There is nothing better than good fall getaways in Ontario. When the leaves start to change colour and the sky fills with vibrant reds, yellows, ambers and oranges, slipping away for a weekend to embrace the magic of fall in Ontario makes for an outstanding experience. Fall foliage in Ontario is unmatched and when the air starts to turn crisp and the days start to get a little shorter, there is no better time to explore some prime leaf-peeping destinations, charming towns, and the scenic beauty of Ontario.
Whether you’re looking to wander around a quaint town with a pumpkin spice latte, to get outdoors and hike along the trails, or are simply seeking a peaceful retreat, there is a fall getaway in Ontario for everyone. From cozy towns to outdoor adventures, here are the best fall getaways in Ontario.
Best Fall Getaways in Ontario you need to explore
1. Niagara Falls
The fall season might actually be the best time to visit Niagara Falls. The crowds in Niagara during the fall season are much less than any other time of the year, and the majority of the attractions are operational until mid-October. Sometimes it can even feel as if you have the falls to yourself. Which is special, as Niagara Falls are ‘wonder of the world’ spectacular.
If you’re looking for a fall weekend getaway in Ontario, Niagara falls should be at the top of your list. Spend your day enjoying the foliage around the falls and end your night with a crowd-less fireworks show at 10:00pm.
There are lots of hiking trails you can experience around Niagara falls, including some that walk right up to the falls themselves. As it is also harvest time, many of the wineries and farms on the outskirts of town will be showing off their yield, so its a good time to embrace some harvest festivals, agricultural tours and farm to table rustic meals. The Niagara region is one of the top agricultural areas in Ontario, so exploring this side of tourism during the fall season is ideal.
Places to Stay:
Best views of the falls : Sheraton Falls view
Marriott Fallsview Hotel
Family Stays with Kids: the Great Wolfe Lodge has a waterpark inside
Things to know: If you want to get from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the WeGo bus covers the entire area. *Note* the last bus leaves at 5:00pm during the fall. Don’t miss the 10:00pm fireworks show that happens over the falls nightly.
2. Manitoulin Island
Located in Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world. Known for its beautiful landscapes, shoreline and unique rocky figures, it should be no surprise that a visit to Manitoulin Island makes for a wonderful destination for an Ontario fall getaway.
Manitoulin Island is a prime leaf-peeping destination. If you are looking to enjoy some of the fall foliage in Ontario, you’ve picked the right getaway. There are a number of trails you can access on the island with the highest point being on the “Cup and Saucer Trail”. This trail offers routes to its panoramic viewpoint for all hiking skill levels. The easiest being a 4km round trip which takes about 1.5 hours. The more challenging routes, which are the ‘Blue’ and ‘Yellow’ trails, add both milage (5km) and difficulties to the terrain. These are great for the more experienced hiker.
Getting to Manitoulin means you get the chance to experience the MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. In order to get to the Chi-Cheemaun you need to drive through scenic Tobermory where the ferry picks you up, a fall foliage treat in and of itself. When you get on the ferry; head to the passenger deck and grab a spot to enjoy the colours along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay.
With a variety of places to stay and boutiques to shop at, which are spread along the island, Manituolin Island is one of the best fall getaways in Ontario
Where to stay across the Island (in the different towns):
Located in Little Current – Manitoulin Motel
Located in Manitowaning – Wayside Motel Manitoulin
Located in Mindemoya – Twin Peaks Bed & Breakfast
Things to know: If riding the ferry isn’t your thing, you can get to Manitoulin via car and highway/bridge by driving up to Espanola and down highway 6. This does take significantly longer.
Want to know where to see the Best Fall Colours in Ontario? This post covers ALL OF THEM
3. Muskoka
Muskoka is one of the most famous destinations in Ontario. Considering it is a community built within an old wood forest, it just makes sense that it would be an iconic fall weekend getaway. Every year Muskoka is decorated by bright fall colours, and is filed with special fall events and outdoor activities. There are a number of beautiful walks and hiking trails to experience in the Muskoka’s as well as wonderful restaurants and of course, luxurious and relaxing retreats.
