The Best Fall Activities in Toronto & Beyond

Pumpkins, leaves, and festivals galore — there are lots of things to do in fall all around the GGH! And, with all the gorgeous fall foliage, you’ll definitely be in the mood to get outside and explore. So grab a cozy sweater and a hot beverage, and get ready for an autumn adventure!

The best way to get to all the fall activities in Toronto (and beyond) isn’t stuck in traffic on the highway. It’s taking a relaxing GO ride and enjoying GO Wi-Fi Plus on your way! With a $10 Weekend Pass or a Weekday Group Pass, GO makes your travel fun AND affordable. Don’t forget — kids 12 and under always ride free on GO, so bring them along!

Fall activities in Ontario are waiting for you, just down the track! 

At GO Transit, safety is always our number one priority, and we're actively supporting Operation Lifesaver's Rail Safety Week under the banner "Stop Track Tragedies.".  We know rail safety is a shared responsibility, which is why we work with all stakeholders to continually introduce safety improvements throughout our network as we expand our rail infrastructure and increase GO train service. We have trains that transport passengers between 60 stations covering 11,000 square kms and over 185 level crossings, per year (every day). The need to execute this safely every day is why we are so committed to safety as an inherent value at Metrolinx.

This commitment extends far beyond Rail Safety Week. It's ingrained in our culture. We are proud of our safety record, but we are always seeking improvements. Our MX Transit Safety Officers engage with communities year-round, and we have enhanced station safety with Station Ambassadors and train length information. We encourage everyone to play their part in safety. If you witness an incident, call Transit Safety Dispatch at 1-877-297-0642 or Text ‘HELP’ to 77777 to communicate in real-time with a CPS dispatcher to report or request assistance in the event of an emergency or safety concern. Safety is a core value, and at GO Transit, we are dedicated to keeping you, our passengers, communities, and colleagues safe, every day of the year.

There are so many things to do in Barrie this fall! Take the GO train from Toronto to Barrie for a perfect autumn outing. GO Weekend Passes make it easy to head out for a day trip and enjoy the fresh air, fall colours, and exciting events.

Open Air Dunlop

Dunlop St. in downtown Barrie is closed to cars and open to pedestrians on Saturdays. Bring the kids for free family activities, art, yoga, and circus performances! In October, Open Air Dunlop will include special pop-ups for Thanksgiving and Halloween.

• When: September 17 & 24, October 8 & 29
• Where: Dunlop St. E in downtown Barrie
• Cost: FREE!
• Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Allandale Waterfront GO Station and then take a 15 minute stroll along the waterfront.

Hit the Trails

When the autumn leaves are out, the bike trails and hiking paths are even more beautiful! Get out and see that spectacular fall foliage.

• When: All season!
• Where: Allandale Station Park and the Waterfront Trail
• Cost: FREE!
• Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Allandale Waterfront GO Station. Allandale Station Park is just minutes away, across Lakeshore Drive. 

Barrie Farmers Market

The Barrie Farmers Market has been running since 1846! If you’re visiting Barrie for a day trip on a Saturday this fall, be sure to stop by and pick up some locally grown fruits and vegetables or a homemade baked treat.

• When: Every Saturday, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Where: Outside City Hall, 70 Collier St., Barrie
• Cost: Free to enter
• Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Allandale Waterfront GO Station and then take a 15 minute stroll along the waterfront.

Five Points Theatre

If you’re looking for live performances, you’re in luck! Barrie’s Five Points Theatre is located right in downtown Barrie and you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront on your way there.

• When:
  • Friday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. - Classic Lightfoot Live
  • Friday, September 30 at 8 p.m. - Sin City Illusions
  • Check the website for more event announcements.
• Where: 1 Dunlop St. W, Barrie
• Cost: Varies by event
• Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Allandale Waterfront GO Station and then take a 25 minute stroll along the waterfront.

The local farmers’ markets are brimming with the bountiful fall harvest! Make your dinner extra delicious with some fresh-from-the-farm meats, cheeses, and produce. Be sure to grab some homemade baked goods for a special dessert or Sunday brunch. If you’re feeling ambitious, Toronto farmers’ markets are the perfect place to get larger quantities of high-quality fruits and vegetables to use for winter canning. Finally, walking around the Toronto farmers’ markets is just a fun way to spend a Saturday or Sunday in fall - and GO Weekend Passes make it easy to get there. Here a few of the best farmers’ markets in Toronto and beyond:

St. Lawrence Market 

When you think about the quintessential Toronto farmers’ market, there’s only place that comes to mind - St. Lawrence Market. Here you’ll find 120 vendors, merchants, and artisans located in a beautiful, historic building. St. Lawrence Market is open 6 days/week, but we recommend going on Saturday morning for the best selection of farm fresh goods!

