The unpredictability of late-fall weather can make planning outdoor excursions a little tricky. Within a few hours, things can shift from balmy sweater weather to the season’s first flurries. That’s no reason to hole up inside, though! Here are some excellent options for outdoor fun to enjoy no matter what weather Mother Nature sends our way during the last weeks of fall.
Cast A Line
Get the gear and the guidance you need to spend an afternoon fly fishing the Grand River in Paris right through November. Until November 28, Fly Water Guiding is offering a four-hour Introduction to Fly Fishing and Casting on River course. Larger group bookings are also available, so round up some friends and make a day of it.
Walk The Bruce Trail’s Waterfalls
Fall rains make this a wonderful time of year to catch Hamilton’s waterfalls in all their gushing glory. Choose from our collection of self-guided trips or Grand Experiences all-inclusive Bruce Trail Iroquoia Waterfall Day Trip, which includes an expert guide, shuttle service to and from hiking points and a tasty lunch.
Grey Cup It Up
Even the nastiest fall weather doesn’t stop the Grey Cup, and on December 12, Hamilton will be headquarters for all of the Canadian Football excitement. In addition to what’s happening on the field, The Grey Cup Social area will add the fun of an outdoor music festival and a food and drink expo.
Pick A Day For One Last Paddle
Chilly fall waters are uninviting, but Grand Experiences’ sturdy Voyageur Canoes will be sure to keep you on top of the water instead of in it! Their guided, four-hour Grand Voyageur trip runs through November 18. Your guide will point out wildlife along the way and share stories and legends as you journey down the Grand River.
Eat And Explore
Tasty Road Trips offers self-guided Explore Like A Local tours in Paris and Brantford/Brant that include lots of time to take in local nature trails and scenic views in between all the delicious stops.
Explore Hilton Falls By Bike
Hilton Falls Conservation Area offers excellent mountain biking on six different trails. As its name suggests, The Bent Rim trail is perfect for those looking for a technical two-wheeled challenge. Red Oak Trail offers a more relaxed ride around the reservoir.
Strap On Some Skates
Hamilton Waterfront’s Pier 8 Outdoor Rink serves up fun skating all year round. There is recreational roller skating during warmer weather, and when winter arrives, it becomes an ice rink.
Should winter weather arrive early, Burlington’s Discovery Landing has the 10,000 square-foot Rotary Centennial Pond with recreational ice-skating on an artificial ice surface. Harmony Square in downtown Brantford is home to another wonderful outdoor rink. Conservation Hamilton also offers ice skating at Valens Lake and Fifty Point, weather permitting. Check their Ice Status before you go to verify that the ice is safe for skating.
Keep On Camping
While many campsites shut down for the season at Thanksgiving, Valens Lake Conservation Area offers campsites on a first-come, first-served basis after October 13th.
Find even more ways to get outside and enjoy the final weeks of fall with our suggestions for cycling, hiking, golf and more.