In Huntsville you will find the Lions Lookout, which is an iconic place to check out some of the fall foliage in Ontario. The Lions Lookout trail can be accessed where Forbes Hill Drive and Camp Kitchen Road meet. This trail does include some steep slopes along the way. If you are looking for a gentler hike, there are 5 accessible easy to moderate trails just a short drive north in Arrowhead Provincial Park.
While on your fall getaway in Muskoka, there are a number of music venues which put on shows during the fall season including the Etwell Concert Series, which happens every Sunday with admission in the form of donations. From Mid-September to late October, the Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival occurs which includes live entertainment, children’s games, magicians, food trucks and so much more.
There are tons of places to stay in Muskoka including fall retreats. Sit back and enjoy the view at a spa or just relax in one of the many luxury resorts as Muskoka is home to Hollywoods rich and famous. You can also go celebrity-peeping in the Muskoka’s as well as leaf-peeping.
Where to Stay:
Located in Hunstville: The Deerhurst Resort has everything anyone could want while staying in Muskoka, check it out here
Located on Lake Rosseau: The JW Marriott on Rosseau is luxury on the lake, and right in the heart of the Muskoka’s
Things to know: There are 3 provincial parks within driving distance in the Muskoka’s including Algonquin, Arrowhead and Oxtongue River -Ragged Falls. To visit the provincial parks you need to acquire a day-use vehicle pass which requires advanced booking here.
4. Ste Annes Spa
Ste Annes Spa is one of the top destination spas in Canada and it is absolutely stunning during the fall season. Set in Grafton Ontario, just 1.5 hours drive from Toronto, Ste Annes is located amongst rolling farm land and old forests. The spa itself is set on an historic farm.
When you arrive to Ste. Annes, you step out of your day clothes and into your bathrobe which becomes the uniform for your stay. While on property, everything is all-inclusive from food and drinks to the use of the spa facilities.
During the fall, you will find yourself enjoying epic views from all over the spa. These spots include catching views from the comforts of a hydrotherapy pool circuit, by the outdoor fireplaces or from the comforts of a warming igloo; and If you’re up for it, you can take a stroll to the stables or along one of the many manicured paths around the spa.
When it comes to dining, enjoy a series of fall inspired treats as the Ste. Annes menu rotates with the season. This includes in-house tea and coffee mixes. Ste Annes spa is one of the best fall weekend getaways in Ontario for those looking to enjoy the season while relaxing in maximum luxury.
Things to know: Ste Annes releases seasonal packages so you will find the perfect spa package to go with the fall vibes. These incude things like a Mocha Fusion getaway and a Pumpkin Spice getaway.
5. Tobermory
With its crystal clear turquoise waters and world famous grotto, Tobermory is considered the Caribbean of Ontario. Located on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, an area which lies between Georgian Bay and the main basin of Lake Huron, this iconic destination is not to be missed during the fall season.
Tobermory, with an already iconic reputation as a topographical wonder, is home to some of the best fall foliage in Ontario making for a perfect Ontario fall getaway.
There are a number of hiking trails that can be explored in Bruce Peninsula National Park during the fall including a 65 foot look out tower which provides sweeping views of the Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay. Other popular trails include the Stormhaven section of the Bruce Trail and the Grotto hike.
Located just 4 hours from Toronto, the charming town includes quaint restaurants and B&B’s with secluded beaches and national parks nearby, making it an ideal fall Ontario getaway.
Places to Stay:
The Big Tub Harbour Resort provides that cottage vibe that everyone visiting Tobermory should be looking for, check it out here
The Escarpment Heights Motel is a classic in Tobermory
Adventure the Bruce Inn is recently renovated and very cute
Things to know: While there are fewer crowds than during peak summer, quite a few people come leaf-peeping in the Tobermory area so you will be required to make park reservations in advanced to access some of the regions popular hikes, like the Grotto.
6. Niagara-On-The-Lake
Visiting Niagara-on-the-lake during the fall season is as close as you can get to feeling as if you are on the set of Gilmore Girls. This charming little town is located just 20 minutes outside of Niagara Falls and is well known for its architecture, wineries, boutique shops, quaint accommodations and exquisite restaurants. Niagara-on-the-lake is a top choice for a fall getaway in Ontario.
