Wooden dock with chairs on calm fall lake, Ontario, Canada.
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Fall in Ontario is made for road trips and Canada’s second-largest province is a dream destination for leaf peepers. Trees show off their fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt orange leaves as you drive through backcountry roads and winding highways. Ontario is surrounded by natural rugged beauty including lush forests with hiking trails, waterfalls, and rivers, and covers more than 415,000 square miles. There is so much to do in this east-central Canadian province and outdoor activities are plentiful. Keep reading for Ontario road trip ideas perfect for fall.
Pumpkin Patches
People take pictures at a pumpkin farm in Caledon, Ontario on an overcast day. Ontario road trip.
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For the ultimate family friendly Ontario road trip, head to a fun pumpkin patch where kids can play all day and leave with a pumpkin to carve at home. The drive itself through pretty country roads lined with vibrant fall foliage is part of the adventure and perfect for all ages. Pumpkinfest at Downey’s Farm in Caledon runs until Halloween and is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto. Open daily, the play area includes a puppet show, corn maze, and live entertainment. Other pumpkin patches worthy of an autumn road trip include Forsythe Family Farms in Greenbank, Fall Festival at Howels Farm in Fonthill, and Harvest Festival in Hampton where in addition to a pumpkin patch you can pick your own fresh apples and sunflowers.
Ripe red apples on an apple tree in an apple orchard, Ontario.
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Small Towns
View of the City Hall and central square in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. This government building is a National Historic Site of Canada.
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Charming small towns steeped in rich history are scattered throughout the province. A perfect Ontario road trip destination is Stratford with buildings dating back to Victorian times including Stratford City Hall, a National Historic Site of Canada and the location of the city’s municipal buildings since 1857, as well as the famous clock tower. There are several interesting museums and galleries to explore and you can enjoy a meal at Grounded Vegan Café where everything is made from scratch.
Goderich, Ontario, Canada – Nov 9, 2020: View at the lighthouse in Goderich. It is the oldest Canadian light station on Lake Huron, Ontario, Canada.
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Other small towns worthy of an Ontario road trip include Goderich, a cute port city situated on the bluffs with stunning views of Lake Huron. If driving from Toronto or Detroit it’s about a two and a half hour road trip. Save time to visit The Goderich Lighthouse, dating back to 1847, it’s the oldest light station on the Canadian Shores of Lake Huron. If you are in Toronto, consider driving North to Markham for a picture perfect fall day trip to Main Street Unionville. This fairy tale town is home to rich cultural heritage including historic buildings with rare architecture and streets lined with adorable shops and restaurants.
Hiking Trails
View at the forest in Algonquin Park in Ontario. Picturesque fall colors on trees.
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Arguably one of the prettiest seasons in Ontario, autumn is exceptionally beautiful in Algonquin Provincial Park and perfect for leaf peeping. In fact, it’s so impressive they have their own Fall Colour Report for the latest updates on changing leaves. There are multiple gorgeous hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous. For something more challenging, hike the Centennial Ridges Trail offering stunning views along two high ridges that take you along a loop for about four hours. For a simpler hike perfect for families, head to Spruce Bog Boardwalk for an hour walk along a looped trail. It’s ideal for bird watching and home to two Black Spruce bogs to discover. Be on the lookout for wildlife but always keep your distance. If you are looking to spend the night, options include yurts, cabins, lodges and backcountry camping.
Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 22 – Nassau Mills, Peterborough, Canada
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Other Ontario road trips to hiking trails include Peterborough & The Kawarthas, a top Ontario destination. The drive from Toronto is just over an hour and a half and from Ottawa just over three hours. Peterborough is located in the Kawarthas region just north of the TransCanada Highway and is a stunning natural paradise. The Mill Pond Forest Trails include a picnic area and spectacular views of Mill Pond.
Ontario highway 401 with Rattlesnake point in the background, Canada. Ontario road trip.
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A final Ontario road trip destination with hiking trails to check out is Rattlesnake Point in Milton. The beautiful Nassagaweya Canyon Trail connects two parks and the roundtrip hike is about four hours. Rattlesnake Point also has rock climbing with sheer cliffs and cave systems to explore. Regardless what Ontario road trip you choose to take this season, drive safely and don’t forget your thermos of hot apple cider!
Pickup on countryside road with autumn colors and trees. Blurred car passing, focus on leaves on the ground in foreground. Ontario road trip.
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