Take a journey through mazes, markets and magical traditions

From exploring forests and farms, picking fall produce and meandering through corn mazes to spooky Halloween adventures and seasonal festivals, Ontario in fall has something for everyone.

Pack the car, load up the kids and go on a family-friendly adventure this year

As summer fades into memory, Ontario transforms into a rich canvas of amber forests, crisp air and seasonal traditions that draw people from all corners of the province, and beyond.

Fall in Ontario offers something for everyone: corn mazes, apple and pumpkin picking, haunted trails and family festivals. These activities reflect Ontario’s deep agricultural roots and the evolving ways in which communities stay connected to the land and one another.

Corn mazes speak to our fascination with adventure. Designed with GPS tools and creative themes, they blend nature, problem-solving and fun in a uniquely interactive way. Apple and pumpkin picking, meanwhile, tie us back to the harvest, a celebration of patience, work and reward.

This is a story not just about destinations, but about experiences that have become essential rites of Ontario’s fall season.

Corn mazes: Twists, turns and traditions

Corn mazes have a rich history, originating from ancient labyrinths that were used by various cultures for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. Over time, the concept of mazes evolved and the idea of creating pathways in fields became a popular attraction. Today, corn mazes are carefully planned using GPS technology and creative designs, turning acres of cornfields into seasonal works of art.

In Eastern Ontario, Fruition Berry Farm in Kingston offers a themed corn maze that is filled with trivia checkpoints and hidden surprises, making it a favourite for both kids and adults. For those seeking a unique evening experience, nearby Wynn Farms in Napanee lights up its Moonlight Maze with lanterns, guiding visitors through towering stalks under the stars.

Further west, Downey’s Farm in Caledon transforms every autumn into a vibrant fall playground with more than 10,000 pumpkins, a corn maze, wagon rides and farm animals. Its PumpkinFest, one of the region’s most popular family festivals, is designed to fill the day with seasonal fun and unforgettable memories.

Pumpkin and apple picking: Harvest your own

Apple and pumpkin picking have deep roots in Ontario’s agricultural heritage, originating from early harvest celebrations during which families gathered fresh produce straight from the farm. These activities have blossomed into beloved fall pastimes that connect visitors with nature, support local farmers and celebrate the changing season.

Set along the historic Rideau Canal, Waddell Apples is a peaceful pick-your-own destination featuring more than 20 apple varieties, including such favourites as Honeycrisp and Cortland. Ideal for a relaxing family outing or a quiet picnic among the trees, Waddell offers a charming and authentic orchard experience.

In Hampton, in Durham Region east of Toronto, Pingle’s Farm Market hosts an annual Harvest Festival that includes pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, an interactive corn maze and Halloween-themed attractions.

Located just outside the Greater Toronto Area in Erin, Erin Hill Acres offers a picturesque pumpkin patch complemented by fall-themed photo ops, wagon rides and plenty of farm fun, making it a vibrant spot to experience classic autumn traditions.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment, Oaklane Orchards in Clarksburg invites guests to pick apples, pears and plums while taking in breathtaking views of Georgian Bay. Nearby, the Open Fields Farm Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore local farms throughout the Blue Mountains, showcasing everything from homemade preserves to sustainable growing practices.

For a delicious way to explore the region, the Apple Pie Trail connects orchards, bakeries, cideries and restaurants celebrating apple-inspired creations.

Haunted trails and Halloween fun

Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions, evolving over centuries into a celebration of costumes, storytelling and the playful embrace of all things spooky.

In Ontario, Halloween is more than just a night – it’s a season filled with festivals, haunted trails and community events that bring families together under the autumn moonlight.

In Waterloo region, the beloved St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market brings Halloween cheer to young visitors with Halloween Kids Day, featuring trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and music-filled fun. Later in October, the St. Jacobs Pumpkin Parade transforms the village into a glowing path of carved jack-o’-lanterns and a festive costume march through town.

At Canada’s Wonderland, Halloween comes in two unforgettable forms. By day, Camp Spooky offers family friendly fun with no scares in sight such as costume parades, trick-or-treating, live shows and themed rides. By night, the park gets terrifying with Halloween Haunt, featuring the all new The Conjuring: Beyond Fear. This intense 20-plus minute immersive experience plunges guests into the chilling world of the horror film after which it was named, complete with state-of-the-art effects.

In Kingston, spine-chilling history comes to life with the Haunted Walks at Fort Henry and Queen’s University. At Fort Henry, the Ghosts of the Fort tour leads brave guests through dimly lit corridors and abandoned jail cells, sharing true tales of ghost sightings and military lore. Meanwhile, the Queen’s University Haunted Walk uncovers eerie campus legends and unexplained happenings, blending storytelling with historical intrigue for a Halloween experience that’s as educational as it is eerie.

Set deep in the woods of Haliburton County, the Haunted Forest Walk in Minden is a volunteer-run Halloween experience like no other. Guests venture along a dark, winding trail filled with eerie soundscapes, costumed actors and well-timed jump scares, all in support of local charities.

Family festivals: Celebrating the season together

Rooted in centuries-old agricultural traditions, fall festivals began as communal celebrations marking the end of the growing season. Communities would gather to share food, music and stories, giving thanks for the harvest and the land. Today, Ontario’s fall festivals carry on that spirit, blending old and new with live entertainment, local food, seasonal décor and family fun.

In Haliburton, the fall season is celebrated with such vibrant community events as the Abbey Gardens Fall Festival, featuring local food vendors, family games, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides and scenic trails.

Colourfest also lights up the village of Haliburton with stunning fall foliage tours, artisan markets, live music and creative workshops, making it a must-visit destination for families and art lovers alike.

Each fall, the Horton Farmers’ Market in St. Thomas celebrates all things to do with pumpkins with Pumpkinfest, a lively community event featuring a pumpkin weigh-off, live music, delicious fall treats and plenty of activities for kids. It’s a true celebration of local flavour and fall spirit.

Held annually in the heart of Blue Mountain Village, the Apple Harvest Festival is a regional favourite celebrating the bounty of the apple season. Expect cider tastings, live music, kids’ activities and artisan markets. As night falls, the village transforms with Agora: Path of Light, an enchanting outdoor trail featuring interactive light installations and soundscapes that guide guests through a magical fall evening experience.

In St. Jacobs, fall kicks off with the Harvest Hoedown, where live country music, line dancing, and local food vendors transform the village into a festive fall celebration. Throughout the season, the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market also hosts themed weekends full of harvest-inspired fun.

For those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, Kingston’s Fall Trolley Tours are a charming way to experience the season. Running through September and October, the tours feature waterfront views, autumn colours and local landmarks, all from the comfort of a cozy trolley.

Fall in Ontario invites a different kind of adventure, one filled with winding corn mazes, scenic wagon rides and the simple joy of picking your own apples or pumpkins.

Remember, fall’s sensory pleasures are best experienced hands-on. So, pack a sweater, charge your camera and make the most of the season’s fleeting magic.

From the Explore Ontario Report, The Globe and Mail