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.
- 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.
- In Burlington, Joe Dog’s covered, and heated Tiki Bar offers that vacation feel right through fall.
- 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 fall camping destination inspiration in our Happy Campers blog post.
- 5
Go Wild!
While a trip 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 September.
- 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, there’s even more to see this year. This fall, RBG is one of 12 global gardens hosting the Seeing The Invisible exhibit, an all-new augmented reality experience that showcases the work of acclaimed international artists in outdoor garden settings.
- 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.
