--- title: Fall in love with Parks of the St. Lawrence date: 2026-09-03T08:39:00-04:00 author: Rosanne Lake canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/fall-in-love-with-parks-of-the-st-lawrence/" section: Articles --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/188869/BirdSanctuary_Fall_12.jpg) # Fall in love with Parks of the St. Lawrence Rosanne Lake Start the car! Parks of the St. Lawrence is ready to make fall magical. With spellbinding attractions celebrating the harvest and spooky season, unforgettable scenic drives that put the grandeur of the Thousand Islands front and centre, and one-of-a-kind stays surrounded by birdsong and nature, you’ll be talking about this trip time and again. **Dazzle in the dark with PumpkinInferno** Walking around [**PumpkInferno**](https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/event/pumpkinferno/), with the historic streets and paths at Upper Canada Village lit by magical scenes expertly hand-carved into realistic pumpkins, the feeling of fall coziness is within reach. This nighttime walk-through experience brings the whimsy of glowing pumpkins to life in a spectacular display of artistry at Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg. Picture a mesmerizing installation of glowing pumpkins set in an incredible outdoor exhibit lit all night along paths set against a 19th-century backdrop - and you’re just beginning to understand how cool this is. Returning each fall, this award-winning, family-friendly experience is the perfect way to usher in the season. Stroll a self-guided trail illuminated by thousands of realistic pumpkins transforming the historic grounds into a glowing wonderland with more than 20 dazzling exhibits. Since originating the [**PumpkInferno**](https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/event/pumpkinferno/) experience almost 15 years ago, Upper Canada Village has become Ontario’s pre-eminent expert on pumpkin events and artificial pumpkin carving, assembling a talented group of artists who spend four months each year designing and carving thousands of pumpkins to bring this artful exhibit to life. The pumpkins you’ll see along the trail aren’t your average jack-o’-lanterns - they’re each moulded from the shape of a real one, with new displays created alongside returning fan favourites. Look for debuting displays, featuring candy, jungle giants, timeless toys and more! Be enchanted by fall at Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village. From fantasy to phantoms, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission has fall wrapped up in a cozy travel mug. Fan-favourite PumpkinInferno is family-friendly and fun for all ages, while Fort Fright at Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston is all about the fear factor. Want to do it all? Double the magic and get a combo ticket to experience both PumpkinInferno and the Alight at Night Festival coming up in the winter. [***Discover more about this spectacular outdoor art exhibit***](https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/event/pumpkinferno/) *and follow along on Instagram and Facebook @UpperCanadaVill.* **Step into the shadows if you dare…** Fort Fright takes creep to the next level with daunting haunting and stepped-up scariness during the spooky season. See Fort Henry National Historic Site transformed into a living nightmare! This is one of Ontario’s most unique and immersive Halloween attractions - and not for the faint of heart. Set within the fort’s historic limestone walls, tunnels, pathways and interior ditch, guests bear witness to a world of creatures and monsters brought to life by more than 50 movie-quality animatronics, dynamic special effects, immersive sound and lighting and live scare actors. Over almost three decades, [**Fort Fright**](https://www.forthenry.com/event/fort-fright/) has become a cornerstone of Kingston’s Halloween season drawing thrill-seekers from across the province. Look for the new experience called The Following, a haunted maze in the interactive parade square. Complete a trial to join a secret society - while blindfolded! If you’re looking for an extra challenge, try visiting for the Dark Night Experiences on Thursdays, when all attraction lighting is turned off, and Fort Fright is only navigable using a flashlight provided by folks at the Fort. Alongside the scares, brave guests can find other Halloween-inspired activities like interactive puppets, horror movie clips and trivia, games and Tarot card readings. [***Plan your screamfest at Fort Fright***](https://www.forthenry.com/event/fort-fright/) *and follow along on Instagram and Facebook @FortHenry1832.* Combine a visit to Kingston’s iconic 19th-century fortress with a scenic journey through the Thousand Islands! Appreciate the rich history and natural beauty that make this region one of Ontario’s top-notch travel destinations. **Scenic Drive Experience** Roadtrippers take note! The [**Thousand Islands Parkway**](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/get-outdoors/thousand-islands-parkway/) is the quintessential scenic drive. This 37-kilometre path in the heart of the world-renowned Thousand Islands region is easily accessible off Hwy. 401 and hits all the right notes for a memorable side quest. Emerald and blue vistas stretch across the St. Lawrence River and its island clusters, with panoramic landscapes best viewed from multiple spots where you can pull off, sit by the water, take photos, and enjoy the