If you’ve ever driven along the QEW from Hamilton to Niagara, you’ve likely gazed at the stretch of Niagara Escarpment that runs parallel to the highway. Fall is a beautiful time to take a day trip detour to spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the scenic views and interesting stops located along this beautiful ridge.

  • Stop 1: Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area

    While Niagara Falls’ powerful cascades may get most of the attention, the waterfall at Devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation Area supplies a more organic, but also impressive experience. The ancient gorge, carved into the stone as prehistoric glacial waters melted, is a stunning place to explore and a perfect place to snap a few fall selfies. The small fee for parking in the on-site lot is well worth the investment!

  • Hamilton
    Punch Bowl Market
    Hamilton

    Stop 2: Punch Bowl Market and Bakery

    Exploring an ancient gorge has been known to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Punch Bowl Market and Bakery is right next door. In addition to the delicious baking you’ll find in the 150-year-old red barn, there is also a fantastic assortment of gourmet gifts and nostalgic toys for those who want to get a head start on their holiday shopping!

  • Stop 3: Ridge Road Lookout

    If you can exercise a little restraint, save your Punch Bowl Market and Bakery goodies to enjoy while taking in the incredible view at the Ridge Road Lookout. You’ll see the parking area on the north side of Ridge Road across from #338 Ridge Road. On a clear day, you can see right across Lake Ontario and make out the Toronto skyline.

  • Stop 4: Erland Lee (Museum) Home

    The Erland Lee House (Museum) Home is perched on the brow of the Escarpment.  Whether you’re a fan of architecture, Canadian history, or just looking for another killer view, this stop delivers! While indoor tours are not available at this time, visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds and gardens.

    The Lee family, who lived on the property for 160 years, played an instrumental role in founding the world’s first Women’s Institute. The history of this important organization is quite fascinating. From the pasteurization of milk to bread being sold in bags and yellow dividing lines on roads, its impact carries on. Architecture buffs will appreciate that the home is an excellent example of Ontario Gothic revival architecture.

  • Stop 5: Ridge Road Winery

    After treating your eyes to the museum’s view, treat your taste buds to a sampling of wines at Ridge Road Winery. The friendly staff will be happy to create a custom tasting based on your wine preferences. Pack a picnic blanket or lawn chairs and order a charcuterie box for some scenic afternoon sipping and snacking.

  • Stop 6: Tall Post Craft Cider

    Next, get a taste for how apples go from bushel to bottle at Tall Post Craft Cider. This scenic orchard, nestled in Stoney Creek, offers a rustic factory-style cidery experience.

  • Stop 7: Murphy’s Country Produce

    As your day begins to wind down, make a stop to pick up some fresh fall produce to enjoy at home. Murphy’s Country Produce, in Binbrook, offers a great variety of pick-your-own produce, including fall pumpkins and squash. There’s also a produce stand if you’d prefer to let someone else do the picking for you. Purchase some of their delicious jams, jellies and honey to help remember your day all winter long.

  • Stop 8: Fletcher Fruit Farms

    Wrap up your day at Fletcher Fruit Farms, a family farm that’s been operating for over 150 years. Sample their delicious hot apple cider and then fill your trunk with fresh fall apples and pears. With 21 different types of apples and eight different kinds of pears, it’s easy to find your favourites. If you’ve got questions about which apple makes the best pie or how to store fruit for the winter, this is the place to ask! They also grow pumpkins and squash and sell delicious local honey.


Don’t forget to share your pictures of your rural adventures with us by tagging them with #hamiltonhaltonbrant.

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Now thru December 31

Trail Mix

Tourism Brantford

Hardy Road, Brantford, ON, Canada

Now thru December 31

Cocktail Class

Manns Distillery

581 West Street Brantford, Ontario

Book on your own time

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Friends & Family

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

10 Flights x 5 Flyers 10 flights to share - Up to 5 people From...

December 3 - 16

Holiday Workshops with Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries

1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON, L6J 1L6

Date & Time: Dec 3rd & 16th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm Workshop Price: Members: $29.75 |...

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360 VR Experience

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

3 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 6 flyer(s) 2 flights + 1 addtional...

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Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. Brewery Tour

Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.

65 Hatt Street, Dundas, ON, L9H 0C1

20 minutes, $15.93 per person

Now thru December 31

Teen & Adult Art Workshops with Stephanie Schirm

The Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios

515 Main Street, Glen Williams (Halton Hills), ON, L7G 3S9

For more information please contact: E: stephanie@stephanieschirm.com T: 647-261-7055 W: www.stephanieschirm.com

Now thru December 31

A Day of Play Experience

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0

Price: $70.00/person for a group of less than 20; $60.00/person for a group of 20...

Now thru December 31

McMaster University Campus Architecture Tour

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6

Requires an off-site internet connection

Now thru December 1

Winter Greens DIY Urn Planter Workshop

Fora Outdoor Living, 591 Fiddlers Green Road Hamilton, ON L9G 3L1

Dates & Times: Nov 17 & 23, Dec 1, 5:30pm Workshop Cost: $69.99 + Taxes

Now thru December 31

Visiting Westfield

Westfield Heritage Village

1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON, L0R 1X0

Now thru December 31

Furnace Room Brewery Tour and Tasting

Furnace Room Brewery

1 Elgin Street, Georgetown, Ontario, L7G 3M2

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