6 Amazing Autumn Drives

Don’t let high gas prices cut road trip fun short this fall. Instead, find a closer-to-home destination filled with activities that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away.

The six perfect autumn drive destinations that follow are just a quick trip away from most of southern Ontario. Each article has helpful links to sensational suggestions for outdoor fun, unexpected attractions, nearby farm finds, cool local shops, craft breweries and cideries in the area, buzzed-about restaurants, and neighbouring towns you can add to your day trip.

Fancy a leisurely fall afternoon exploring unique shops and a fabulous fall cycle followed by an over-the-top meal? Point your vehicle toward the charming towns of DUNDAS and ANCASTER.

Prefer some hip urban exploring with a tasty restaurant row, a farmer’s market that gives St. Lawrence Market a run for its money and a network of waterfalls, underground caves and streams that you have to see to believe? Head to HAMILTON.

If a perfect fall day for you involves digging into the beauty of Canada’s largest botanical garden, setting out on a walking tour filled with historic buildings, scoring a stylish new autumn outfit and then resting your feet on a picture-perfect patio, BURLINGTON beckons.

Add sparkly Lake Ontario views, a fun game of disc golf when it’s time to stretch your legs, and sensational specialty food shops to the menu if you make time for an afternoon of exploring in OAKVILLE.

Stunning Niagara Escarpment vistas, the home of one of Canada’s most beloved authors, incredible outlet shopping and farm-to-table fun that features some of the country’s best baking are in store for you and your crew when you set out for a day of exploring in and around HALTON HILLS.

A road trip through GRAND RIVER COUNTRY offers unexpected finds around every twist and turn, like a lazy paddle along a Canadian heritage river, the chance to spot rare birds, shopping for incredible handmade Indigenous items, and a meal that will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to France.


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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Now thru December 31

Home of #99 Taste Adventure

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

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

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Virtual Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

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 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

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 December 31

Brant Eats

Brant Tourism

31 Mechanic St, Paris, ON N3L 1K1

For your enjoyment all-year round!

Now thru January 5

Ride the RBG Express

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Dates: Available December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Date exceptions: December 25, 26, January...

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

Now thru January 5

Botanical Train Display

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON, L7T 4H4

Mondays to Wednesdays: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (last RBG Centre admission 4...

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,...

Now thru December 22

Dundurn Castle Christmas Evening Tours

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON, L8R 3H1

Dates: December 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ages: All Cost: $45.00 per person....

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