• When: Year round 
  • North/Farmers’ Market: Saturday 5 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • South Market: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Where: 92 - 95 Front St. East, Toronto
• Cost: Free to enter 
• Get There With GO: Travel by GO train or bus to Union Station. Exit the station and walk east along Front St. for approximately 10 minutes.

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Want to take a day trip to Hamilton AND visit a fantastic farmers’ market? You can do both! The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is just a short walk from West Harbour GO Station, making it easy to pick up fresh fruits and veggies while enjoying a day out this autumn.

• When: Year round Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Where: 35 York Boulevard, Hamilton
• Cost: Free to enter 
• Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to West Harbour GO. Walk south on James St. to York Blvd and turn right. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the station. 

Newmarket Farmers’ Market

Head up to Newmarket and visit this quaint farmers’ market that’s filled with fabulous local vendors. When you travel by GO Transit, you’ll get to combine your farmers’ market outing with a short fall hike along a beautiful trail that will lead you to the Newmarket Farmers’ Market.

• When: May - October Saturday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Where: The Riverwalk Commons - Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket
• Cost: Free to enter 
• Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Newmarket GO Station. Enjoy a beautiful and relaxing 15 minute autumn stroll along the Nokiidaa bike trail/Tom Taylor trail. At the end of the trail, turn right onto Timothy St. and then left onto Doug Duncan Drive.

Downsview Park Merchants Market

The Downsview Park Merchants Market promises a great deal on fresh Ontario fruits and vegetables at their north Toronto farmers’ market. The international food court is a great place to grab something to eat while you’re there, too. Offering Jamaican, Chinese, Colombian, Peruvian, Indian, Afghani, and more - you’re sure to enjoy a tasty lunch before you go home to cook dinner with your farm fresh produce!

• When: Year round Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Where: 40 Carl Hall Road, Downsview Park, Toronto
• Cost: Free to enter 
• Get There With GO: Take the Barrie line to Downsview Park GO Station and then it’s just a 5 minute walk via Vitti St. 

Are you starting to plan some DIY projects around the house to keep you busy during the colder months? Head to the Fall Home Show to get some input from the experts! HGTV’s Scott McGillivray can tell you when to DIY and when to leave it to the pros. You can try out some power tools in the DIY Centre and bring your sketches or floor plans for a design consultation. Before you go, be sure to shop the vendor booths and paint a pumpkin to add to your autumn home decor!

• When: September 29 - October 1, 2023
• Where: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
• Cost: General admission: $15

Seniors (ages 65+): $13

Youth (ages 13-17): $12

Children 12 & under: FREE!

GO Combo Ticket: Get roundtrip GO fare to Exhibition GO Station + admission to the Fall Home Show for $21!

PRESTO Perks - Save $4 on regular-priced general admission when you buy tickets online using promocode PRESTO.

Buy your tickets online!

• Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Exhibition GO Station, and then it’s a 7 minute walk down Nova Scotia Ave to Princes’ Blvd. The Enercare Centre is located at 100 Princes’ Blvd.

On September 23, the city will come to life at night with the return of Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s all-night exhibition of contemporary art. Art installations will be focused in 3 areas around the city — Etobicoke, downtown Toronto, and Scarborough — and centred on the theme of Breaking Ground. This year, artists are exploring ideas related to the natural world and art as a way to lead innovation. Whichever exhibition location you’re planning to explore, GO Transit is the safe, convenient, and affordable way to get there and back home again. 

• When: September 23, 2023, 7 pm - 7 am 
• Where: Etobicoke, Downtown Toronto, & Scarborough 
• Cost: FREE!  
• Get There With GO: Nuit Blanch will have Art Installations at various locations across Toronto. Please check the Nuit Blanche Website for up-to-date installation locations, so you don’t miss out. Plan Your trip today!

Looking for some laughs? You’re in luck! Just For Laughs Toronto will have you rolling in your seat at the shows happening September 21 - 30. Grab your tickets to see all your favourite comedians. Hilarious headliners include Leslie Jones, Jonathan Van Ness, Ronnie Chieng, Marlon Wayans and more! You can also use your PRESTO card to get 10% off a Classic Pass that gives you credits for the 42 non-headliner shows.

