Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean the end of summer fun. Here are some of our favourite ways to keep that relaxed summer vibe flowing a few months longer.
- 1
Go From In The Water To On The Water
While falling temperatures may make rivers and lakes a little too chilly for a dip, fall is an ideal time for a picturesque paddle.
- Book a Grand River canoe, kayak or raft trip with Grand Experiences or Grand River Rafting Company.
- Take a September Sunday morning stand-up paddleboard lesson on Lake Ontario or check out all of the water-based classes and experiences being offered by Ontario Staycation Adventures.
- 2
Find A Patio That Turns Up The Cozy Quotient
Crisp, cool afternoons are the perfect time to pull on a sweater and head out to a patio that has a little extra heat!
- Throw another log on the fire in Scotland with Flux Brewing Company’s crackling outdoor patio fireplaces.
- In Hamilton, Radius has a popular outdoor heated patio where you can enjoy their delicious locally sourced cuisine. Grain & Grit’s Beergarden is another toasty spot.
- 3
Keep On Fishing
While many think of fishing as a summer sport, the fun of reeling in a big catch continues through fall. Be sure to check local fishing season guidelines to see what’s in season.
- Fifty Point, Christie Lake, and Valens Lake Conservation Areas offer excellent fishing.
- Fly Water Guiding’s four-hour Introduction to Fly Fishing and Casting River Course will keep you casting on the shores of the Grand River through November.
- 4
Squeeze In One Last Camping Trip
Be forewarned: a fall camping trip may ruin summer camping for you. Cooler temperatures, fewer bugs and less crowded campgrounds are just a few of the perks of autumn camping.
- Valens Lake Conservation Area offers campsites on a first come, first-served basis after October 13th.
- Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area offers campsites through mid-October.
- Find more last-minute fall camping destination inspiration, read our Getaway Gang article.
- 5
Go Wild!
While a visit to the zoo is a popular summer day trip, fall’s cooler temperatures make it a great time to catch the animals and birds when they have a little more pep in their step.
- Explore African Lion Safari’s seven large Game Reserves through October 13.
- Brantford’s Twin Valley Zoo is open through October.
- Mountsberg Conservation Area’s Raptor Centre Trail allows guests to view owls, eagles, hawks, vultures and more in their outdoor enclosures.
- 6
Behold The Season’s Last Blooms
Take in Canada’s largest botanical garden in all its fall fabulousness. While Royal Botanical Gardens puts on quite the show every fall with late roses and autumn perennials, that’s not all there is to see here. The Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection, Earth Art installations, and other art pieces placed throughout the Gardens make it a wonderful place for an outdoor art excursion.
- 7
Hit The Greens
Whether you’re setting out for the day or looking for one last round of mini putt, fall is a glorious season for golf. Rock Chapel Golf Centre in Dundas has a lovely nine-hole hole executive par three golf course known for its excellent turf conditions, large greens and beautiful design. For those in your group who aren’t feeling up to nine holes, there’s also a natural grass, three-acre, 18-hole miniature golf putting course.
Read this blog post for six other Hamilton Halton Brant fairway favourites, or find a full list of courses across the region here.
- 8
Make A Splash
A quick getaway to a hotel with a swimming pool is a fun way for kids to enjoy a summer activity right through fall.
Autumn is the perfect time to Travel True in Hamilton Halton Brant and create new memories with your favourite people. From incredible natural landscapes for outdoor adventures, like the Niagara Escarpment, Grand River and scenic Lake Ontario shorelines, to fascinating sites that celebrate our country’s past, fun fall festivals and events, and immersive experiences and tours that put you in the heart of all the action, discover the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn escape.
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