Don’t let the fall season bring you down. Yes, it’ll start to get a little gloomy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors and head out on an adventure. Ontario offers some of the best experiences throughout the fall season, so if you’re feeling a little spontaneous, check out these day trips.
We’ve compiled a list of small towns and provincial parks that are within a short drive of Toronto. So there’s a little bit of everything for everyone looking to embark on a few day trips this fall.
Without further ado, here’s our list of 10 spontaneous day trips to enjoy near Toronto this fall.
Spontaneous day trips near Toronto
Small towns and regions
Ancaster and Dundas, Ont.
Dating back to the late 1700s, Ancaster is one of the oldest towns in all of Ontario, and it was once the largest industrial centre in Canada. According to Tourism Hamilton, the town’s historic charm has been preserved through dozens of heritage buildings and a charming main strip. Here you’ll find all kinds of spots to dine, including the dreamy Ancaster Mill.
Also nearby is the beautiful town of Dundas, located in the lush Dundas Valley that’s lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Caledon, Ont.
Caledon is actually a collection of rural townships with small populations, according to Destination Ontario. It consists of Alton, Belfountain, Bolton, Caledon East, Caledon Village, Cheltenham, Inglewood, Palgrave, and Terra Cotta.
Each spot is charming in its own way, offering that small-town, rural vibe that many seek for that peaceful escape.
“There are 21 ghost hamlets located in Caledon and the surrounding area,” shares Destination Ontario. These ‘ghost hamlets’ are places that were once home to small communities.
Collingwood, Ont.
Full of fascinating history and architecture, this small yet wonderful Ontario town is just a drive away from a popular ski destination.
According to Destination Ontario, Collingwood is nestled along the south shore of Georgian Bay and is home to “a flourishing culinary and craft brew community.”
The town is a great destination for tourism as it is located minutes away from Ontario’s most popular ski and mountain biking resort, Blue Mountain.
St. Jacobs, Ont.
Steeped in rich Mennonite heritage, St. Jacobs is home to the largest population of Old Order Mennonites in Canada, according to the St. Jacobs Market.
In fact, you’ll often see farmers on local roads travelling on horse and buggy!
But the main attraction for locals and visitors is the St. Jacobs farmers’ market, which is the largest year-round market of its kind in the entire country, the town says.
Northumberland County
So many day trips, so little time! This fall drive in Ontario is located in Northumberland County, known for its rolling country hills and glistening lakes.
First, there’s the Alnwick-Haldimand route, which takes you right into the heart of the autumn colours in Shelter Valley.
Next is the Brighton-Cramahe route, right off Highway 401. But don’t worry, because this location feels “a world away from the heavy traffic,” says Northumberland Tourism.
The beautiful Rice Lake is up next. At Close Point Road, you will embark on a memorable drive with views of the orange leaves reflecting on the blue water.
Stella – Amherst Island, Ont.
Amherst Island can easily be described as picture-perfect, and it’s home to a little hamlet that you simply have to see.
The hamlet of Stella on Amherst Island is so charming that it was once described by Harrowsmith Country Life magazine as one of the “prettiest towns in Canada,” says the island’s website.
Known as the “gem of Lake Ontario,” the island is part of Loyalist Township in Lennox and Addington County, and it’s accessible by the Frontenac II ferry from Millhaven.
Parks
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Add this to your day trips list. Just a short drive from downtown Toronto lies Bronte Creek Provincial Park, a haven of fall colours, trails, and peaceful surroundings.
This park has tons to offer throughout the year, but it truly shines during the enchanting autumn months.
One of the park’s highlights is the Spruce Lane Farmhouse, a charming turn-of-the-century farmhouse that transports you back to the 1880s.
Where: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, Ont.
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Day trips are in order, and this next spot is calling your name. Lush canopies of autumn leaves as far as the eye can see — that’s what you’ll find at Dundas Valley Conservation Area this time of year!
Described as “one of southern Ontario’s most spectacular natural treasures,” the Dundas Valley is the place to go for breathtaking lookout points and attractions around every corner.
Located just an hour outside of Toronto, the 1,200-hectare conservation area is comprised of forests, meadows, streams, wildlife, waterfalls, and ancient geological formations.
Where: 650 Governors Rd., Dundas, Ont.
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
This provincial park is located in Peel Region, making it part of the GTA. You’d never know it, though. The scenery on the famous Bruce Trail is so serene that you will feel a world away from the city. In the fall, it’s a sight to see.
It’s popular for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and, of course, marvelling at the majestic waterfall.
Where: 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon, Ont.
Kelso Conservation Area
Kelso Lake is a captivating, human-made reservoir initially designed to manage the risk of flooding from the nearby Sixteen Mile Creek.
The sandy shores are the perfect spot to soak in the sun, and the boardwalk allows you to stroll along the perimeter of the lake with amazing fall views that surround you.
The outdoor enthusiast’s dream continues beyond the water’s edge. The park has a multitude of trails along the escarpment and through Kelso’s old-growth forest.
Where: 5234 Kelso Rd., Milton, Ont.
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Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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