view. Stretching along the northern shoreline of the river between Gananoque and Brockville, the Parkway is unique in that it’s both a scenic route for travellers between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, as well as a popular destination itself. The Thousand Islands Parkway is home to day-use beaches, hiking trails within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, riverfront camping and even adventuring at an aerial [zipline park](https://treetoptrekking.com/parks/1000-islands). Avid cyclists enjoy the route for its long stretches of water views and smooth riding. Imagine pedalling parallel to the St. Lawrence River where blue sky meets cobalt water and the legendary Thousand Islands are over your shoulder! Charming river communities and breathtaking views of the islands fanning out across the river greet visitors and drive home the area's exceptional beauty. *Map out your* [***postcard-worthy scenic drive along the Thousand Islands Parkway***](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/get-outdoors/thousand-islands-parkway/)*!* We know you’ll be hooked, so plan to spend the night at a waterfront campground in the heart of it all! **Home away from home: campgrounds welcoming visitors** [Parks of the St. Lawrence](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/reservations/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24144935232&gbraid=0AAAAA9_UHHf_O-0ut_YcZbnYZypk6zSiE&gclid=CjwKCAjwzNTUBhAjEiwA7zcvWs2udVKY7q-uEFrQZ8f-cpHKM3U7m9JbCZmOauVYJ-FDi3Gn9jHQ-xoCMAAQAvD_BwE) welcomes guests to 10 waterfront campgrounds along the St. Lawrence River, each with its own character, stunning scenery and style of outdoor experience. From shaded tent sites beneath towering pines to coveted waterfront sites and even roofed accommodations and cabins, these campgrounds sit along the Long Sault Parkway or the Thousand Islands Parkway, putting guests in the middle of cycling routes, sandy beaches, paddling, incredible trails, and even majestic islands. Managed by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Parks of the St. Lawrence provides safe, accessible and well-maintained recreational spaces across Eastern Ontario. That is especially true at the campgrounds and parks that support a wide range of outdoor experiences perfect for families, first-time campers and seasoned explorers. What’s more, they are poised to welcome cyclists, with flexible camping options and scenic rest spots so you can recharge, plus dog-friendly stays for pet lovers and a complimentary historic experiences reciprocal pass for gift visitors! That means every camping reservation with Parks of the St. Lawrence includes two adult or senior tickets to Upper Canada Village or Fort Henry for immersive heritage experiences at your camping destination! Think that camping stops just because summer is waning? Think again! Autumn brings vibrant colours, crisp air, cozy campfires and peaceful camping at Parks of the St. Lawrence. Enjoy eastern Ontario’s scenic waterfront with roofed accommodations if you’re looking for a comfortable seasonal escape - and use it as a home base for exploring! Camper cabins offer convenience to make camping a breeze, with beds, mattresses, a fridge, microwave, barbecue and more. All you need to pack is bedding, pillows, dishes and cooking utensils. Be prepared to relax and get cozy. Meadowlark Cabin at [**Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary**](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/camping/bird-sanctuary-campground/) campground sleeps six people and is pet-friendly. This is something to message the group chat about: it also has a diverse range of other [**camping accommodations**](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/roofed-accommodations/) to discover, like Prospector Tents or Adventure Ready Campers, suspended tree tents, walk-in waterfront campsites and even the iconic Robin’s Roost Treehouse. The cabin is a remarkable spot for birding enthusiasts and adds an extra layer of fun for nature-lovers. The sanctuary features woods, wetlands, waterways, goose pasture and cropland, and is home to more than 200 species of waterfowl, raptors, songbirds and more. It’s open year-round- be sure to stop by the welcoming Visitor Center and ask about seasonal programs. Use your eagle eyes at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary to spot migratory waterfowl, seasonal species and birds of prey from your relaxing waterfront site, or on the 8 km of nature trails. A birder’s paradise! *Grab the binoculars and settle in for a unique stay at* [***Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary***](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/camping/bird-sanctuary-campground/) *or look into other* [***roofed accommodations***](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/roofed-accommodations/)*. Keep in touch on Instagram and Facebook @ParksOfTheStLawrence* No matter where fall takes you, Parks of the St. Lawrence is ready to make it memorable! [**Find out about more fun things to do and get outdoors**](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/)**.** READ ALSO - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/139369/DJI_20241017091244_0100_D_2025-09-09-124754_exlm.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure A rainbow of fall colours is coming to South Eastern Ontario ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/a-rainbow-of-fall-colours-is-coming-to-south-eastern-ontario/)