Toronto 
Credit: Ram R/Flickr
As the season of leaf-peeping begins, a great opportunity to drive out away from the city and make a quick getaway awaits. Provincial parks, quaint towns, and wonderful geological attractions span around Toronto, offer Toronto locals a chance to see the changing fall colours and get outdoors to bask in the cool air. Here is a list of 25-day trip ideas to see nature come alive in hues of gold and red.
**All places are within 2 hours from Downtown Toronto in ideal traffic conditions**
For more day trip ideas, see: Bucket List Ideas for Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
1. Rockwood Conservation Area [1 Hour from Toronto]
There is something for everybody at Rockwood Conservation Area in Guelph. There are ruins, boardwalks, caves with bats, various hiking trails with pretty steep with cliffs, glacial potholes with water for you to canoe and of course plenty of fall colours.
Where: 161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $3.10 to $7.08
2. Cheltenham Badlands [1 hour from Toronto]
Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon is the perfect day trip to see a provincially significant Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Walk the boardwalk to see brick red coloured badlands. The 60 m boardwalk and viewing platform connect to 0.32 km Cheltenham Badlands Trail. If you want to hike more, walk the 1.33 km section of the Bruce Trail that traverses through the forest. The region boasts of incredible Fall colours and the brick red coloured badlands backdropped by golden hues of autumn provide a fabulous experience.
Where: 1739 Olde Base Line Road, Caledon (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $11.30 per vehicle (Reservations Required)
3. Halton Parks[~ 1 Hour from Toronto]
Halton conservation areas are fabulous in the Fall. Rattlesnake Point, Mount Nemo, and Crawford Lake Conservation Area are all worth a trip or more from GTA.
1. Rattlesnake Point
One of the most stunning destinations in the province, Rattlesnake Point emerges in the fall with incredible colour. On a trip here, you can hike, sleep under the stars, or simply enjoy the view.
Where: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $7.25 to $10.50
2. Mount Nemo
This beautiful nature sanctuary is a fantastic getaway from the city. In the fall, expect to see Turkey Vultures fly past the escarpment and a melange of amazing colors. Mount Nemo is also popular for rock climbing.
Where: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $7.25 to $10.50
Details
3. Crawford Lake Conservation Area [50 minutes from Toronto]
This unique conservation area is full of adventure. It pays homage to First Nations history with the longhouse village. You enjoy fall colours reflected in the eponymous meromictic lake, see wooden carvings along Hide & Seek Trail, see autumn colours of Niagara Escarpment at Nassagaweya Canyon Lookout and more!
Where: 3115 Conservation Rd, Milton (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $7.25 to $10.50
Details
4. Forks of the Credit Provincial Park [1 hour from Toronto]
Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is dotted with places for activity – fish and hike on numerous famed trails in the park, or even horseback ride on the Trans Canada Trail.
Where: 17760 McLaren Rd, Caledon (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Ontario Parks Vehicle Admission ~ $8.50
Details
5. Walker Woods and Glen Major [50 minutes from Toronto]
The Walker Woods and Glen Major complex spans over 1500 hectares on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Here, you will find 47 kilometers of trails that are perfect for horseback riding, cycling, and hiking.
Where: Glen Major, Uxbridge (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Free
Details
6. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area[50 minutes from Toronto]
Perhaps one of the most crowded locations in Ontario after Algonquin Park during Fall might be Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. This beautiful area is home to the famous Dundas Peak, which offers a stunning view of the escarpment, Dundas and Hamilton, and two fabulous waterfalls: Tew Falls and Webster Falls. 
This Fall, you will have to reserve timed tickets for your visit. For Dundas Peak and Tew Falls, you can book the two hour hike experience (1.8 km loop trail system) ticket that will take you to the spectacular view of the falls, hike along Niagara Escarpment to the Dundas Peak.
You will have to book another ticket to see Webster Falls. Your two-hour hike experience features a hike along a trail that takes you to Hamilton’s most iconic waterfalls.
A reservation at Dundas Peak/Tew Falls does not give you entry into Webster Falls, and a Webster Falls booking does not give you entry into Dundas Peak/Tew Falls.
Where:
Dundas Peak/Tew Falls: Parking lot located at 581 Harvest Road, Dundas (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
Webster Falls: Greensville Optimist Park, 277 Brock Road, Dundas (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $5 to $10 (Reservations Required)
Details
7. McMichael Canadian Art Collection [45 minutes from Toronto]
Located on 100 acres of forested land along the Humber River, the McMichael is a major public gallery uniquely devoted to collecting the art of Canada. The McMichael’s permanent collection consists of over 6,500 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists who have contributed to the development of Canadian art.
