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Autumn is undeniably the ideal season to explore Toronto. The intense heat of summer has cooled, and the cold of the Canadian winter hasn’t yet arrived. The days remain warm and sunny, embellished with the vibrant hues of the city’s abundant foliage. Whether you’re wandering through Toronto on foot or by bike, you’re in for a delightful experience. Here are the top activities to make your visit unforgettable.
Witness the Autumn Colors
Renowned for its breathtaking autumn foliage, Toronto lives up to expectations.
For exceptional views, venture to Rouge Park, Canada’s premiere National Urban Park. It’s an exquisite location for a day filled with short, leisurely hikes, where the Vista Trail observation deck offers prime viewing of the autumn spectacle. Utilize Parkbus’ complimentary shuttle, available every weekend until September’s end, for a firsthand look at the fall palette.
Prefer staying near downtown? The Evergreen Brickworks and the adjacent Don Valley trail provide stunning city vistas. Visit during the weekend to explore the farmers’ or artisan markets. A free shuttle links the Brickworks to the Broadview and Chester subway stations. High Park, another beloved destination, is easily reached by subway and offers a perfect setting for an afternoon walk or picnic amidst the fall colors.
To catch the peak fall colors, monitor the Ontario Park website for the latest updates.
Bike Around the City
With an expanding network of bike routes, cycling in Toronto is becoming increasingly popular. Pick up a bike from Bike Share Toronto and hit the Waterfront Trail for a scenic off-road ride featuring both lake and city views. Travel west along the trail to discover attractions like the Humber Bay Arch Bridge and Trillium Park, equipped with a fire pit – ideal for an evening of s’mores and warmth on a brisk autumn night.
Journey east on the Waterfront Trail to Tommy Thompson Park (also known as the Leslie Street Spit) for skyline views and to witness the transformation of a landfill into a wildlife refuge.
Looking for a unique cycling experience? Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands and choose from a variety of bikes at Toronto Island Bicycle Rental, including the family-friendly quadricycle. Capture the perfect city skyline photo while exploring charming homes, beaches, and serene car-free paths.
Embrace Halloween
Halloween is a serious affair in Canada, offering endless adventures for the daring. Each year, Toronto’s Casa Loma, the city’s sole castle, morphs into a horror scene with live actors lurking to scare visitors. Its spooky underground passages and darkened grounds set the perfect stage for the Halloween season.
If haunted houses aren’t your preference, consider a ghost tour. Choose between gruesome stories in the historic Distillery District’s cobbled streets or debunk Toronto’s ghost tales with Tour Guys’ Fact or Fiction tour.
For a less frightening experience, explore a neighborhood to admire homeowners’ elaborate Halloween displays. Rainy day? The Royal Ontario Museum’s ‘Spiders: Fear and Fascination’ exhibition, available until January 6th, 2019, offers an educational Halloween adventure.
Shop for Local Souvenirs
Toronto boasts a vibrant handmade scene. Opt for unique, locally crafted items at the Etsy Made in Canada show on September 29th, 2018, showcasing the city’s top artisans. The One of a Kind Show at Exhibition Place, featuring over 800 Canadian artisans, runs from November 22 – December 2, 2018. Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
These events are just a sample of the numerous craft shows leading up to the holiday season. Check BlogTO or Now for updates and discover the perfect Canadian keepsake.
Support a Local Sports Team
Toronto is home to a variety of sports teams. This autumn, catch a Maple Leafs NHL game at Scotiabank Arena and immerse yourself in Toronto’s premier sport passion – but steer clear of mentioning the Stanley Cup drought. Basketball fans can enjoy a night with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, promising an evening filled with excitement and team spirit.
Celebrate Ontario Park’s 125th Anniversary
Exploring beyond Toronto rewards you with breathtaking landscapes and sightings of Canada’s iconic wildlife in Ontario’s Provincial Parks. Canoe through Algonquin Park’s vibrant foliage, Ontario’s oldest provincial park, keeping an eye out for moose. Attend Bronte Creek Provincial Park’s annual harvest festival for a historical autumn experience with wagon rides, cider pressing, and pumpkin picking. Or, hike Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, for stunning views from the Niagara Escarpment.
