Fall in Ontario brings out the province’s most vibrant side. The trees glow in shades of crimson, gold, and orange. Farms brim with apples, squash, and pumpkins. Kitchens fill with the scent of roasted root vegetables and baked pies. It is the perfect time to wander scenic roads, visit local farms, and enjoy fresh meals close to where they are grown.
When you head north of Toronto, you can count on towering pine trees that make other colours pop off, lakeside vistas and more that makes the fall that much more beautiful! So, here are three destinations we suggest planning a colour + cravings route around this fall.
Skip Ahead by Destination:
- The Nearby Getaway: Simcoe County (90 mins from the GTA)
- Midway to Magic: Haliburton Highlands (3 hours from the GTA)
- Worth the Distance: Thunder Bay (15 hour drive or under 2 hour flight)
Simcoe County: Farm Fun and Epic Eats
Distance from Toronto: About 90 minutes depending on traffic
Simcoe County lies between the city and the wild, offering rural charm within easy reach of the GTA. Its fields and forests become a patchwork of colour in October. Crisp air carries the scent of apples and leaves, making every turn feel nostalgic. This is a region where food and farming are deeply connected.
Spend a weekend exploring orchards, pumpkin patches and restaurants that celebrate what grows nearby. We’ve paired up a few of our fav pick-your-own experiences with delectable eats to make your planning easier.
Barrie Hill Farms + The KTCHN
Where: Barrie Hill Farms, 2935 Barrie Hill Rd, Springwater, ON (View Map) + The KTCHN, 3000 11 Line N, Oro-Medonte, ON(View Map)
Barrie Hill Farms is a long-standing favourite for fall family outings. Pick apples, pumpkins and berries while enjoying the scenic countryside. Feel like romanticizing the fall a bit? We support that! You can snack on fresh donuts and hot cider from the farm store as you take in the oranges, reds and crimsons that make farm life so beautiful this time of year.
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Afterward, drive to The KTCHN, located in the Braestone Club. Their fall menu highlights Ontario produce with ingredients like squash squash, mushrooms, apples and more. Dive into dishes like porchetta sandwiches with tomato jam, street corn chicken bowls with the season’s last cobs and whipped ricotta with sherry beet coulis. Think warm, inviting flavours that make you want to cozy up. Pair it up with a drink off their signature cocktail list and enjoy!
The setting is tranquil, surrounded by lush golf greens and forests just starting to turn red and gold. It is an ideal reward after a morning of picking and if the weather is warm, the patio is the perfect place to be.
Maxwell Apple Orchards + Tremont Café
Where: Maxwell Orchards, 2697 Concession 10 N Nottawasaga Rd, Collingwood, ON (View Map) + The Tremont Café, 172 Hurontario St. Collingwood, ON (View Map)
Apple picking is one of our favourite fall past times! Maxwell Apple Orchards sits in the highlands near Collingwood and the orchard grows dozens of apple varieties, each with its own harvest window. Not sure what kind to pick?
Friendly staff help you find the perfect pick for baking or snacking. Think everything from Honey Crisp and Ambrosia to Mutsu and Snow Apples(a heritage variety). Starting in early September, guests are invited to pick their own and follow it up in the on-site farm market by shopping a variety of pickled veggies, jams, frozen berries and more.
After you fill your basket, head into town to Tremont Café, located in a beautifully restored heritage building. Its menu features regional ingredients turned into elegant dishes with rustic flair and a delightful cocktail list. While the menu tends to change with the seasons, past favourites have included their Hen of the Woods Maitake Mushroom with porcini ketchup and a sesame-peanut-nori crumble to Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and a classic Steak Frites.
Morrison Pumpkin Patch + The Pine
Where: Morrison Pumpkin Patch, 4449 Simcoe County Rd 124, Collingwood, ON (View Map) + The Pine, 7535 County Rd 9, Creemore, ON (View Map)
Morrison Pumpkin Patch near Collingwood offers classic fall charm and over 30 varieties of pumpkins! Let out your inner kid at heart as you pick the perfect one or take a whack at the on-site corn maze. During the fall season, you can also enjoy “Grandma’s Apple Fritters” made fresh right on site (just keep an eye on social media for when they’re available). You don’t want to miss it!
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Once you have picked your perfect pumpkin, head to the charming village of Creemore (about 20 mins away)for dinner at The Pine. The intimate dining room serves refined seasonal fare made with local ingredients and they’ve racked up quite the reputation! That includes gaining their first Michelin star in 2024.
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Focusing on Canadian cuisine, many of the ingredients you’ll find on the menu are sourced from The Pine’s own family farm and all the proteins are sourced within Canada. While the menu is constantly changing to stay in tune with the seasons, you might find dishes like pumpkin cake, lamb on the half shell and more.
