Hidden gems to explore as the seasons change: Fall Bucket List in SE Ontario
Hidden gems to explore as the seasons change: Fall Bucket List in SEO
If you know, you know: fall edition. Locals know that fall in SEO is a time to savour, slow down and embrace the changing season - they also know that there are a few tucked-away experiences to explore as autumn must-dos each year. These are some of the best places to be in fall across the region! Read on for 24 local hidden gems to craft a unique fall bucket list.
1. Grills Orchard
From a corn maze to peaceful apple picking, Grills is fired up to bring your fall dreams to life. Wander the orchard, enjoy freshly-made fall treats and be amazed at 15 incredible apple varieties here!
2. Taste of County, Quinte West
With two locations in Belleville and Bloomfield, this store has been a staple providing frozen meals and baked goods since the 1990s. Now, visitors can also find unique gifts, home decor and more! Hot tip: we hear the cherry bread, apple cinnamon bread and extra cheesy bread are a fall must-try.
This takes scenic hike to a new level - literally! A short 1 km trail climbs up 97 steps to a scenic tall lookout tower! Another 48 steps on the tower gets you to the top. It’s well worth it: the views of the Trent River Valley are panoramic and stunning.
4. Fina Vista Farm
Picture this: experiencing the fall colours by being among them on the back of a PAso FIno horse! Guided trail rides through the forest and field are perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Go on an arctic adventure at Wynn Farms this fall! The annual corn maze is designed with penguins, polar bears and ice in mind this year. Tour the maze, see the sunflower fields, enjoy the apple harvest! While discovering the farm, solve the puzzles and find activities to take home. Psst! There are always Moonlight Corn Maze times on the schedule here - bring your flashlight and challenge yourself in the dark!
Spend the day on Amherst Island, taking the ferry back and forth. Go birding, see the island’s Irish dry stone walls, explore the beautiful hamlet of Stella, check out fall driving routes and enjoy the animals and the Wool Shed at Topsy Farms.
7. Soar through the leave with Treetop Trekking
Looking for a unique experience to revel in fall? Trek through the fall colours and get a different perspective on the 1000 Islands - propelling through this large canopy adventure and zipline park near Mallorytown. Kids can explore treehouses connected by log bridges, ramps, slide and more in the Treewalk Village, while teens and adults discover courses within the treetops, unique games and challenges, swings, nets and zipping from one treetop platform to the next!
8. Stroll through sunflowers at Tincap Berry Farm
This burst of yellow is hardly mellow - it’s stunning! Explore fields of gorgeous golden flowers with the Sunflower Stroll and then pop into the market barn at Tincap Berry Farm to check out pumpkins, sweet treats, corn, veggies and more. Watch for upcoming select dates in September!
9. Look out over fall at Landon Bay
An easy hike leads to an epic lookout atop a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands.
10. Picking fall all the way at Hall’s Apple Market
Scenic orchards, apple picking, an apple boutique and bakery and even apple decor for days?! Sign us up! It’s the season of everything apple and we’re here for it. Luckily, so is Hall’s Apple Market. Finish the day with a cozy treat or fall flavoured fudge from O’Mally Kourt Fudgery in downtown Brockville!
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
11. Take a hike: Rock Dunder
Explore Rideau Lakes on two feet! With stunning water views, tranquil forests, breathtaking lookouts and peaceful fields to discover, strolling with family and friends is the perfect way to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Take in the crisp air and reflect on the beauty of the Rideau Lakes 275 feet atop Rock Dunder overlooking the Rideau Canal - a perfect vantage point to see the stunning colours next to the crisp blue waters of the Rideau Canal. Another lookout option is at Foley Mountain Conservation Area, with epic views from Spy Rock. Be sure to pick a trail to walk at Foley Mountain, too, and be rewarded by beautiful natural ponds, lakes, beaches, and forest surrounding you.