• When: September 21 - 30, 2023
• Where: Various downtown Toronto venues
• Cost: Headliner Pass: $94 - $204

Classic Pass: $69 - $119

Individual Tickets: starting at $39.50

Buy your tickets or passes online

PRESTO Perk: PRESTO card holders save 10% off a Classic Pass!

• Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then walk or take TTC to the venue.

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

Celebrate Indigenous talent! The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival is the largest presenter of Indigenous screen content, and showcases Film + Video, Digital + Interactive, and Audio media work. The works are created by Indigenous directors, producers, writers, and designers at all levels of experience and represent a variety of themes, genres, and Indigenous languages. You can attend in-person events from Oct 17 - 22, and access the online events from Oct 23 - 29.

• When: October 17 - 29, 2023
• Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto
• Event Cost: Early Bird Ticket Packages (available until Sept 14):

6 Ticket Package - $45

12 Ticket Package - $80

Buy your tickets online!

Status card holders can email boxoffice@imagineNATIVE.org to purchase online tickets with HST exemption. Or, visit the imagineNATIVE box office to purchase tickets in person after Oct 17 (remember to show your status card).

• Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then walk north up University Ave to King St W, or take TTC from Union to St Andrew Station.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is 101 years old this year! We could definitely list 101 reasons why you should GO, but to save some time, we’ll just say that it is THE event for fun fall activities in Toronto! There’s everything from horse shows and agricultural competitions to delicious food and unique entertainment like the popular Global Pet Foods’ SuperDogs. Kids will love the up-close encounters with farm animals and the hands-on activities in the Farm & Play Zone. The Royal has it all!

• When: November 3 - 12, 2023
• Where: Exhibition Place
• Event Cost:  check back for more information
• Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Exhibition GO Station and you’re there!

Find your new favourite films at Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian. The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival showcases films and videos created by Asian-identifying artists from all over the world, and aims to promote appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada. Reel Asian is celebrating its 27th year, and if you’ve never attended before, now is the time to find out what you’ve been missing!

• When: November 8 - 19, 2023
• Where: In-person and Online

• TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto

• Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave, Toronto

• Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St W, Toronto

• 401 Richmond St. W, The Commons, Toronto

• Cost: Individual screenings: $10 - $25

Equity access tickets: $2 off tickets + free daytime screenings for students, seniors, arts workers, and un(der)waged persons.

Digital festival passes: $20 - $50

Find out about all the ticket options!

PRESTO Perk: Use code 'PRESTO15' for 15% off of your Reel Asian membership, which gives you unlimited VOD access during the festival, discounts on tickets, ticket giveaways, and more!

• Get There With GO: Travel by GO bus or train to Union Station and then walk north up University Ave to King St W, or take TTC from Union to St Andrew Station.

The Great Pumpkin Trail

When you’re planning your family-friendly fall activities in Ontario, you won’t want to miss The Great Pumpkin Trail! For a magical evening, head to Royal Botanical Gardens and follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns throughout the Hendrie Valley. Enjoy live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities and fall-inspired treats.

New to this year’s event, guests will venture down a new pathway and emerge upon a mini midway exhibition, featuring rides and inflatables. Dressing up is optional but encouraged!

Pre-purchased tickets are required.

• When: October 20 - 22 & 27 - 29, 2023
• Where: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
• Event Cost: check back for more information
• Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Burlington GO Station and connect to Burlington Transit.

Telling Tales is a children’s book and reading festival held annually at Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. Featuring Canada's finest children’s authors & illustrators, along with local artists, performers, and more. Information on presenters, presentations, books and full schedule is available online at tellingtales.org!

• When: Saturday September 16^th & Sunday September 17^th from 10AM – 4PM
• Where: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
• Event Cost: FREE

• Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Burlington GO Station and connect to Burlington Transit.

Winter Wonders

Yes, it’s still fall, but you can get that first taste of winter magic at the Royal Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders event. Stroll through Hendrie Park and admire the charming lights and interactive displays, along with festive music to really get you in that early holiday spirit. Delicious treats and beverages will keep you feeling toasty despite those first gusts of chilly breeze!

• When: November 20, 2023 - January 7, 2024

• Where: Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington

• Event Cost: check back for more information

• Get There With GO: Take the Lakeshore West line to Burlington GO Station and connect to Burlington Transit.

