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.

Downtown Hamilton

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.

Ancaster Village

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.

Downtown 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.

Paris Riverfront

This fall is the perfect time to stretch your road trip out a little longer with an overnight stay along the way. 

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Experiences & Tours View All >>

July 1 - October 31

Baby Goats!

Triple C Farm

500 Carluke Road West, Ancaster, ON, Canada, L9G 3L1

Now thru October 31

Guided Drift Boat Trips

Fly Water Guiding

17 Alexander Avenue, Paris, ON N3L 2V6

$595 for one or two anglers, email or call to book

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...

Now thru December 31

Kick Start Experience

iFLY Toronto

2007 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, Ontario, ON, L6H 6P5

2 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 13 flyer(s) per session From $59.99, ''super...

Now thru December 31

Drop-In Art Tour

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L6

Now thru December 31

Figure Painting for Beginners

studio k2

270 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 6N4

Our experiences are offered in studio at The Cotton Factory in Hamilton, ON

June 2 - October 26

Ghost Walks: Downtown Hamilton Tour

Ghost Walks

82 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1A9

Fri Jun 2nd, Fri Jun 16th, Fri Jun 30th, Fri Jul 14th, Fri Aug 4th,...

Now thru August 31

Women on the Water Yoga Package

Burlington Beach Rentals

1084 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S1A2

2023 Start Dates: Wednesdays May 31st OR July 5th 6:45 p.m. August 16 6:15 p.m....

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 June 5

2023 Power Art PA Day​s

Oakville Galleries

1306 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON, L6J 1L6

Friday, 27 January Friday, 17 February Monday, 24 April Monday, 5 June TIME 9 AM...

Now thru November 23

Grand Voyageur (Guided)

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company

115 Grand River Street North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M4

Trip includes all paddling gear, experienced Voyageur Canoe interpretative guide, shuttle service between Paris &...

Now thru December 31

Introduction to Watercolour Printmaking & Sketching

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Pre-book and walk-ins welcome, takes place every wednesday

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