcase their best work. Later in the season, don’t miss the One of a Kind Show at Exhibition Place from November 22 to December 2, 2018. With over 800 Canadian artisans, you’re sure to find the perfect souvenir. Pro tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
These events are just a taste of Toronto’s vibrant craft show scene leading up to the holidays. Check out BlogTO or Now for updates on the latest shows and discover a truly Canadian keepsake.
Cheer on Toronto’s sports teams
Toronto’s sports scene is alive and kicking this autumn. Catch the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena and join the city’s hockey obsession – just don’t mention the Stanley Cup drought. Basketball fans can also get their fix at a Toronto Raptors game, where the energy is electric and the team spirit palpable.
Celebrate Ontario parks
Venture beyond Toronto and you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and glimpses of Canada’s iconic wildlife in Ontario’s provincial parks. Paddle through the vibrant autumn foliage of Algonquin Park, Ontario’s oldest provincial park, and keep an eye out for moose. Celebrate the season at Bronte Creek Provincial Park’s annual Harvest Festival with wagon rides, cider making and pumpkin picking. For breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment, hike through Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, just over an hour from Toronto.
Toronto in the fall isn’t just a season—it’s an experience waiting to be discovered.