What happens every year on a Sunday in late November in Toronto? Santa Claus comes to town! Kick off the holiday season at The Original Santa Claus Parade. Nothing sparks excitement like seeing the big guy himself, riding his sleigh through the streets of downtown Toronto. The floats, the music, and the merriment of a parade are fun for people of all ages and backgrounds. So bundle up and bring the whole family to watch the 119th Santa Claus Parade in Toronto!

• When: November 26, 2023 @ 12:30 pm
• Where: Downtown Toronto
• Event Cost: FREE!
• Get There With GO: Travel by GO Transit to Union Station and then walk or use TTC to get to your preferred parade viewing location! Check out the parade route before you GO.

Oktoberfest Kitchener

Thanks for riding with us to Oktoberfest in 2022! Check back next year for 2023 details. Dust off your favourite stein and practice your polka! Canada’s largest Bavarian Festival is back for nine days of music, dancing, Oktoberfest foods, and - of course - beer. Oktoberfest 2022 includes the return of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! Other festival events include the Bavarian Feast, Willkommen Platz, Kidtoberfest, Oktoberfest nights at various Festhallen around Kitchener-Waterloo, and more. Put on your best Oktoberfest outfit, join the festivities, and find out the meaning of “Gemütlichkeit”!  Dust off your favourite stein and practice your polka! Canada’s largest Bavarian Festival is back for nine days of music, dancing, Oktoberfest foods, and - of course - beer. Oktoberfest 2022 includes the return of the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! Other festival events include the Bavarian Feast, Willkommen Platz, Kidtoberfest, Oktoberfest nights at various Festhallen around Kitchener-Waterloo, and more. Put on your best Oktoberfest outfit, join the festivities, and find out the meaning of “Gemütlichkeit”!  

• When: September 23 - October 15, 2022. See the full schedule of events.
• Where: Bingemans at Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, THEMUSEUM at 10 King St. West, Kitchener, Downtown Kitchener at 200 King St. West, Various halls throughout Kitchener-Waterloo. Find your Festallen here!
• Cost: Varies by event. Some events are free. Some halls have a cover charge. 
• Get There With GO: Take the Kitchener line to Kitchener GO Station and then transfer to Grand River Transit to travel to the various Festhallen.

Best Hiking Trails in the Fall

That clear, crisp air and the satisfying sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet — is there any better season for hiking than autumn? It’s a great fall activity with family, friends, or on your own! And, while you might not live close enough to any trails to walk there, you don’t need a car to head out for a hike. GO Transit can take you to some beautiful spots for experiencing the fall foliage in all its glory.

Explore the 6 Best Hiking Trails in Ontario

Best Biking Trails for Fall

Another great way to enjoy the fresh fall air is to go for a bike ride! If you didn’t know that you could bring your bike on GO Transit, we’ve got good news for you and your fall activity plans. Bikes are allowed on GO trains except during weekday rush hour service in the peak direction, and all GO buses can carry up to two bicycles in dedicated bike racks. Best of all, some of the most picturesque bike paths in Ontario are easily accessible by GO Transit!

Find the Best Biking Trails for Fall

Fall Into Savings this Season

Explore all the affordable GO travel options so you can leaf lots of room in your budget for fun fall activities around Ontario!

PRESTO Perks

Your PRESTO card offers savings beyond fare discounts! You can also use it to take advantage of discounted tickets to popular events and attractions, as well as savings at dining locations and more!

$10 Weekend Passes

Go anywhere in the GO network on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday for just $10! A Weekend Pass gives you unlimited travel between two GO stations all day long. Choose your destination for fall fun and GO!

Weekday Group Pass

A day off during the week is the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors and enjoy the fall scenery. Bring your friends and use a Weekday Group Pass so you can all travel together for one low fare!

Youth & Post-Secondary Student Discount

If you’re aged 13-19 or a full-time post-secondary student of any age, don’t pay more for your GO fare this fall! Set your PRESTO card to the Youth or Post-Secondary Student fare to save 40% off the regular adult fare.

Kids GO Free

With school back in session, kids will be itching to get some energy out on the weekends! Keep them busy with all the fun fall activities in Toronto and beyond. The GO ride there is half the fun, and kids 12 and under always ride for free!

Fall Activities are Easy with GO!

With so many fun and exciting things to do in the fall — and a convenient and affordable way to get there — there’s no way you’ll be bored this season. Now GO find your perfect fall adventure!