Haliburton Highlands
Distance from Toronto: About 3 hours depending on traffic
The Haliburton Highlands is a rugged region northeast of the city where the Canadian Shield meets mirror-still lakes and dense forests. In fall, the entire landscape transforms into a canvas of red, orange, and yellow set on blue lakes.
Every drive becomes a scenic route. And the food? Just as vibrant as the scenery. The area supports a strong farm-to-table movement and a new wave of passionate chefs. Whether you are hiking, paddling, or driving you will find excellent meals not far from the trail. These stops have plenty of colour and flavour to please!
Juna Restaurant
Where: 210 Highland St, Haliburton, ON (View Map)
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Juna in Minden is a modern Italian bistro with a creative seasonal menu. The restaurant focuses on fresh Ontario produce and locally raised meats. It is known for stylish plates and bold flavours. Having just opened in March of this year, we’re not sure what to expect of the fall season just yet but we know it will involve savoury seasonal pizzas, fresh pasta (linguine with smoked trout, anyone?) and a great selection of Ontario wines.
Juna is just steps away from Head Lake and so after your meal, we recommend heading to Rotary Beach Haliburton to savour the views. The hilly town will be absolutely surrounded by fall foliage if you time things right and we can’t think of a better spot to watch the sun go down.
Eagle View Observation Tower + Sir Sam’s Inn
Where: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake, ON (View Map)
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The lookout off the Eagle View Observation Tower at Sir Sam’s Inn offers one of the best views in the region. A short climb rewards you with panoramic vistas of Eagle Lake and the rolling hills beyond. The surrounding trees turn early here, lighting up the landscape in fiery tones.
After your hike to the top, head to Sir Sam’s Inn for dinner at Twin Fires. The lakeside dining room features hearty dishes with local roots like beets brulé, traditional red pepper rissoto and pomodoro pasta with stuffed burrata. A fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere, especially on chilly October evenings. The combination of view and cuisine makes this a must-visit in the highlands.
Haliburton Post House
Where: 1297 Kashagawigamog Lake Rd, Minden, ON (View Map)
The Haliburton Post House blends boutique lodging with exceptional cuisine and a Feast On® certification that proves their dedication to sourcing local. Tucked along the shores of Kashagawigamog Lake, the views here are spectacular and the accommodations have no shortage of amenities to enjoy it all including paddle boards, kayaks, Muskoka chairs and fire pits.
Meals are offered by reservation only, creating an exclusive dining experience from start to finish that celebrates Ontario growers and producers like Pearl Morissette Winery, Bellwoods Brewery, Ontario-raised duck breast and more.
Expect multi-course menus built around regional ingredients and seasonal produce. Fall flavours shine in dishes like grilled lettuce with Romesco sauce, heirloom beets with apple, celery and birch syrup crème fraiche and sourdough bread with Kawartha butter.
With limited seating and personalized service, the evening feels special from start to finish. The intimate setting invites conversation, relaxation, and lingering over dessert. Every dish tells a story about the place and the people who grow the food.
The Mason Jar
Where: 15436 ON-35, Minden Hills, Ontario (View Map)
Located right at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 118, The Mason Jar in Minden is a cheerful and unpretentious café. Conveniently located near Little Boshkung Lake and Mirror Lake, it’s a great spot to fuel up pre or post swim, even if it is a wee bit chilly this time of year for that!
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Locals and visitors alike love it for hit-the-spot meals that aren’t taking themselves too seriously. Fall visitors stop in after leaf peeping for fun takes on poutine (think Buffalo Blue and Big Mac varieties) as well as dishes like Spicy Basil Pork Power Bowls, smash burgers and crispy buttermilk chicken sandwiches.
The food is simple, hearty and made with care. It feels like visiting a friend’s kitchen, warm and welcoming. Whether you are coming from a paddle or a hike, The Mason Jar will fill your belly and lift your spirits.
Rhubarb Restaurant
Where: 9201 ON-118, Minden, ON (View Map)
Not far away, Rhubarb sits beside Mirror Lake, offering views of the water framed by colourful trees in the windowed dining room. The restaurant is known for its inventive flavours. Their fall menu often includes hearty meals like hot turkey sandwiches near Thanksgiving, spaghetti meatballs with focaccia and chicken liver pate with rhubarb compote from the spring.
The space feels elegant but relaxed, with large windows and soft lighting, giving you the optimal view of the lake. Adjacent to Boshkung Brewing, you can also sample craft beer before your meal. The vibe is lively yet peaceful, just like the surrounding lakes. It is a favourite among returning visitors and weekend road trippers alike.
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is located on the northern shore of Lake Superior, surrounded by forest, waterfalls and wide open skies. In fall, its wild landscape becomes even more dramatic. Hiking trails, rivers and scenic lookouts draw adventurers but the city also boasts a thriving food scene with deep local roots and days that last just a little bit longer.
