Fall is in the air, and it’s time to plan an excursion to enjoy the best leaf viewing hotspots. Plan to get outside when the forests reach their pinnacle of colour, usually around the beginning of October. Not sure where to go to take in nature’s splendour? There is no shortage of nature destinations, scenic drives, hiking trails and wonderful walks in Hamilton Halton Brant.

  • 1

    Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington

    Experience Carolinian forest in its colourful fall cloak along Royal Botanical Gardens 27 kilometres of walking trails that include over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks and 21 stream crossings. You’ll want to hike both in the Arboretum and along the nature trails. Although leaf viewing choices here are almost endless, don’t miss the Rock Garden in autumn. This unique spot for uncommon perennials, flowering conifers, Japanese maples, ornamental flowering trees and water features displays remarkable fall colours and fantastic textures in the form of berries, seed heads and the colourful foliage of trees and shrubs.

    A different type of colour adorns the garden beds at Laking Garden, where irises pop up on the Lower Terrace and autumn crocus and lily-of-the-field make their way out of the ground, marking the borders of the garden in pink and yellow. Vines, trees and perennials also provide fabulous interest in Hendrie Park. RBG posts fall colour reports and provides a blooms calendar on its website to help you time your visit.

  • 2

    Fall Waterfall Wonder

    Explore some of the hiking trails along the Niagara Escarpment to discover fall waterfall wonders surrounded by beautiful changing foliage. Through November, Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which is home to Tew Falls and Webster Falls and the stunning Dundas Peak, will offer reservations for two-hour hiking windows. Reservations must be made online in advance. Not too far away, you can find Hilton Falls Conservation Area in Burlington, which is home to another spectacular waterfall. Online reservations are also required here for fall visits.

  • Hamilton
    Dundas
    Hamilton
    3

    The Rural Roads of Waterdown and Dundas

    These picturesque towns boast quiet, tree-lined streets that merge into driver-pleasing countryside, with cafés, gourmet shops and farms beckoning along the way. Take Snake Road, a winding, tree-canopied dream for drivers and cyclists that starts in Burlington and leads you to Waterdown.

    Consider a stop at Dyments, a pumpkin patch and farm market in Dundas that sits just past the crest of Sydenham Hill with epic views from the top of the Niagara Escarpment. If you need a warm-up from the autumn chill, Detour Café offers great brunches and the city’s best coffee, located in the heart of Dundas’s quaint retail strip. Read our Fall For Dundas and Ancaster article for more stop suggestions.

  • 4

    The Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail, Halton

    Fall-coloured trees make a walk on the Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment extra enjoyable. The conservation areas of Halton and the Credit Valley are perfect spots to access these famous natural wonders.

    Experience the Niagara Escarpment’s cultural heritage at Limehouse Conservation Area in Halton Hills. Seeing the vibrant red, yellow and orange leaves in one of the last old-growth forests in Ontario is a “natural.” The Bruce Trail and its side trails here take visitors through a variety of Escarpment landscapes. Head to its geological heart at an area known as the “Hole in the Wall,” where ladders cut through fissures in the Escarpment rock.

    Terra Cotta Conservation Area is a trail lover’s paradise with a variety of trails that run through the forests, fields, lakes and ponds of the Niagara Escarpment’s surroundings and let you experience natural settings close to urban and rural developments.

    Spanning roughly one hundred square kilometres across and near the Niagara Escarpment, Rattlesnake Point has bold-faced cliffs, 13 kilometres of trails, and lots of scenic views and lookout points to populate your Instagram account with fall foliage photos.

  • 5

    Eramosa Karst, Stoney Creek

    If you’re looking for an exciting natural adventure on your hunt for fall foliage, head to Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. Filled with underground caves and streams, meadows and forest, it is also home to what is believed to be the largest number of unique karst features in any protected area in the province. Trails, boardwalks and bridges encourage exploration of unique geological formations, including a natural dolomitic limestone bridge and Ontario’s tenth-largest cave. On the outskirts of Stoney Creek, this special watershed area has four kilometres of trails to explore this autumn.

  • 6

    The Grand River, Brant

    Canoe, kayak, or raft the Grand River and enjoy the fall-painted leaves of the surrounding Carolinian forest. Grand Experiences and Grand River Rafting are all great local outfitters that will provide your group with the expert guidance and gear you need for a memorable trip.

    The 2-kilometre Six Nations of the Grand River Nature Trail in Ohsweken takes hikers on a journey through Carolinian forests and is an excellent option for young hikers. Interpretative signs along the route help create an appreciation for the largest single block of Carolinian woodland in Canada.


Find new ways to play in Hamilton Halton Brant this fall. Explore available experiences, take advantage of special offers and discover the amazing events that will be taking place while you’re in town.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

Now thru December 31

Sketching Thursdays

McMaster Museum of Art

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

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

Abstract Painting

270 Sherman Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 6N4

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

Now thru December 31

Coffee & Colours Adult Classes

The Williams Mill Creative Arts Studios

515 Main Street, Glen Williams (Halton Hills), ON, L7G 3S9

Reservation is required for Coffee & Colours. Email paulinegladstone@icloud.com to book and confirm a date...

Now thru December 31

Figure Drawing 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

Now thru December 31

Airborne Experience

iFLY Toronto

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

4 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 6 flyer(s) per session From $89.99, ''super...

Now thru December 1

Winter Greens DIY Urn Planter Workshop

Fora Outdoor Living, 591 Fiddlers Green Road Hamilton, ON L9G 3L1

Dates & Times: Nov 17 & 23, Dec 1, 5:30pm Workshop Cost: $69.99 + Taxes

Now thru December 31

Barn Door Studio Private Workshops

The Barn Door Studio

158 Main St E #156, Milton, ON L9T 1N6

A booking is needed prior to the workshop. To book a private party all they...

Now thru December 31

Visiting Westfield

Westfield Heritage Village

1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON, L0R 1X0

Now thru March 28

Special Exhibition: Sound, Just Sound

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Time: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm Ticket Price: included with regular admission...

Now thru December 31

360 VR Experience

iFLY Toronto

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

3 Flights x 1 Flyer From 1 to 6 flyer(s) 2 flights + 1 addtional...

Similar Stories View All >>

Fall For Each Other: A Romantic Two-Day Road Trip Around Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

A Fresh Fall Family Adventure in Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

Plan a Couples Paddling Getaway You’ll BOTH Love

Plan A Paddling Escape For 2

Read More

The Getaway Gang 6 Ways To Plan An Amazing Last-Minute Camping Trip With Friends

Creative ways to find a campsite.

Read More

Water, Land, Air: Find Unexpected New Ways For Your Family To Play This Summer

Family Fun 3 Ways

Read More

Sunday Funday: 4 Relaxing Ways to Wrap Up The Week

Bringing back the concept of simple Sunday fun.

Read More

Take It Inside

Escape inside for a change.

Read More

Sneaky Spring Savings

5 Ways to Do More & Spend Less On Family Fun This Weekend

Read More

The Best of Spring: Six Ways to Find a Fresh Air Fix

The definitive spring guide to fresh air forays.

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

Read More

The Fab Fall Road Trip Roundup

6 Amazing Autumn Drive Destination

Read More

The Only-In-Ontario Summer Road Trip

Can’t-Miss Stops For Your Next Cruise

Read More

Get Travel OffersEvent Details and
Planning Ideas for Your Next Trip

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.