Toronto in Fall: 23 Best Activities and Events
Autumn is my favourite season in Toronto and I believe it’s the best time to visit the city. The weather is beautiful, the leaves are spectacular, kids have gone back to school, and the crowds have thinned.
Fall in Canada also includes Canadian Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day. If you are considering an autumn vacation, here is my local guide to the best fall activities in Toronto.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here.
Top Things to do in Toronto in Fall
Toronto is full of iconic attractions like the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
These must-see spots are open year-round, including in the fall, and deserve a spot on your Toronto itinerary. That said, fall in Toronto comes with its own unique activities that are perfect for the season.
Here’s my list of can’t-miss fall experiences to make your in September, October or November.
1. Enjoy the Fall Colours Around Toronto
One of the best reasons to visit Toronto in the fall are the many displays of fall colours throughout the city. Parks and residential streets alike burst with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows—it’s truly breathtaking.
Some of my ideal spots for a fall walk or the perfect autumn photo shoot include High Park, Rouge Urban Park, Woodbine Beach, and Riverdale Farm.
Even a simple stroll down a tree-lined residential street will leave you in awe. I always try to spend extra time outdoors in Toronto during this season.
2. Visit Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market
The Evergreen Brickworks is one of my favourite places to unwind in Toronto. This multi-use facility focuses on sustainability and is surrounded by stunning fall colours.
The views of the Toronto from here are incredible, especially in autumn. The Saturday’s farmers market is packed with fresh produce, food, and local vendors.
In the fall you will also find fun autumn activities such as a pumpkin patch, a maze, and many spots for capturing those perfect fall family photos.
3. Visit the Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are one of the prettiest places to visit in Toronto in the fall. The colours are stunning, and the summer crowds are gone.
While Centreville Amusement Park and most restaurants are closed, some cafes remain open on Ward’s Island. Washrooms are always accessible. When visiting the Islands in the autumn, I recommend bringing your bike on the ferry to help you get around.
There are so many things to do on the Islands including walking the boardwalk, admiring the homes on Ward’s Island, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline.
4. Visit the Beaches Neighbourhood
The Beaches neighbourhood is a fantastic spot to enjoy fall in Toronto. There are lots of excellent patio restaurants in the Beaches wrapping up their season and a walk along the boardwalk on a crisp fall day, coffee in hand, is always relaxing!
The Beaches neighbourhood is also very dog-friendly with two large off-leash parks on the beach right at the water.
Kew Gardens is also lovely in the fall. With it’s pretty gardens, family-friendly playgrounds, not to mention the secret fairy doors – it’s a perfect place to enjoy an autumn day in Toronto.
5. Visit One of Toronto’s Many Gardens
Toronto is home to many beautiful gardens that shine during the fall season. Rosetta McClain Gardens, Allan Gardens, and Edwards Gardens are a few of my favourites.
Along with the stunning fall colours, some gardens feature special seasonal displays. You might even spot pretty birds and other wildlife as you explore. These gardens are perfect for a peaceful autumn walk.
6. Visit The Distillery District
The Winter Village and Christmas Market at the Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most popular holiday activities, but it is actually a fantastic spot to visit year-round.
Stroll the cobblestone streets, shop local vendors, and enjoy dining options in this historic Toronto location.
In the autumn, over Thanksgiving weekend, visit the outdoor Fall Market with displays of pumpkins, hay bales, and fall leaves. The distillery is the perfect setting for fall photos and a great place to enjoy the fall weather.
7. Visit Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is a working farm right in the heart of city and its perfect for a fall visit.
This small farm is free to visit and it’s beautiful on a crisp autumn day. If you are looking for something to do with kids, a visit to Riverdale Farm is the perfect choice in the fall.
During your visit you’ll find goats, donkeys, chickens, and more! In October, the farm gets into the Halloween spirit with fun decorations and spooky props. Keep an eye out for the skeletons hanging around the farm!
8. Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland is a fun fall event for teens and young adults. The park transforms with haunted mazes, scare zones, and spooky entertainment.
