Fall for the Foliage this Autumn with GO Transit

As the crisp autumn air slowly enters the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the change of the weather is a sign of something on the horizon: stunning fall foliage. Picture the allure of golden canopies, fiery red leaves, and the ever-changing tapestry of nature spreading its magic across diverse landscapes, all within reach!

Embrace the seasonal spectacle stress-free by experiencing it by train with GO Transit. With GO Transit, you can sit back and relax as the train twists and turns through some of the best foliage in Southern Ontario – from Toronto, to Burlington, Hamilton and Niagara, making the journey as exciting as the destination.

The Weekday Group Pass allows up to five people to travel midweek for a flat rate, perfect for visits to the Toronto Islands or Rouge Hill National Urban Park. For weekends, the Weekend Unlimited Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on the GO network on weekends and holidays, making it ideal for trips where you want to see more than one park in a day! Families can benefit from the Kids GO Free program, where children under 12 can travel free with a paying adult, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the autumn scenery together. If Niagara Falls is on your itinerary, the GO + WEGO Combo Ticket provides round-trip travel on GO Transit and local transport access to experience the breathtaking views. With these options, experiencing the beauty of fall has never been easier or more affordable.

Join us as we unravel the beauty of fall foliage and journey to some of the most enchanting leaf-peeping destinations in Southern Ontario. No matter your travel plans, always check schedules before you travel. Construction or planned track work may affect train service on your line.

Best places to see the fall colours in Toronto

Toronto Islands

As the summer heat fades and the vibrant greenery transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and gold, the Toronto Islands become a serene haven for nature enthusiasts seeking the beauty of fall foliage. Once buzzing with summer activities, the quiet and tranquil atmosphere that descends upon places like Hanlans and Wards Island during the autumn season is truly serene. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and catch the ferry to the Toronto Islands for a day this fall.

Accessing the fall colours of the Toronto Islands is convenient with connections from Union Station and the GO Transit lines. Walk or grab the 509 Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcar from all GO lines terminating at Union Station and experience the stunning fall scenery of the Toronto Islands without the stress of summer crowds.

Rouge National Urban Park

Rouge National Urban Park transforms into a stunning display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as fall arrives. Known as one of the largest urban parks in North America, it features a rich mix of forests, creeks, and farmland, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Ontario. This natural oasis has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history.

High Park

High Park in Toronto has become a must-visit destination. Reaching this urban oasis is easier than ever with GO Transit, making it perfect for families looking to enjoy the season.

High Park is Toronto's largest public park, boasting scenic hiking trails, playgrounds for kids, a dog park, and a charming zoo. Families can indulge in tasty treats at local eateries or enjoy a picnic while soaking in the vibrant fall colours along the beautiful lakefront.

With car-free weekends introduced, families can explore the park in a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment. Quick connections from Bloor GO on the Kitchener Line make High Park easy to get to without a car. TTC connections from Union Station and Exhibition GO stations mean you can spend more time enjoying the park’s natural beauty and less time worrying about parking.

Best places to see the fall colours around Burlington and Hamilton

Burlington Waterfront Trail 

The Burlington Waterfront Trail allows riders to immerse themselves in the breathtaking and unique pattern of fall colours along Lake Ontario. This 3.5km off-road trail from Brant Street Pier at Spencer Smith Park to the Lift Bridge provides a serene and picturesque setting for experiencing the beauty of autumn. Cycling enthusiasts will be thrilled to know they can continue for another 6km along Hamilton's trail, extending the scenic journey even further.

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)

As a nature sanctuary nestled between two very different climate zones, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) offers an incredible display of plant biodiversity, making it the perfect location to witness the changing seasons. You don’t need to be a nature enthusiast to be captivated by the stunning display of autumn colours. Hendrie Park boasts a beautiful collection of roses and companion plants, creating a picturesque setting for enjoying something other than fall hues. As you wander through the garden areas and trails at RBG, you'll be captivated by the stunning hues of the changing leaves, creating an enchanting spectacle of nature's artistry. With 4.5 km of trails and five picturesque lookouts, the trails of Hendrie Valley provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall landscape while still within a stone’s distance of Hamilton.

Don't forget your PRESTO Card! It gets you on board GO Transit and Burlington Transit and saves you 15% off General Adult Admission when you show it at the front office!

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park in Hamilton offers a delightful retreat away from the harsh waves of Lake Ontario. The park features a paved pathway perfect for in-line skating, cycling, walking, and jogging, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the autumn landscape and stay active while doing so! Pack a picnic amidst the stunning scenery as you explore the park, making for a memorable outdoor experience. Don’t have a bike? Take advantage of Sobi, which offers bike sharing and Bird e-scooters, which are great ways to explore the park and nearby trails.

If you are looking for a city adventure, check out the Hamilton Fall Guide, which has more information on things to do in the downtown area.

Best places to see the fall colours near Niagara Falls

Niagara Glen

Who would have thought Niagara Falls, known for the grandeur of the Falls, would feature such a beautiful landscape for leaf-peeping? The Niagara Glen, where the trails wind through rugged terrain, allows you to witness the majestic beauty of the changing leaves up close.

Get ready to embrace the natural splendour of the season as you hike through the enchanting trails of the Niagara Glen – a quick WEGO bus trip from Niagara Falls GO, dropping you in the centre of the park. Pro tip: bundle your GO Transit and WEGO bus fare with a GO + WEGO Combo Ticket!

Floral Showhouse 

If you're looking for a truly unique way to experience the breathtaking fall colours without the adventure of a hanging cable car, look no further than the Floral Showhouse in Niagara Falls. This slow-paced fall destination offers a spellbinding display of whimsical, topiary-like, living sculptures meticulously crafted from thousands of plants in a refined horticultural style. From a colossal dragon to a mystical Pegasus, these masterpieces will ignite your wonder and mesmerize you with fall hues!

Starting the 2^nd week of October, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of fall with the Annual Chrysanthemum Show at the Floral Showhouse. Beginning October 9, step into a world of autumn enchantment as you explore a spectacular array of chrysanthemums that will transport you to a realm of vivid colours, natural wonders and seasonal magic.

Best places to see the fall colours near Barrie

Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail

Witness the stunning fall foliage without the crowds at the Barrie Waterfront Trail. The Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail, spanning 6.71 km, offers a charming route for gravel cyclists to immerse themselves in the breathtaking fall colours while enjoying beautiful views along the west shore of Lake Simcoe. Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to bring their bikes and embark on a scenic ride along this idyllic trail to Orillia, offering a chance to turn back after lunch.

For those craving an extended cycling journey, continue from the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail towards Orillia on the Simcoe Loop. This 28 km abandoned CN rail line allows cyclists to traverse through mesmerizing landscapes, taking in the natural beauty of the fall foliage and indulging in birdwatching amidst the surrounding forests.

Time is ticking: don’t miss the best time to see fall colours!

As autumn sets in across Southern Ontario, nature puts on a breathtaking display of vibrant colours, making it the perfect time for a scenic adventure to witness the stunning fall foliage. The peak foliage in Southern Ontario usually occurs from late September to mid-October, offering only a small window of opportunity to experience the most visually stunning display of autumn colours.

Embarking on a journey this fall with GO Transit is a fantastic way to explore some enchanting destinations across Southern Ontario. Moreover, it's an affordable option, especially with group passes available on weekdays and weekends, GO + WEGO Combo Tickets to Niagara, and Kids GO Free!

Don't miss out on this extraordinary natural spectacle before winter comes and takes the leaves and your autumn adventure away.