From family-run farms to downtown kitchens, the connection between land and plate is strong. It is a place where you can break a sweat then enjoy a hot meal minutes later.
Belluz Farms + Red Lion Smokehouse
Where: 752 Candy Mountain Dr, Slate River Valley, ON (View Map) + 16 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
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Belluz Farms is a local favourite for autumn produce. You can pick your own berries or explore rows of squash, kale, colourful heirloom carrots and pumpkins. Come September, you can even cut your own beautiful sunflower bouquet or take a fun kitchen class!
The market also sells homemade preserves, pies and baked treats. As the weather starts to turn, so does the farm into a fun fall wonderland. If you’re travelling with tots in tow, be sure to take them to the pumpkin bowling, wagon rides, corn maze, pumpkin chess or to meet the farm animals!
After a day on the farm, head into downtown Thunder Bay to Red Lion Smokehouse. The restaurant specializes in house-smoked meats like brisket and ribs served with bold sauces and sides. Their beer list features many Northern Ontario brews, perfect for pairing. The space is casual and cozy, ideal for families or groups of friends. It feels like fall inside and out.
Kakabeka Falls + The Eddy
Where: Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map) + 4744 ON-11 #17, Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map)
Kakabeka Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Ontario, cuts through a forest of colour in October. Walk the boardwalks and admire the dramatic drop framed by golden leaves and dark green pines. The sound of rushing water and cool mist set the tone for a perfect fall day (trust us).
Just west of the falls, The Eddy offers comfort food with a local twist. Priding themselves on true from-scratch cooking, the menu boasts their famous Eddy Burger (that’s 2 5Oz patties topped with smoked cheese, bacon onion jam, house roasted garlic and more, reuben sandwiches, poutine with house made gravy and more.
Top it all off with a slice of their homemade pie and a beer from Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Then, kick back to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this roadside stop.
Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Slate River Dairy + Tomlin Subdivision
Where: 611 Boundary Dr, Neebing, ON (View Map); 8 ON-608, Neebing, ON (View Map); 28 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Fancy a bit of dairy? Gouda thing you’ve read this far. Drive out past scenic, golden farm land to begin your flavour journey! Start at Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, famous for their creamy gouda. Sample different varieties and watch the cheesemaking process in action through a viewing window. Think everything from Fenugreek Gouda to Dill Gouda and of course, extra old. While you’re there, you can also shop a selection of Dutch specialties like black liquorice and stroopwaffles.
Next, head down the road to stop at Slate River Dairy for fresh milk, yogurt, and European-style dairy treats. Located on the beautiful Slate River on an expansive farm field, it’s a stunning spot to take in all the fall foliage. We love their creamy chocolate milk and salted butter, perfect for adding to any slice of toast.
Once you have stocked your cooler, head downtown for dinner at Tomlin Subdivision. Located inside of Lakehead Beer Company, this spot is a must-try for their epic Detroit-style pizza, sub sandwiches and snacks on snacks on snacks. From mozza sticks to crispy chicken skins, you can’t beat it. Wash it down with a straight-from-the-bright-tank Lakehead brew and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear!
Gammondale Farms + Bight OR Sweet North Bakery
Where: 426 McCluskey Dr, Slate River Valley, ON (View Map); 802 Fort William Rd. Thunder Bay, ON (View Map); 2201 Sleeping Giant Pkwy Unit 100, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Gammondale Farms offers fall activities for all ages. Navigate the corn maze, visit the pumpkin patch or hop on a hayride. The energy is festive and family-friendly. Come the fall, Pumpkinfest kicks off and the farm really comes to life. Ride on the pumpkin train, walk through the boo barn, try a pumpkin catapult and of course, take advantage of a number of festive photo opps!
Afterward (or before), you have two delicious directions to go. For a quick bite that’s family friendly, Sweet North Bakery serves handmade bagels, gooey cinnamon buns and sandwiches stacked with local flavour. Their breakfast rays are a favourite (think bacon, egg and cheddar wrapped in a soft pastry) as are their weekly cruffin features. We recommend grabbing your meal to go from the drive through and heading down to the waterfront to enjoy!
No kids with you? No worries! If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, try Bight on the waterfront. The view of Lake Superior is stunning, especially at sunset. The menu features modern Canadian fare with regional influences and the patio leads very little to be desired. It is the perfect finale to a colourful day.
While the menu changes regularly, past favs have included their Chicken Kaarage with white kimchi, miso aioli and smoked furikake, their cumin lamb pappardelle and the Pork Chop Scotaditto with beet purée sauce and plum salad.
Can’t Get Enough North?
Check out this delicious blog all about picnic stops and pie shops in Superior Country!
From Picnic Stops to Pie Shops: A Superior Country Road Trip
