School is back in session, the weather is getting cooler, and the leaves are starting to change colour. That’s when you know fall is here. Personally my favourite season, fall offers plenty of fun things to do, from admiring the colourful scenery to enjoying spooky festivities, and getting in one last outdoor outing before winter arrives. Whether you want to spend your time indoors or outdoors, here are 10 activities to try this fall in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)!
- Visit a Pumpkin Patch
-
đź“ŤDowney’s Farm 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon
There’s nothing that speaks of fall quite like a pumpkin patch. With many across the GTA to explore, my personal favourite is Downey’s Farm in Caledon.
đź“ŤPingle’s Farm 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton
Pingle’s farm in Hampton is another option for pumpkin picking. Both farms offer pumpkins for photos, as well as activities such as mazes and seasonal treats for visitors of all ages to enjoy!Â
- Get Spooked at Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
-
Original photo by Jessica Kouki đź“Ť1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
If you would like to experience Halloween festivities, Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan is for you! During the day on Saturdays and Sundays, Trick or Treats offers Halloween-themed activities for children with fall vibes. By 6 p.m., Halloween Haunt takes over with monsters coming out, six mazes to experience, and other spooky attractions.
Halloween haunt runs Friday to Sunday until Nov. 1! Definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.
- Pumpkinville & Halloween Nights of Lights at CF Sherway Gardens
-
đź“Ť25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Set up outdoors at CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke, this dual pop-up pairs harvest village charm with striking neon visuals.
Pumpkinville is a daytime wonderland built with over 15,000 real pumpkins, along with whimsical pumpkin houses, photo installations, carnival games, and fall treats.
Halloween Nights of Lights features over 1.5 million LED lights synchronized to upbeat seasonal music throughout a glowing, immersive walk-through trail. This makes it a great place to be all day! The event runs from Sept. 25 to Nov. 1, 2026, at CF Sherway Gardens.
- Ride the Chairlift Over Canopy Views at Kelso Conservation Area
-
If you would like to catch the many colours of the season, head to Kelso Conservation Area in Milton. Fall chairlift rides run from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1, on weekends and the Thanksgiving long weekend, weather permitting.
The chairlift takes visitors gently above rolling hills. Once at the summit, you can hike the cliff-edge trails for beautiful views.
- Try a Fall-Themed Drink
-
When temperatures dip, visiting cafés for seasonal drinks and warm pastries is the coziest way to spend a chilly afternoon.
Café 23 on Queen West is known for its secluded back garden patio, located right by Trinity Bellwoods.
NEO Coffee Bar at Bay and College is a minimalist spot offering coffee, Japanese inspired desserts, and outdoor seating.
- Have a Pumpkin Carving Night
-
As a child, the best part of fall was carving out and designing pumpkins. Purchase a pumpkin at your local grocery store or farm, spread out some old newspapers, throw on a spooky soundtrack or autumn playlist, and scoop out your gourds.Â
Instead of throwing out the seeds, place them on a baking sheet with olive oil and sea salt for a warm snack while you carve your designs.Â
- Catch Golden Hour at Riverdale Park East
-
đź“Ť550 Broadview Ave, Toronto
Pack a thermos of warm spiced cider, throw on an oversized sweater, and grab a spot on the grassy hill at Riverdale Park East. Watching the sun set behind Toronto’s downtown skyline while the sky turns pink and the treetops glow rich amber below is one of the most cinematic and classic autumn views in town.
- Spend a Day in UnionvilleÂ
-
đź“Ť170 Main Street Unionville, Markham
If you want a Gilmore Girls-inspired day out, Main Street Unionville in Markham is worth checking out. Fun fact: the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls was filmed here!Â
Lined with preserved 19th century storefronts, historic lampposts, and charming heritage homes, the street is framed by golden maple canopies. Grab a warm chai or hot apple cider from a local bakery, browse the cozy independent shops, and take a peaceful walk around the perimeter trail while watching the leaves reflect on the still water.
- Take a Fall Walk Around High ParkÂ
-
Wrap up the season with a slow, relaxing walk through Toronto’s largest urban green space. Located in west Toronto, High Park has plenty of trails and natural scenery to explore. Bring a camera along to catch the late-afternoon sun filtering through the branches and reflecting off the pond.
- Go Thrifting Downtown
-
Anna Schultz / Her Campus There is nothing more fall than putting together a cute outfit to take photos for your Instagram page! There are many thrift stores around Kensington market and downtown Toronto to explore. Even taking a trip to your local thrift store with a friend and a latte can make for a fun afternoon while looking for new outfit pieces!
With autumn being a season that moves quickly, these are 10 ways to make the most of it before the weather gets colder. From exploring parks and pumpkin patches to getting scared at Halloween Haunt, there is plenty to do around the GTA this year. Now, all that’s left to do is grab a sweater and start exploring!