A fall getaway in Niagara-on-the-lake will have you wandering in and out of tiny shops with a pumpkin spiced latte in hand. You can enjoy a stroll through the idyllic streets or if you are more apt to nature, take in the fall views with a walk along the lake. When it’s time to eat, a number of wonderful farm to table restaurants are available to celebrate the autumn via their seasonal food offerings. Accommodations in Niagara-on-the-lake fit the fall vibe with quaint and charming Bed and Breakfasts and unique hotels like the Prince of Wales opening their doors with the type of Victorian charm you read about in classic novels.
The outskirts of Niagara-on-the-lake are surrounded by wineries and farms. If you have a car, you can drive out to one of the many beautiful wineries and enjoy a tasting, both of food and wine, and walk through the vineyards during the harvest season.
Along with the wineries come bike paths, walking trails, and the opportunity to enjoy culture through art galleries. The Shaw Festival also takes place during the fall which showcases theatrical performances attracting visitors from all over the world.
Niagara-on-the-lake might just be the best fall getaway Ontario has to offer, with something for everyone.
Where to Stay:
White Oaks Spa Hotel is located between Niagara and Niagara-on-the-lake
Prince of Wales Hotel for those looking for the luxury experience
The Kent Motel: Super Stylish and Chic Motel well located for a reasonable price
Things to know: Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake are close enough that you can flip between the two destinations over a weekend.
7. Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital and an incredible destination year round. It is one of the best places to take a weekend getaway during the summer. That being said, when the summer crowds thin out and the many green spaces of the city fill with red, yellow and orange leaves, fall stands out as an ideal time to explore the city.
During the fall, the city is vivid with fall foliage as the parliament buildings, locks, and parks surrounding the St. Lawrence River explode with colour. There are tons of bike and walking paths along the canal just waiting for visitors to enjoy them. For those looking for a more challenging experience, the Gatineau Hills are accessible for fall hiking as well.
Ottawa sees a number of fall events including the City Folk, a music festival where a variety of bands and dancers take the stage in September each year. Not forgetting that Ottawa is one of the most historic cities in Canada, fall and Halloween are a great time to hop on one of the Haunted Walks of Ottawa. Ghost tours are led through historic locations allowing guests to experience some of the cities folklore, and if they’re lucky, ghost activity.
Ottawa is full of art galleries, museums, and exhibitions as well as dining opportunities and places to stay. A thriving destination year round, fall foliage and festivities would have Ottawa being one of the best fall getaways in Ontario.
Places to Stay:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier: We all want to stay here at least once
Always Trendy and Well Located: The Metcalfe by Grey
The well located: Delta City Center
Things to know: During the month of October the Saunders Farm, outside of Ottawa, hosts an outdoor event with corn mazes, wagon rides and pumpkin picking. The farm also hosts a FrightFest closer to Halloween with haunted houses and hayrides for those looking to spooky up their experience in Ottawa
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8. Algonquin Park
If you are looking for an adventurous fall getaway in Ontario, look no further than Algonquin Provincial Park. Established in 1893, Algonquin is the oldest provincial park in Canada with 7,653 square kilometres of Canadian wilderness. There are 2,400km’s of lakes which during the autumn season are surrounded by the most vivid fall leaves.
An Ontario fall getaway in Algonquin Park provides countless opportunities for hiking, car camping, backcountry camping, canoeing and portages. Just a few hours from Toronto, by visiting Algonquin Park you can fully immerse yourself in stunning Canadian Nature.
Packed full of untouched lakes and rivers, Algonquin’s old wood forest shines bright the during fall. If you are looking to escape the city on a weekend getaway that caters to the adventurous side, you can experience some of Canadas greatest topography in Algonquin, the Canadian Shield. Algonquin makes for the perfect adventurers weekend getaway in Ontario during the fall.
Places to Stay:
Algonquin Lakeside Inn, close to the entrance to the park
Hidden Valley Resort, Luxury nearby
Book your campsite at Algonquin here
Things to know: Algonquin park is massive, make sure you plan your route according to your experience level. Whether you choose to enjoy a drive-in camp site, a cabin or an inland lake with a canoe portage, make sure you head to the park well prepared for your chosen experience.