Many rides, including the big roller coasters, stay open for the event. It can get quite crowded, but the thrilling Halloween atmosphere makes it an entertaining fall activity.
9. Legends of Horror at Casa Loma
Every October, Casa Loma transforms into a theatrical experience with Legends of Horror, ideal for a date night or fun Halloween activity with friends.
This immersive experience allows you to walk a 2 km trail at your own pace. The route winds through the gardens, castle tunnels, and hidden spaces typically closed to the public.
Family Hours are available earlier in the evening, designed for younger children with no live actors or characters.
The experience lasts about an hour and includes a 3D projection show on the castle’s exterior. But even if you don’t attend this evening event, Casa Loma is still worth visiting for its Halloween decorations during the day.
10. Royal Botanical Gardens – Great Pumpkin Trail
The Great Pumpkin Trail at Hendrie Park is a family-friendly fall event perfect for young children. This 1 km loop is lit by the warm glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
The event features live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities, and food trucks at the end of the trail. Snacks and food stations are available along the way. Visitors are also encouraged to wear costumes.
Tickets sell out every year, so buy early, and don’t forget your flashlight—it gets dark out there!
11. RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail – Adults Only
The RBG After Dark: Pumpkin Trail is an adults-only (19+) version of the all-ages Great Pumpkin Trail.
This after-hours event transforms Hendrie Park into a festive Halloween celebration, perfect for a date night!
Enjoy music, entertainment, and pumpkin-themed activities as you stroll the candlelit trail. Food and drinks are available to make it a fun and social evening.
12. Take in a Toronto Sporting Event
Toronto is a great city for sports lovers, especially in the fall. Hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and football are all in action. Some teams are starting their seasons, while others are heading into playoffs.
Our family are huge fans of the Toronto Blue Jays, and they are just wrapping up their season in the early fall. If they are in a playoff run, it can be a really exciting time to catch a game, even if you don’t know much about the sport!
If you enjoy live sports, fall is a great time to catch a game, and tickets are often easy to find for many Toronto sports teams.
13. Discovery Harbour – Pumpkin Inferno
Pumpkin Inferno at Discovery Harbour is a family-friendly event featuring over 5,000 illuminated artificial pumpkins.
This outdoor walk-through experience runs on October evenings and has lots of lights, music, and holiday decorations.
Visitors can enjoy live performances, food trucks, and themed activities. Admission is reasonably priced, making it a great fall outing for all ages.
Take a Fall Day Trip from Toronto
Here are few additional fall activities just a short distance from the city and ideal for a fall day trip from Toronto.
14. Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is another one of my favourite fall activities, with the season running from August to October in Ontario.
There are many excellent farms near Toronto offer pick-your-own experiences, featuring delicious varieties like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, and Northern Spy.
A few of the best spots are Chudleigh’s Apple Farm, Pingles Farm Market, and Downey’s Farm. Growing up in Toronto, I have many fond memories of going apple picking every fall with my family!
15. Visit a Pumpkin Farm
There are many choose-you-own pumpkin farms located within a short drive of Toronto and picking a pumpkin or two is one of favourite fall traditions.
Every Thanksgiving weekend, we’d pick out the perfect pumpkin and enjoy a fun day on the farm. Many pumpkin farms also have other activities such as corn mazes, wagon rides, farm animals, and great food.
A couple of my favourite spots are Downey’s Farm and Pingles Farm—both great options for picking out the perfect pumpkin!
16. Visit Niagara Falls
It’s easy to take a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto, and the fall is an ideal time. Not only is it beautiful, but the smaller crowds make it an ideal time to visit.
The Hornblower boat cruise runs until early November, so even if you visit in the fall you can still ride this famous boat to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.
Fall is also the tail end of the season for many attractions, so it’s an ideal time to experience the beauty without the summer crowds.