The gallery is also home to a fabulous Sculpture Garden. With the planted wilderness garden and network of outdoor paths and trails, the Ivan Eyre Sculpture Garden presents a series of installations and outdoor sculptures that are fabulous in the Fall. Beyond the galleries, you can explore 100 acres of forested land in the Humber River Valley – from a ridgetop ‘wilderness garden,’ planted by Robert and Signe McMichael to echo the northern forest beloved of the Group of Seven, to the heritage waterway important to indigenous peoples in this area.
Address: 10365 Islington Avenue, Vaughan (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Grounds: Free; Gallery: $7 to $20
Details
8. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park [1 hour 20 minutes from Toronto]
Located on the picturesque Bruce Trail and filled with diverse flora and fauna, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is best known for its biking and hiking trails that span across the park. Perhaps the best trail for those looking for an instagrammable location is the Cliff Top Trail which will take you past 30 metre cliffs.
Where: 795122 3rd Line E, Orangeville (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Ontario Parks Vehicle Admission ~ $8.50
Details
9. ATV Adventures [2 hours from Toronto]
Explore backcountry roads of Collingwood on an ATV and have an epic outdoor adventure this Fall. Go on a guided heart pumping, mud slinging ride that will surely be one of the highlights of the year!
Where: Collingwood (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $169 & up
Details
10. Luther Marsh [1 hour 45 minutes from Toronto]
This biological wonder is 5900 hectares that encompass wetlands, fields, and forests that act as habitats for an incredible variety of birds, animals, and flora. It is a popular hiking and a great place to enjoy fall bird migration.
Where: 034588 21 Side Road, Grand Valley (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $3.10 to $7.08
Website
11. Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre [1 hour 40 minutes from Toronto]
Located in the heart of Georgian Bay, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a Provincially Significant Wetlands and woodlands protecting 3,000 acres of fabulous nature. Hike the boardwalk through the marsh, enjoying the fall colours of marsh plants and waterfowl, including swans. Also, visit stop at the Birds of Prey Field to meet the centre’s raptors.
Where: 16160 Highway 12 East, Midland (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $9 to $12
Website
12. Niagara-on-the-Lake [1 hour 25 minutes from Toronto]
“The” Wine Country of Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a place with agricultural roots, amazing landmark shops, and a beautiful natural atmosphere. Go for guided wine tasting, food and history tours, and ghost walks this fall.
On the way back home, stop at the Comfort Maple Conservation Area to see the oldest and finest sugar maple tree in Canada to enjoy gorgeous shades of red crowning the 40-metre crown of the tree.
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake/Pelham (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Varies
Credit: DJ.zoom/Flickr
13. Kortright Centre for Conservation [40 minutes from Toronto]
Take a self-guided walk in the beautiful mixed hardwood forests of Vaughan to view the fall colours at their best. Situated on 325 hectares of pristine woodlands, Kortright Centre combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading-edge sustainable education programs and events in Canada. Enjoy over 16 kilometres of breathtaking hiking trails year-round at the Kortright Centre. Explore forests and meadows, follow the boardwalk through the marsh and take in the scenery and wildlife from various lookout points.
Where: 9550 Pine Valley Dr, Woodbridge (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $6.64 to $12.83
14. Hamilton (Waterfalls) [45 minutes from Toronto]
Before winter starts, head to Hamilton and pick from over 100 waterfalls tucked behind the Niagara Escarpment.
Where: Various Locations in Hamilton
How Much: Varies
15. Elora Mill Spa [1 hour 25 minutes from Toronto]
Experience relaxation and reconnection with nature like no other in the heart of Elora – a charming village home to the Elora Gorge. At the Elora Mill Spa, unwind at the cliffside spa and enjoy locally-inspired cuisine while enjoying colours of fall.
Where: 77 West Mill Street, Elora (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Varies
Details
Credit: Elora Mill
16. Royal Botanical Gardens [45 minutes from Toronto]
Awaken all your senses at the Royal Botanical Gardens and get some outdoor time among beautiful flowers and scenic nature trails. In addition to scenic fall views, the garden also hosts fun Halloween and fall-themed events. During “The Great Pumpkin Trail, follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns guiding your way through Hendrie Park and along the South Bridle Trail. Encounter roaming entertainment and other special guests who are ready to share some cool facts about bats, spiders, and of course, PUMPKINS!
