Gather In The Great Outdoors

Who says reunions need to take place on land? Rent a fleet of canoes, kayaks or inflatable rafts and gather your gang for a fun fall float down the Grand River. Helpful local outfitters, like Grand Experiences and Grand River Rafting Company, will take care of all your equipment needs and can even provide a guide to accompany your crew if you wish.

Up The Adventure Factor: Grand River Rafting’s The Beast is a gigantic stand-up paddleboard that fits eight people and is virtually untippable!

If your group likes to stay moving, catching up while you take in a collection of stunning waterfalls is a great way to gather. Plan a self-guided adventure using our Ancient Gorge, Urban Passage, Dundas Valley, Great Escape, Hilton Falls or Views and Vistas trip itineraries. If you prefer to let an expert guide lead the way, Grand Experiences’ five-hour Iroquoia Waterfall day trip also provides shuttle service to and from hiking points and a tasty lunch.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area is a gorgeous fall destination thanks to colourful Carolinian forests, fascinating rock formations and rare birds, plants, and wildlife. The park’s Stacey Meadow Pavilion is available for daily rentals. The pavilion overlooks a beautiful pond and can accommodate up to 100 people at sheltered picnic tables. Other great options with covered picnic pavilions for large groups are available at Christie Lake Conservation Area and Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. Terra Cotta Conservation Area’s Wetland Pavilion is another excellent choice.

If your gatherings typically include some friendly competition, introduce your gang to some activities that have been around for centuries. Six Nations Tourism’s Day of Play package offers a tour of Chiefswood National Historic Site, a lacrosse lesson and scrimmage, group archery lessons and a guided walk through the Six Nations Nature Trail.

Kelso Conservation Area’s Challenge Course is another fun gathering place for groups who like to compete. Kids and adults alike will love testing their skills on the aerial ropes course and climbing tower. Book a picnic site and enjoy a meal together while you’re there.

Treetop Trekking Hamilton’s GPS Rally is perfect for people who aren’t big fans of heights but are still up for a woodsy challenge. With the help of a GPS unit, your crew will find waypoints in the forest and solve fun riddles to earn points. For those who prefer a more DIY geocaching experience, Brantford has plenty of options.

Cooler fall temperatures bring out rich autumn colours in foliage and blooms at Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens, making it a perfect place to snap a family photo. This fall, RBG is one of 12 global gardens chosen to host Seeing The Invisible, an all-new augmented reality experience that showcases the work of acclaimed international artists in outdoor garden settings.

Gathering your group at a place that offers some hands-on history is a fun way to inspire connection between different generations. Excellent options include Bronte Creek Provincial Park’s Spruce Lane Farm House, Westfield Heritage Village, Dundurn Castle National Historic Site and Bell Homestead National Historic Site.