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.


We Look Forward To Seeing You

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

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

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 June 17

STEAM-gineers

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Now thru December 31

Tall Post Craft Cidery Tours & Tastings

Tall Post Craft Cider Company

1170 Hendershot Rd, Hannon, ON L0R 1P0, Canada

August 14 - 18

Afternoon Mixed Media Camp (Ages 7-12): August 14 – August 18

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: August 14 to August 18, TIME: 1PM to 4PM, MEMBER COST: $135.00,...

Now thru December 31

Romance Couples Retreat

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

July 10 - August 4

Theatre Aquarius Summer Drama Program

Theatre Aquarius

190 King William Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A8

"Two sessions, July 10 - July 21 and July 24 - August 8, Monday –...

Now thru December 31

Browndale Farm Tour

Browndale Farm and Market

740 West Dumfries Road, Paris, Ontario

Book on your own time

August 8 - 11

Summer Camp (Ages 7-12): August 8 – August 11

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

AGE: Child, START/END: August 8 to August 11 (four-day week), TIME: 9 AM to 4...

Now thru December 31

Private Paint Nights

studio k2

156 Parkdale Ave N, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 5X2

Contact the studio directly to schedule

Now thru December 31

Scavenger Hunts

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Email: education@artgalleryofhamilton.com

Now thru June 15

Wheel Throwing for Beginners

Art Gallery of Burlington

1333 Lakeshore Road , Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9

Every Thursday from April 27 - June 15, 2023 Time: 7 - 10 PM Member...

Now thru December 31

Activate Game Experience

Activate Burlington

2030 Appleby Line

The price of admission is $25 per player, plus tax. This includes 75 minutes of...

Similar Stories View All >>

Sneaky Spring Savings

5 Ways to Do More & Spend Less On Family Fun This Weekend

Read More

The Best of Spring: Six Ways to Find a Fresh Air Fix

The definitive spring guide to fresh air forays.

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

Read More

A Taste of Indigenous Traditions

Fun new flavourful ways to explore Indigenous culture.

Read More

The Fab Fall Road Trip Roundup

6 Amazing Autumn Drive Destination

Read More

The Last-Minute Camper’s Guide To Finding (and Saving) on a Site

So many fun ways to set up camp!

Read More

The Like That, Try This Guide To Hamilton Halton Brant’s Beer, Wine and Spirits Scene

Stir Up Your Summer Drink Game

Read More

The Only-In-Ontario Summer Road Trip

Can’t-Miss Stops For Your Next Cruise

Read More

Water, Land, Air: Find Unexpected New Ways For Your Family To Play This Summer

Pick A Theme To Find Your Fun

Read More

7 Sensational Stays

Stellar Vacation Rentals

Read More

Can’t-Miss Foodie Getaways

Delicious Restaurant & Room Pairings

Read More

8 Outdoor Activities That Deliver Thrills and Chills In Any Fall Weather

Find late-fall fun.

Read More

Get Travel OffersEvent Details and
Planning Ideas for Your Next Trip

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.