17 . Visit a Winery in Niagara Falls
Ontario produces some of the best wine in the world and a visit to one of the many excellent wineries in the Niagara Region makes an ideal fall road trip. Whether you join a wine tour or simply stop by for some food and a drink, the wineries are stunning in the autumn.
With fewer crowds and beautiful weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the scenery and wine. Consider adding a winery visit to a weekend trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an unforgettable fall experience.
18. Walk the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge
The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, about a two-hour drive from Toronto, is a stunning spot to visit in the fall.
Located in Ferris Provincial Park, the bridge offers great views of the surrounding trees and the river, perfect for photos.
Enjoy walking trails along the river for even more scenic views. While in the area, visit local pumpkin farms, explore the Trent-Severn Locks, or stop by Campbellford.
Oh, and don’t miss the Giant Toonie—a 27-foot-high tribute to the iconic Canadian $2 coin!
Toronto Fall Events & Festivals
Toronto also hosts a number of fall events and festivals. These run on specific dates in September, October, and November, but they are worth adding to your list of things to do in the autumn.
19. Watch the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon takes place on October 19, 2025, featuring a 42K course through the downtown core and waterfront.
The race passes through more than a dozen Toronto neighborhoods, each adding its own character and energy.
If you’re not running in the race (like me), grab a chair, find a spot along the route, and cheer on the marathoners as they race through the city. The beautiful fall weather makes it an enjoyable day for everyone.
20. Watch the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, held each September. Showcasing hundreds of Canadian and international films, TIFF attracts celebrities and film enthusiasts alike.
TIFF is a great time for catching some awesome films and celebrity-spotting in Toronto.
21. Attend Nuit Blanche
On October 4, 2025, Toronto’s Nuit Blanche transforms the city into an all-night celebration of contemporary art.
From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., public spaces come alive with over 80 free artworks and installations. It’s a unique opportunity to experience art in unexpected places, from parks to streetscapes, under the glow of Toronto’s fall night sky.
This is truly a unique event on Toronto’s fall calendar.
22. Bring the Kids to Halloween Boo Barn at Riverdale Farm
The Halloween Boo Barn at Riverdale Farm is a perfect fall outing for families with young children.
This fun-filled event includes pumpkin carving, crafts, face painting, and a spooky tour of the “Boo Barn.” It’s an ideal way to enjoy a festive fall weekend together in the city.
23. Attend a Remembrance Day Service
On November 11, Canada observes Remembrance Day to honor the fallen, veterans, and those in active service.
At 11 a.m., pause for two minutes of silence to reflect. Toronto hosts ceremonies at locations across the city, including Old City Hall, Scarborough War Memorial, and Kew Gardens. Don’t forget to wear your poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
Fall Weather in Toronto
Fall weather in Toronto is crisp and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from cool mornings to mild afternoons.
In September, highs often reach the low 20s°C (70s°F), while October and November see cooler days, averaging 10–15°C (50–60°F). Sweater weather is in full swing, perfect for outdoor activities or cozy walks through the city’s colorful streets.
Rain is common, so packing a light jacket or umbrella is a good idea. By late November, there’s often a chill in the air, hinting at winter’s arrival.
Plan a Fall Vacation in Toronto
If you are planning a visit to Toronto, Fall is an ideal time to visit. While there are many things to do in Toronto year-round, autumn is an ideal time to travel to Canada’s largest city.
The weather is excellent, the summer crowds are gone, and there are so many things to see and do. Not to mention, the fall colours bring the city to life!
Before You Go: More Great Things to Do in Toronto in the Fall
For those planning a visit to Toronto, here are some additional articles that may help you plan your ideal vacation to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Best Views of Fall Foliage in Toronto
- Things to do in Toronto for First Time Visitors
- Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting?
- 3 Days in Toronto: The Perfect Toronto Itinerary
- Is the Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Worth it?
- Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting?
- Royal Ontario Museum Toronto Guide
- Why The Well is Toronto’s Newest Must-Visit Downtown Destination
- Toronto’s Graffiti Alley: All You Need to Know