9. Norfolk County
Located in South Western Ontario, Norfolk country has become a tourism hot spot and this Ontario fall getaway shines throughout the autumn. With Long Point designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1986, Norfolk is home to the largest area of wetlands and woodlands in Southern Ontario, making it an ideal destination for leaf peeping and fall activities.
With agricultural tourism at the helm, a visit to Norfolk County will have you exploring farms, picking pumpkins and apples, drinking apple cider and sampling home baked snacks. Similar to Niagara, Norfolk is a wine producing destination so you may find yourself enamoured by the many wineries, enjoying tastings while wandering through the vineyards themselves.
For those looking for fun fall events, the Norfolk County Fair runs through the second week of October with Waterfords pumpkin fest lighting up the streets later on in the month. Norfolk as a fall getaway in Ontario is nothing short of wholesome. You can even stay in a glamping tent at Long Point Eco while exploring the area.
Where to stay:
Homegrown Hideaway – Glamping in Luxury tents
Best Western Little River- 15 minutes from Turkey Point Beach
Things to know: Norfolk county is a foodies dream. While exploring the area make sure you stop at some of the food trucks, pubs, breweries and restaurants. You won’t regret it.
10. Elora
Located just outside of Guelph, Elora is considered Ontario’s most beautiful town. Imagine walking down a street filled with limestone architecture, while a rushing river runs right through the centre of town. Elora is inundated with boutiques and restaurants and with the iconic gorge just a few minutes away, it is easy to see how this scenic town is one of the best fall getaways in Ontario.
This is the type of town that will have you grabbing a warm apple cider or hot chocolate and spending the afternoon wandering the streets, exploring its many shops and cafes. Elora is simply charming and the addition of the fall foliage drifting from the sky makes the town even more picturesque. Many of the shops, cafes and restaurants in Elora offer seasonal treats with menu’s featuring fall flowers and foliage.
For adventurers there are hiking trails around the city as well as the famous Elora Gorge, which is somehow more gorgeous with fall foliage at its peak. For those looking for a peaceful retreat or a luxury experience, the Elora Mill Spa Resort is one of the best spa’s in Ontario. Elora has it all.
During the month of October, Elora celebrates ‘Monster Month’. The entire town is overtaken by monstrous displays, creepy art installations, haunted walks, scary movies and a Halloween parade. If you are looking for a fall getaway in Ontario that makes you feel as if you are in a fall Rom-Com, Elora is the place to go.
Places to Stay:
Best Western Plus in Fergus
The iconic Delta in Guelph, a quick ride to Elora and great central location to explore the surrounding towns
Small Hotel only 2km from the Elora Gorge!
Beautiful and stylish apartment to rent (Short term is fine) in the centre of Elora
Things to know: Visit the small town of Fergus just outside of Elora, it has an historic Fall Fair in September which is on its 187th year!
11. Kawartha Lakes
Head into Cottage Country this fall with a visit to the Kawartha Lakes. Just 1.5 hours east of Toronto, a fall visit to the Kawartha’s will have you enjoying beautiful fall foliage, delectable local cuisine, craft breweries and all of the outdoor adventures you could ask for.
Filled with lakes, rivers, and waterways, there are plenty of hiking trails and paddling opportunities available in the Kawartha’s that will lead to those epic fall views. If you are looking to spend some time in nature, then Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a great choice for camping, paddling and portages.
The true charm of the Kawartha’s however, are the many picturesque towns within the region. You will find a plethora of dining opportunities and breweries which focus on local artisanal dishes and drinks. The village of Keene is considered one of Canada’s top 10 prettiest towns, and is exceptionally stunning during the fall season. You can also visit Lakefield which has a river running right through it, and the village of Hasting’s, which encompasses that ‘fall season’ charm. There is a lot to see during the fall in the Kawartha’s making it ideal for a fall weekend getaway in Ontario.
Where to Stay:
Stay in one of Ontario’s ‘top 10 most beautiful towns’ at the Elmhirst Resort in Keene.
Close to amazing restaurants, the Village Inn in Lakefield
Classic Canadian Wilderness retreat in Buckhorn, the Westwind Inn on the Lake
Things to know: There are a number of fall self driving tour’s listed on the Kawarthas tourism site that map out a fall foliage experience for visitors to check out while there.
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