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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September 22

Fall Harvest: Historic Cooking Workshop

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, ON

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM Cost: $65.00 per person. 14 years of age or older. Pre-registration...

Now thru October 13

A Day of Play: Traditional Indigenous Games

Six Nations Tourism

2498 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0

Season Dates: May 18th to Oct 13th Price: $70.00/person for a group of less than...

Now thru January 1

Woodland Cultural Centre – Self Guided Museum Tour

Woodland Cultural Centre

184 Mohawk Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 5V6

Now thru October 31

Apple Picking At Chudleigh’s Farm 2024

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm

9528 HWY 25, Halton Hills, ON, L9T 2X7

Check out our online apple picking schedule to stay up to date with all varieties...

Now thru December 31

Road to the Ridge: Taste of the Escarpment

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 October 13

Chiefswood National Historic Site Tours

Chiefswood National Historic Site

1037 Highway 54, Ohsweken, ON, N0A 1M0

Dates and Times: May 21st to Oct 13th (Tues-Sun) - 10:00am to 4:00pm Cost: Self...

Now thru October 5

Yoga at the Gardens: Fall

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON, Canada

Dates and Times: Saturdays, Sept 7th to Oct 5th, 10:00am (1 to 2 hours) Registration...

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 October 31

Pick Your Own Apples at Brantview Apples and Cider Farm

Brantview Apples and Cider Farm

225 Howell Road, St. George, ON, N0E 1N0

Dates: September 1st to October 31st Times: Monday-Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm, Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm

Now thru October 20

Grand River Rafting: Glen Morris to Paris (Self-Guided)

Grand River Rafting Company

142 West River Road, Brant

Date & Times: Various across Seasons and Days Price: $40 to $60 per person depending...

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

Now thru October 20

Grand River Rafting: Five Oaks Trip (Self-Guided)

Grand River Rafting Company

119 Jennings Rd, Brantford

Date & Times: Various across Seasons and Days Price: $35 to $50 per person depending...

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