Fall Festivities and Activities in the GTA
Its official - our favorite time of year has arrived. After a summer of heatwaves, sweat, and bugs, it is finally nice to feel like we can exist outside without melting away. As the outdoors becomes more pleasant to bear and as the fall colors emerge, the Greater Toronto Area is getting into gear for the fall season. This week, let’s talk about some of the fun fall-themed activities going on in the GTA this season. It is especially timely given that it is Thanksgiving time.
Some of us love the fall for spooky stories. If that’s you, you may love attending a ghost tour of Toronto’s Distillery Historic District. The Haunted Walk gives tours of the picturesque yet allegedly haunted neighborhood. The story is told by Destination Toronto; James Worts, a co-founder of Gooderham and Worts Distillery, died in 1834 and “is said to reappear in spectral form as a ‘comforting, curious presence.’” The tour tells visitors of the souls of distillery cats who worked in the warehouse to prevent mice from eating the goods. Destination Toronto also tells a story of a warehouse worker who spotted someone hanging in the restaurants - this worker did not return to work.
Another spooky event that most people may be expecting is the infamous Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland. This event runs from September 27-November 2 this year from 7pm-12am. If you are over the age of 13, this event is perfect for people who like to be creeped out and jump out of their skin at every turn. Actors dress up in elaborate costumes and makeup and do their best to scare you. According to Canada’s Wonderland’s website, they have 6 walk-through mazes, including demons of the deep, cornstalkers, and spirit manor, just to name a few. They also have 7 scare zones, which seems like a more interactive format with the actors. This event has life shows such as carnival style shows and a disco. Finally, for the people like me who need to locate the food at every event, they offer their “haunt menu.”
If spooky is not your fall vibe, there are less intense activities you can enjoy. One of the most classic Hamilton-area activities for the fall season is the Rockton World’s Fair, hosted by the Rockton Agricultural Society. They have all the quintessential autumn activities you could possibly think of - the Giant Pumpkin Championship, a pie eating contest, the alpaca show, the rabbit show, various cattle shows, horse shows, and more. The fair is hosted this Thanksgiving weekend and makes for the perfect Thanksgiving tradition if you live in the area.
We cannot forget our beloved apple and pumpkin picking. In Caledon, you can find Pumpkinfest at Downey’s Farm. This kid-friendly event runs from September 21st to October 21st this year and includes activities such as barn animal visits, hayrides, duck races, live music, and more. Another great option is Harvest Festival at Pingle’s Farm. This event includes pick your own apples and pumpkins, a corn maze, and Hallowoof, a dog-centred Halloween event that includes dog costume contests, vendors, and pupcakes.
Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm hosts their October Pumpkin Patch Festival which runs every Saturday and Sunday in October, plus Thanksgiving Monday. Activities here include a wagon ride, farm animals, mini putt, a corn maze, a children’s haunted house, and more. Dyment’s also has a market with a bakery that sells all the fall food items you can imagine, plus access to Dyment’s Burgers.
If you would like to rediscover your youth, or just take in a special Canadian tradition, you can pick between football and hockey in your local community. Many high schools and universities will see their football seasons in full swing. It is great fun (and cheap entertainment) to get out and watch your local team. Same with hockey. The seasons are kicking off and you can visit any number of rinks in your local area to see fun and exciting completions between boys and girls of all ages.
This fall has many more activities than those just listed here. Hopefully this gave you some ideas and that you and your family will take advantage of the season’s festivities before they’re gone.