7 Reasons to Fall in Love With Fall in the GTA

When the leaves begin turning brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange, it feels like there's no better place to be than the GTA. Ontario, and specifically the Greater Toronto Area, is a popular destination during the fall months because of its breathtaking beauty and wide range of fantastic activities. With the colourful sites, festive fall activities, and cozy vibes, it’s impossible not to fall in love with fall in the GTA. Whether you're just wandering around the urban landscapes by your home in the GTA and taking in the views, or exploring nearby greenspaces, you’ll never be bored in the fall. Here are 7 reasons why we love fall in the GTA!

7 Ways the GTA Shines in the Fall

1. Great Weather

Many people consider fall to be the best time of year. It’s no longer uncomfortably hot outside, but there’s still enough sunlight and warmth to enjoy the outdoors. The cooler days mean sweater weather. You can cozy up in your favourite knit and go for a walk or bundle up with a fuzzy blanket at home. There are also many spots where you can even still enjoy dining al fresco thanks to heated patios! For heated outdoor fall dining with a view, check out these amazing heated rooftop patios in Toronto. 

2. Fall Fairs, Festivals & Events

There are so many exciting fall fairs, harvest festivals, and events to look forward to during the fall season. From fall fairs offering artisan crafts to harvest festivals featuring prized produce to spooky Halloween events, there’s a little something for everyone. 

Here are some events to look out for this fall around the GTA:

Pingle's Harvest Festival

Pingle’s Harvest Festival will be running until October 29th 2023 at Pingle’s Farm Market in Hampton, just a quick drive from The Heights of Harmony. Pingle’s Harvest Festival offers a whole host of activities, including a circus themed corn maze, fall inspired menu, live music, and more. You can also pick your apples, tomatoes, corn, strawberries, and wildflowers, perfect for fall cooking and baking!  

Fun Fall Festival

The Fun Fall Festival at Brooks Farm in Mount Albert is a 30 minute drive from Union Village.  Brooks Farm has been hosting this festival for over a decade now and it has just gotten bigger and better! Until Oct 29th 2023, you can enjoy festival attractions, such as farm animals, wagon rides, a corn maze, live entertainment, a zip line, and more. Be sure to also get a taste of the delicious fall eats, which include homemade donuts.

Pumpkins After Dark

Pumpkins After Dark is Canada’s award-winning Halloween event. It was also named one of the top things to do in Milton in 2021. This must-see Halloween event, driving distance from North Oak in Oakville, is a one-of-a-kind walk-through experience featuring 10,000+ hand carved pumpkins and will be running until October 31st 2023.

Pumpkin Festival

Taking place on October 22nd 2023 from 9am to 2pm at the Uxbridge Farmers’ Market, The Pumpkin Festival is a celebration of all things fall. Head out to experience vendors serving pumpkin and fall-themed goodies, a spooky kid’s scavenger hunt, a petting zoo, face painting, a pumpkin ring toss, and more.

3. Gorgeous Views 

The GTA is taken over by a canopy of gorgeous colours during the fall season. The fall foliage is the perfect backdrop for family photoshoots and Instagram worthy pics. You can stay up to date on where the peak fall colours are by location here so you know the best spots to go to enjoy the fall views.

4. The Best Trails

Fall is the perfect time to hit the trails because the ground is not yet covered over with snow and ice and the views are immaculate. Whether you’re hiking or cycling, you’ll be sure to come across scenic lookout points offering pristine access to those gorgeous views. Here are some of the best hikes to enjoy fall views in the GTA. This list features trails in places like Evergreen Brick Works, which offers views of Toronto’s skyline, and Albion Hills Conservation Park in the Peel Region, so no matter where your Minto Communities GTA home is, you can find a trail to discover!

5. Ontario Parks

Ontario’s parks and greenspaces are great any time of year, but especially in the fall! Another great place to enjoy the fall colours and take advantage of the weather by getting active outdoors is at local and provincial parks in and around the GTA. Up for taking a day trip? Travel to one of these Ontario Parks to take in the views, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy all the greenspace. If you don’t feel like travelling far, you can also hit up a neighbourhood park. 

High Park is a popular fall park destination located in Toronto’s West End, just a drive from Westshore at Longbranch, thanks to its easy fall hikes and children’s zoo and playgrounds. 

In the neighbourhood around North Oak in Oakville, you can head to Bronte Creek Park, which has everything from campgrounds, to a children’s farm, and year-round activities. 

In the neighbourhood around The Heights of Harmony in Oshawa, you can head to Oshawa’s waterfront along Lake Ontario for plenty of green space, forests, and beach views. 

In the neighbourhood around Union Village in Markham, you can head to Rouge Valley Park, which follows the Rouge River along Toogood Pond. 

6. Fall Flavours

Fall flavours offer sugar, spice, and everything nice! Fall is defined by warm spices and comforting flavours, such as apple, cinnamon, chai, and maple, and these flavours make up our favourite fall pastries, pies, dishes, and sips, such as apple cider and of course pumpkin spice lattes. There’s nothing quite like cozying up on a brisk fall day at a local cafe with a soothing drink in your hand. Here are some local cafes in the GTA you can visit to savour the fall flavours. 

Near Westshore, our new community of urban townhomes coming to South Etobicoke this October, head to Fair Grounds Cafè & Roastery.

Near The Heights of Harmony in Oshawa, head to Symposium Cafe and Restaurant. 

Near North Oak in North Oakville, head to Vereda Central Coffee Roasters.

Near 123 Portland in the heart of Toronto’s King West, head to Forget Me Not Café.

Near The Saint at Church and Adelaide in downtown Toronto, head to Versus Coffee.

Near Union Village in Unionville Markham, head to The Bernese Barista, Markham’s very first dog-friendly cafe.

7. Fall Activities

Fall is the season for making unforgettable memories. From apple picking to pumpkin patches and carving to corn mazes, there’s an endless list of family friendly activities that’ll get you outside and enjoying time with your loved ones in the fall. Make the most of the fall season in the GTA with these fun activities! Here are some of our favourites:

There are many different places in the GTA where you can see the salmon run upstream of Ontario's great lakes.

If you love fall because it’s also spooky season, head to Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland or go on a Distillery District ghost tour in downtown Toronto. 

Go apple picking and pick out the best apples for your pies, tarts, and pastries with the whole family.

Get lost in these corn mazes around Toronto.