Autumn in Ontario is the perfect time to gather your friends and set out on a relaxed adventure filled with new-to-you neighbourhoods, tasty meals, historic landmarks, and fabulous fall colours. Add overnight accommodations at some off-the-radar gems, and you’ve got a foolproof formula for fun times with friends.

Day 1

Morning: Hamilton

Celebrate your friendship by raising a mug of delicious coffee at your first stop of the trip, The Cannon. This character-filled coffee shop is located in the heart of Hamilton’s Ottawa Street district, an area renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Once your crew is sufficiently caffeinated, take some time to stroll along Ottawa Street. Snap some selfies in front of the colourful street murals, including the Ottawa Street Orca at 189 Ottawa Street N. and the Caro Restaurant Mural at 4 Ottawa St. N. Browse your way through any of the dozens of eclectic shops that capture your attention.

Next, visit Dundurn Castle National Historic Site, an incredible 19th-century mansion that offers a glimpse into Hamilton’s history. Explore the opulent rooms and the kitchen garden as you learn about the castle’s intriguing past through stories about the family who lived above the stairs and the servants who worked below.

AFTERNOON: HAMILTON

All of the morning’s steps will have helped you and your crew work up an appetite for lunch. Fuel up for the afternoon at Brewers Blackbird Brewery and Kitchen, a friendly craft brewery and restaurant in Ancaster known for its handcrafted brews and delicious comfort food. If your lunchtime pint leaves you curious to try other brews made in the area, consider following the True Brew Path and trying out places like Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. and Fairweather Brewing Company.

After lunch, spend some time discovering another charming neighbourhood nearby, downtown Dundas. This Dundas and Ancaster Fall Guide will help you plan your stops in advance. When you’re all shopped out, check into a cozy inn or bed & breakfast, like The High Acre or The Homestead 1867 Bed and Breakfast, to drop your loot and prepare for dinner.

EVENING: HAMILTON (DUNDAS)

As the sun begins to set, head to Quatrefoil Restaurant for a meal you’ll all remember for years to come. This award-winning restaurant offers a menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and a carefully curated wine list to complement its contemporary French cuisine.  

DAY 2

MORNING: SIX NATIONS – OHSWEKEN

Start your day at Jax Sweet Shoppe, a cozy café known for great coffee, an excellent breakfast menu and a friendly retro atmosphere.

Then, hit the highway, and when you enter the Six Nations of the Grand River, stop at Chiefswood National Historic Site, the childhood home of renowned Mohawk poet E. Pauline Johnson. This historic home offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada’s rich Indigenous roots.

Continue your Indigenous education with a visit to Iroqrafts, a unique store specializing in First Nations arts and crafts. The extensive collection of handmade jewelry, pottery, and traditional artwork will leave you wanting to take home a few souvenirs!

AFTERNOON: PARIS & SIX NATIONS

Follow the Grand River into Paris at lunchtime and discover Cobblestone Public House. In addition to a delicious lunch, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of the river and the town’s beautiful heritage buildings.

After lunch, gather your gang for a colourful fall paddle on the Grand River. Outfitters like Grand Experiences make it easy to get set up with all the gear you need to canoe, kayak or raft your way down the Grand. They’ll even provide a guide if you’d prefer a little extra support.

Pair your paddle with a cozy night in one of the luxurious group camping cabins at Chiefswood Park. The log cabins, set within a beautiful Carolinian forest, have been designed to match authentic local culture and history while providing a rustic yet modern stay.

EVENING: PARIS

After settling in at your cabin, head back to Paris for dinner at Juniper Dining Co. The restaurant also offers takeout if you’d prefer to dine in the comfort of your cozy cabin.

If you’ve timed your trip right, spend the evening taking in a concert, comedy show or other live performance at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts before calling it a night.

DAY 3

MORNING: OHSWEKEN & MILTON

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Burger Barn. In addition to its namesake burgers, which have been featured on Food Network Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here, the restaurant also has delicious breakfast options available all day.

After breakfast, head to Kelso Conservation Area, where you can choose between a leisurely hike or a breathtaking chairlift ride up the Niagara Escarpment to witness the incredible fall colours.

While in this area, a stop at Springridge Farm is a must. Browse the selection of local produce, homemade treats, and unique gifts, and get a taste of what fall on the farm in Ontario is all about!

AFTERNOON: OAKVILLE

For lunch, make your way to Glen Abbey Golf Course for a memorable meal at one of Canada’s most famous golf courses. Your lunch at The 18 is served with a fabulous view of the course’s 18th hole.

Glen Abbey Golf Course

Conclude your trip by exploring Oakville’s Gairloch Gardens, a property filled with meticulously manicured gardens that two different prominent Oakville families once called home.

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Now thru October 31

Pick Your Own Produce at Murphy’s Country Produce

Murphy’s Country Produce Ltd

2040 Guyatt Road, RR # 1, Binbrook, ON, L0R 1C0

Days and Times: Mon to Fri - 7:30am to 7:30pm, Sat & Sun - 7:30am...

Now thru December 31

‘To Market We Go’ – Brantford & Brant

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This Tasty Road Trips Tour is a full-day trip experience with a customized...

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

Now thru October 13

On The Water with Six Nations Tourism

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Season Dates: May 18th to Oct 13th Length: 3 hours. All tours must be booked...

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru October 13

Chiefswood National Historic Site Tours

Chiefswood National Historic Site

1037 Highway 54, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Dates and Times: May 21st to Oct 13th (Tues-Sun) - 10:00am to 4:00pm Cost: Self...

Now thru October 20

Grand River Rafting: Five Oaks Trip (Self-Guided)

Grand River Rafting Company

119 Jennings Rd, Brantford

Date & Times: Various across Seasons and Days Price: $35 to $50 per person depending...

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

Now thru October 20

Sound Bath Meditation Experience

Beachway Park, 1100 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington

Dates: Multiple days throughout the summer Price: Single Pass - $69.95, 3 Pass - $180,...

Now thru October 20

Grand River Rafting: Glen Morris to Paris (Self-Guided)

Grand River Rafting Company

142 West River Road, Brant

Date & Times: Various across Seasons and Days Price: $40 to $60 per person depending...

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Sightseeing Flights

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Prices: vary by flight length

Now thru December 31

Explore Paris Like A Local – A Sweet Escape

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

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