The weather has dropped down into the single digits, and now it’s actually official: the first day of fall has arrived. Autumn in Toronto is totally fun, and we get a good month and a half of really lovely, crisp weather, beautiful colours and plenty of great seasonal things to do. Staying cozy and stylish might be your vibe, or getting scared out of your mind; either way, we have to embrace every minute of fall. So start making the most of the season by enjoying these can’t-miss autumn activities in Toronto!
Journey through a corn maze
Travel just outside Toronto and go on an adventure by strolling through a corn maze. Pingle’s, Downey’s, Snyder’s and more all offer themed mazes. If you can’t get past the fear of corn mazes instilled by every horror movie, the farms offers animal corrals, wagon rides and walking trails, too.
Eat a fresh pie (or two)
With the arrival of fall comes the end of the summer food season, and there’s no better way to say goodbye than with an indulgence of some savoury, mouth-watering warm pie. With apple season now underway, check out some of Toronto’s best bakeries for a slice — or travel to Springridge Farm for one of the most in-demand bakes in the province.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Toronto is back and better than ever after the festival was cancelled due to funding last year, so you can take a trip to Europe right here in the city! The festival will take over Fort York from Sept. 26–27, bringing live entertainment, Bavarian food, fun and, of course, plenty of German beer.
Enjoy the fall colours
Tourists might flock to Muskoka to gaze at the incredible warm colours that decorate the trees during an Ontario fall, but locals know there’s plenty to see even here in the south. For an easy walk, High Park and Evergreen Brick Works have a kaleidoscope of foliage. For longer day hikes outside the city, view the breath-taking Niagara Escarpment from Milton’s Mount Nemo, or walk through a forest of golden sunshine at the Forks of the Credit past Brampton.
Get frightened at Halloween Haunt
As a kid, the most enjoyable part about Halloween is dressing up and asking strangers for candy; as an adult, the best part is watching your friend jump in fear when a bloody zombie grabs their ankle and whispers their name. When Canada’s Wonderland turns into a massive haunted house next weekend, the monsters are truly terrifying.
Take Instagram-worthy pics at Pumpkin Fest
Put on your best pull-over sweater and high-top boots, drive out to Caledon, and drown yourself (and your Instagram feed!) in a sea of orange. Between the pumpkins of all sizes and the iconic Jack-o-lantern barn, Downey’s Farm is the go-to location for fall photoshoots.
Indulge in a PSL
We can’t talk about fall without mentioning the pumpkin spice latte. Whether you love it or not, these lattes have become the trademark of the fall season, and there’s really no fall without it. Luckily, it’s not hard to find, as almost every café you walk into this season will have the “basic” drink on their seasonal menu.
Enjoy a less-basic fall-inspired drink
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Believe it or not, there are other delicious fall-inspired drinks that are just as warm and just as tasty. For an alternative that’s as sweet as the PSL, try a campfire latte from Versus Coffee, or a French Toast Golden Chai at Kitten and the Bear.
Or, something stronger
After a summer of margaritas and cold beers on busy, loud patios, it’s time for a quieter, more easy-going night out. It’s time for sipping on a negroni, espresso martini or hot apple ciders in a bar with the ambiance of candle light and classical music. This fall, take it easy by checking out some of Toronto’s more sophisticated bars like Bar Poet, Louix Louix and The Parlour.
See jack-o-lanterns come to life at Pumpkins after Dark
There are so many different pumpkin patches and pumpkin festivals worthy of checking out this season, but Pumpkins After Dark is a bit different from the rest. Jack-o-lanterns come to life through this walk-through experience that features over 6,000 pumpkins that have been carved and lit up in some unbelievable images and styles. It all kicks off on Sept. 26!
Go thrifting for a fall sweater
What do you wear while you’re picking out a pumpkin and sipping on that pumpkin spice latte? A cozy, oversized sweater, of course! Thrifting is the best way to get stoked for the coming season in both an economic and sustainable way. Luckily, the city has plenty of amazing thrift stores. Might we also suggest stocking up on some plaid for winter?
Settle in for an open mic night
During the summer months, there’s always the rush of trying to squeeze in as much outdoor fun as possible. But as soon as September rolls around, it’s time to take it easy and enjoy some more soothing indoor activities. Toronto has plenty of entertainment venues with open mic nights to keep you entertained and out of the cold, including Free Times Café, OBJX Studio, Handlebar and The Painted Lady.
Get spooked on a ghost tour
Did you know Toronto has some famous ghosts and spirits hanging about its streets? Between Black Creek, Distillery District and the University of Toronto, these ghost tours are sure to get you frightened and in the spirit for Halloween!
Enjoy a scary movie after dark
The Toronto Indie Horror Film Festival is back this year from October. 6–10 — horror movie buffs, get excited! All-access VIP passes are also available to purchase so you can get your fill of horror, sci-fi and action movies all five days.
Road trip to an adorable small town
The picturesque fall colours really pop when you’re strolling down a small, quaint town living your main character moment like Lorelai Gilmore. Imagine sipping a pumpkin spice latte, strolling beneath the golden trees, and looking at the old houses in Port Hope, Elora or Niagara-on-the-Lake. These small towns are only a short drive out of the city!
Soak up the final days of patio season
One of the things we’ll all miss most about the summer months is soaking up the sun on some of the city’s coziest patios. But there’s no reason to say goodbye to patio season so soon, as plenty of Toronto’s best are actually heated, including Hemingway’s, Marben and Quadro Ristorante.
Go apple picking
If it’s too soon to start the pumpkin obsession, take the chance to enjoy something a little fruitier. Enjoy the farm lifestyle, gallivanting through the trees, picking apples like a child again with over a dozen different apple varieties. Try JC Agri Orchards in King City or Albion Orchards in Caledon.
Bring the whole family to a fall fair
Nothing says fall like a fall fair. Carnival rides, cotton candy, animal farms – it’s a great place to bring the whole family and luckily there are plenty just a few minutes’ drive outside the city, including the Woodbridge Fall Fair from Oct. 10–12 and the Markham Fair from Oct. 1–4.
Shop at a farmers market
A new season means a delicious change in what you can find at some local farmers markets. And fall has a lot more to offer than pumpkins and apples. This is the season for cranberries, sweet potatoes, grapes, pears and so much more. Farmers’ markets are a great summer weekend adventure, but they’re also a great way to spend a fall afternoon.
Stroll through the Toronto Zoo without the crowds
Avoid the summer crowds and hiking miles in the heat by visiting the zoo in the fall. Not only do you get to see some stunning fall colours along the way, but there are more animals out in the open, rather than hiding to avoid the heat. And you might even be able to spot little Maple, the baby pygmy hippo!
Curl up with a good book
September means school is in session, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay locked up in a dingy dorm room instead of venturing out. Whether you want to bring your own book for a reading break or surround yourself in literature for a change of scenery, check out one of Toronto’s amazing independently-owned bookshops.