Where: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $10 to $18, Special events: Varies
Details
17. Puddicombe Estate Farms and Winery [50 minutes from Toronto]
Visit Puddicombe Estate Farms and Winery to travel through scenic orchards of tender fruit trees and rows of picturesque vineyards throughout the estate 100 acres on a train, pick some apples, taste some wine/cider, have Halloween fun and more!
Where: 1468 Highway #8, Grimsby (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Varies
Details
Credit: Puddicombe Estate Farms and Winery
18. Outdoor Escape Maze (Haunted) [1 hour from Toronto]
If you like escape rooms, then visit Escape Maze in Peterborough. You can play outdoor games where you have to find different stations challenges to complete along the route. They also offer a haunted escape adventure called “The Stalking Dead ” during Halloween. The Halloween edition combines a haunted house with actors and interactive elements with the escape room concept.
Address: 156 Cedar Bank Road, Peterborough (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $32.75 plus tax.
Details
19. Scenic Caves [2 hours ]
If you are in search of one place in Ontario for the whole family – from grandparents to teenagers and toddlers – then you should consider visiting Scenic Caves in Blue Mountains. From caves for your teens to mini-train tours for grandparents and grandchildren to fun walks across Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge.
Address: 260 Scenic Caves Rd, The Blue Mountains (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $30 to $33
Details
20. Apple Orchards [50 minutes from Toronto]
There are plenty of Apple Orchards that offer a variety of apples for picking. Spanning late August to mid-October, you’ll find various farm fun activities, including wagon rides and fall treats at farms across the GTA.
Where: Various Locations Across GTA
21. Pickering Museum Village [ 30 minutes from Toronto]
Nestled on the banks of Duffins Creek, Pickering Museum Village is the largest living history pioneer village in Durham Region, consisting of 19 heritage buildings from 1810-1920, gardens, and orchards.
During Fall season, you can participate in Escape the Cabin, which immerses participants in 1837’s Upper Canada Rebellion scenario, where they play rebels on the run seeking refuge in Mr. Smith’s cabin. Meanwhile, the Pickering Ghost Walk offers a lantern-led, spooky tour sharing paranormal investigations and tragic local stories.
Where: Concession Road 6, Greenwood (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Varies
Credit: Pickering Museum Village
22. Kawartha Lakes Arts and Heritage Trail [2 hours from Toronto]
Do Christmas shopping and a Fall colour tour by visiting artists in the Kawartha Lakes Region. Discover the hidden artistic gems and rich heritage spots by touring artisan studios, galleries, craft shops and nature spots. Craft your own tour route and take in the diversity of art expression in the region.
Where: Various Studios, Kawartha Lakes
How Much: Free
23. Triple Crown Fall Colours Cruises [1 hour 40 minutes from Toronto]
Explore the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway aboard The Island Princess. Discover the unbelievable beauty of this remote region of the Kawarthas. Departing from Little Lake, this 3-hour cruise travels northbound up and over the World’s Highest Hydraulic Liftlock and up to Trent University.
Where: 92 George St N, Peterborough (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: $46.50
Website
24. Port Hope Salmon Run [1 h 15 minutes from Toronto]
Ganaraska River, which runs through Port Hope, is one of the best places to watch silvery coho salmon and migratory brown trout jump up the fish ladder – Ganaraska River Fishway, constructed to help fish get past Corbett’s Dam. Exit Hwy 401 at exit 464 and head to Jocelyn Street, turn right and follow it until you meet the Ganaraska River where you can experience the wonder of migration.
Where: 2 McKibbon St, Port Hope (Directions/Distance From Your Location)
How Much: Free
25. Corn Mazes [Various]
Get lost at world-famous corn mazes or at the one nearest to you for a memorable experience with the family or your bestie. Navigating a corn maze is also a fun date idea. Most of these farms also have a whole bunch of other great activities, so you can enjoy the entire day picking pumpkins, milking goats, cuddling bunnies, and so much more!
For more Nature Trips and Hikes, see:
26 of the Best Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Halton Region
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27 of the Best Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Peel Region
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27 of the Best Hiking Spots & Nature Parks in the Durham Region
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25 of the Best Hiking Spots & Nature Parks in York Region
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50 Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and around GTA
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