Fall is a great time to do some exploring outside the city. Why not take the stress out of travelling by letting someone else do the driving, and take the bus?Reesor’s Farm Market Whether it’s apple picking at a local orchard, exploring a corn maze, seeing some theatre, or experiencing tastings at an award-winning vineyard, there is plenty to do just a short bus ride outside of the city.
1. Apple Picking
Apple picking is treasured fall pastime, what can be better than a fresh, delicious apple picked directly off the tree and carried home to savour and enjoy. Many pick-your-own places also offer fun activities for kids, and markets where you can stock up on other fresh produce and baked goods.
- Chudleigh’s Apple Farm – Just outside of Milton, ON, Chudleigh’s Apple Farm has become a family tradition for many Torontonians. Depending on the season, they offer many varieties of pick-your-own apples, a kids’ play area, a market, a restaurant, and they even have pony and wagon rides. It is a great place to spend some time in nature, and learn about where our food comes from. If you are looking to plan a larger family or company event, they also offer rooms to host your event.
- Brooks farms in Mount Albert hosts a fall festival that runs every weekend from September to October. At the festival, you can treat your kids to pony rides and a playland among many other exciting things to do. They are a working farm where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables throughout the summer and fall.
2. Corn Mazes
If getting lost in corn mazes is your thing, there are lots of options just outside the city limits.
- Hanes Corn Maze – Located just outside Dundas, ON this family-run corn maze has been in operation for over 19 years! It is a vast 21-acre maze that changes its theme every year. They also have a market bakery and pumpkin patch.
- Reesor’s Farm Market – Just outside of Markham is the corn maze at Reesor’s Farm Market. This is a family-friendly maze that is located right next to the pumpkin patch. On your way out, sample some home-baked pies and grab some fresh produce from the market. Admission to the maze is only $3 a person, and all proceeds go to the Canadian Food Grains Bank for international development work.
3. Fall Theatre
While summer offers lots to see in outdoor theatre festivals, fall is an excellent time to experience the best of world-class theatre just outside the city.
- Stratford Festival – If classical entertainment is more your thing, take a trip to Stratford, ON, just a two-hour drive outside of Toronto. Stratford’s season goes well into the fall. This year’s lineup features everything from critically acclaimed musicals such as Billy Elliot and Little Shop of Horrors, to Shakespeare and even showcases a new adaptation of The Neverending Story. Visit Stratford Festival to book tickets.
- Shaw Festival – in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake you can see world-class theatre, and sample some delicious wine. See their highly-acclaimed production of The Glass Menagerie in the evening and spend the day visiting the surrounding orchards and vineyards.
4. See The Fall Colours
There are many great spots for an autumn hike around Toronto, make a special trip to see the fall colours.
- Rattlesnake Point – just a short drive outside the city in Milton, Rattlesnake Point offers gorgeous views of the Niagara Escarpment and the surrounding countryside. See the turkey vultures glide, hike up to Buffalo Crag lookout point or even spend the night and camp out under the stars.
- Dorset Lookout Tower – if you want to get up and above it all, take a trip to the Dorset Lookout Tower near The Lake of Bays in the Algonquin Highlands. This tower stands 142 metres tall, and gives you a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. For a sneak peek, you can visit their website for a live stream from the top of the tower.
- Dundas Peak – Dundas Peak is less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, but offers some of the most stunning views of the fall colours in the province. Climb to the top of the peak to experience the full view, and also make a stop to see Tew and Webster Falls.
5. Eat, Drink And Party Through Prince Edward County
Only a few hours down the highway brings you Prince Edward County, known for its beaches, wine, and most recently for its excellent music scene.
- Check out amazing touring, and local bands at the Hayloft Dance Hall, a well-known music venue and bar that has made
- Prince Edward County a music destination.
- Sample fantastic local wines and foods at the Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard.
- Visit Sandbank Provincial Park for a relaxing day at the beach. Sunbathe on the white sand, hike along the gorgeous sand dunes or relax and watch the beautiful sunset.
6. Visit St. Jacobs Farmers Market
St. Jacobs is located in the heart of Mennonite country just outside of Waterloo, ON and features a wide variety of farm produce and homemade goods. In the fall, this market is a rainbow of amazing fruits and vegetables and every other kind of food you can think of. There is even a live cow and pig auction on select days. In the village, you can find horse-drawn carriage rides, a theatre, delicious family restaurants, an old fashioned railway, and a great store that makes its own brooms in the traditional way.
7. Take a Hike on the Bruce Peninsula
The Bruce Trail winds from Niagara Falls up to beautiful Tobermory and features some stunning scenery along the way. Over 7000 caves line the route. The Bruce Peninsula is a popular location with lots of crowds in the summer, so fall is an excellent time to visit. Take a hike to The Grotto – a scenic cave containing a pool of crystal clear blue water, located on the Georgian Bay shoreline in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
8. Visit a Lavender Farm
Only 45 minutes outside of Toronto is Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, Ontario’s largest lavender farm. The best time to visit is late summer and early fall. See and smell the gorgeous fields of blue and visit their gift shop. They are open every day until 5 pm. Don’t forget to snap a selfie!
Make your fall a season for adventure. Take your family along, or plan a solo trip. However you decide to travel, Parkinson Coach Lines can get you there safely and stress-free. Take a look at our minibus options for a family outing, or full coach services. Give us a call at (905) 451-4776 to book your bus now.