Part of the Niagara Escarpment, the West GTA is a stunning place to enjoy the colours of autumn. From Oakville’s picturesque lakeshore to Burlington’s hiking trails and Milton’s fall fairs, there is so much to see and do this fall. We’ve gathered a list of the top spots to visit – be sure to add these to your fall bucket list!

Fall Harvest Festival – September 23

Location: Bronte Creek Provincial Park

What to expect: Tour the 123-year-old farmhouse, visit farm animals, pick your own pumpkin, and tour the park on a wagon ride. Bronte Creek’s fall harvest festival gives you a glimpse of life on the farm.

Chudleigh’s Farm

Location: 9528 Regional Road 25, Halton Hills

What to expect: At Chudleigh’s Farm, you can explore the farm, visit the animals, hike the trails, pick your own apples, and grab a delicious snack. A general admission ticket gets you access to everything the farm offers.

Springridge Farm

Location: 7256 Bell School Line, Milton

What to expect: Springridge Farm offers farm-to-table recipes, a fun kid’s playground, wagon rides, and a stunning barn market with fresh produce, preserves, baking and gifts. There’s nothing quite like farm fresh produce and baking!

Terra Cotta Conservation Area

Location: 1255 Old Derry Rd., Mississauga

What to expect: You can explore 458 acres in the Niagara Escarpment. The views are stunning in fall as you stroll through colourful maples, streams, and ponds. Hike the trails and pack a picnic to spend a day enjoying this beautiful area.

Kelso Challenge Course – June to October

Location: Kelso Conservation Area, Milton

What to expect: If you are an adventure lover, add the Escarpment Walk Aerial Course and Vultures View Climbing Tower to your fall bucket list. You can navigate the aerial ropes course and climb the tower, with some elements taking you up to 45 feet in the air. (Helmets, harnesses, equipment, and guidance are provided.)

Hops & Harvest Festival – October 13-15

Location: Area 8 Conservation Area, Milton

What to expect: The Hops & Harvest Festival showcases local breweries, wineries, artisans, and food vendors. With live music, a Kids Zone Stage, face painting, games, and more, there is something for the whole family. Enjoy a local craft beer, test out your archery skills, and take in the beautiful views of the escarpment.

Pumpkins After Dark – September 23 – October 31

Location: County Heritage Park

What to expect: Walk the park to see over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins. These are not your average jack-o-lanterns! Carved pumpkins are part of bigger works of art. You can grab a treat, watch a live pumpkin carving demonstration, and take lots of Instagram-worthy pics.  

The Great Pumpkin Trail – Starts October 20

Location: Royal Botanical Gardens

What to expect: Follow the path of jack-o-lanterns into the Hendrie Valley. You’ll stumble across a mini midway with rides and bouncy castles for the kids. There is live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities, and treats. Going in costume is optional but adds to the fun!

Applefest Fall Fair  – October 1

Location: Ireland House Museum, Burlington

What to expect: Family entertainment will include BarryO kidshow and Wild Ontario. The kids can join an apple scavenger hunt, while adults can grab a bite from the food trucks or tour the historic Ireland House Museum.

Chairlift Rides at Kelso Conservation – Starting October 2023

Location: Kelso Conservation Area

What to expect: Enjoy the fall colours from a different view! Hop on a chairlift at Kelso to ride up and down the escarpment, admiring the trees from up above. Kids are welcome, but riders must be at least 42″ tall.

Go Pumpkin Picking

Location: Farms from Milton to Dundas

What to expect: The West GTA is home to an incredible number of local farms that offer pumpkin picking and fall activities. Grab a sweater, pack up the kids, and head to one of these local farms to hand-pick your perfect pumpkins for Halloween.

• Big R Apple Farms (Brampton)
• Hutchinson Farm (Burlington)
• The Apple Orchard (Hamilton)
• Dyment’s Farm (Dundas)
• Hanes Pumpkin Patch (Dundas)
• Springridge Farm (Milton)
• Andrews Farm Market and Winery (Milton)

Hanes Corn Maze – September– October 31, 2023

Location: 1001 Highway #5 W, Dundas

What to expect: Carved into 20 acres of 12’ tall cornstalks, the Hanes Corn Maze is fun for the whole family. You can find checkpoints, solve your puzzle, and spin the wheel to win a prize. The average time to complete the big maze is two hours, but mini mazes are available for ‘little farmers.’

Ridge Road Winery

Location: 1205 Ridge Road, Stoney Creek

What to expect: With stunning views of the escarpment, Ridge Road Winery is a beautiful spot to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine and take in the scenery. Their farm-fresh menu covers everything from light bites to wine and cheese pairings and a full picnic.

From fall fairs to apple picking and hiking through the autumn leaves, the West GTA is a beautiful, fun place come fall. You’re sure to find lots of events and places to explore! We hope you add some of our favourite places to your fall bucket list.