12. Giddy up to fall riding at Deltawood Farm
Beautiful trails and two stunning lakes are calling - this is a fall trail ride you’ll never forget! Deltawood Farm offers trail rides for up to five people over the age of 10 until December. Book in and experience a family-friendly activity or a romantic adventure for couples through open fields and forest.
13. Drop a line this fall with Fin Freaks in Rideau Lakes
Book a seat in a boat with an experienced guide who knows the water and where the fish are biting this fall! This guided fishing service offers half day and full day adventures within Rideau Lakes. Fin Freaks is family friendly and welcomes kids to enjoy their first fishing experience with them. With more than 30 lakes in the area that are a haven for bass, pike, walleye, trout, pan fish and more, visitors come from across the globe to spend the day fishing in Rideau Lakes. Reel in memories while fall fishing in Rideau Lakes!
14. Fall for some country critters
Take a leisurely stroll to experience amazing animals at Saunders Country Critter Zoo and Sanctuary in North Grenville! From domestic to exotic, the critters here are something to behold in autumn. Kangaroos, lemurs, birds of prey, singing dogs and more are ready for you to fall in love with.
1000 Islands Gananoque
15. Glide through a guided fall kayak tour
With the leaves starting to change, fall is a beautiful time to hit the water on a kayak tour with 1000 Islands Kayaking, complete with island lore, local history, seeing the islands up close and even a quick swim at a quiet cove if the water stays warm enough through the changing of the seasons.
16, Take to the skies this fall: 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
The most spectacular views of the 1000 Islands - from a bird’s eye perspective! Five unique tours will captivate and highlight the fall colours. Feel the thrill of seeing the lush beauty of the St. Lawrence River - grab a loved one and book into the Boldt Castle tour for grand breathtaking views of romance and opulence. An intimate fall experience with personal narration by the pilot!
17. Fall in love with Riva
End the day savouring the season at Riva in Gananoque - housed in a century-old building, Riva is an inviting dining experience that melds local flavours with a menu that celebrates the season. Cozy up the grand fireplace or enjoy a cocktail from the bar! This is where historic charm meets exceptional cuisine.
Prince Edward County
18. Prince Edwards Point Bird Observatory
Birders beware: this gem will leave you wanting to come back! Visiting the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory in fall is an exciting and hands-on County destination. A migration monitoring station that was established 30 years ago, the observatory is the caretaker for the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird Area. This banding site is positioned within two major migratory flyways for birds, making it a vital stopover for waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. The best part? The Observatory is open to the public! This fall, look for Saw-whet Owl banding and viewing nights throughout October.
19. One for all senses: Taste! Community Grown
Relish the harvest to experience the beauty in bounty first-hand. TASTE Community Grown is one of Prince Edward County’s most anticipated wine and culinary day-long festivals, offering the best of local food and drink under one roof. Think farm stand meets comfort food; beer meets cider and wine; live entertainment meets shopping - it’s the best of all worlds. This year it’s taking place on Saturday, September 13 at MacCauley Heritage Park - come celebrate makers, growers, producers, chefs and farmers with this fall gem of an event.
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Prescott Russell
20. Ouimet Farms
This year’s corn maze at Ouimet Farms is a tribute to a Canadian hero: Terry Fox! The maze, pumpkin patch, jumping pillow, pedal karts, slide and more are ready to welcome visitors - open every weekend until the end of October! Be sure to look for fresh fall produce and lots of games, too! Fall family fun starts here.
21. Apples, pumpkins and mums, oh my!
Marlin Orchards & Garden Centre is the perfect place to embrace the spirit of fall, while Avonmore Berry Farm is a popular fall destination with the locals for apples and pumpkins, as well as a children’s play area, wagon rides, and The Pantry for ice cream and baked goodies.
22. Be awestruck at Pumpkininferno
Tour through this spectacular outdoor art exhibit of thousands of handcrafted pumpkins lit at night along a path through Upper Canada Village. Set against this stunning 19th-century heritage village, it makes the nighttime walk through pumpkin scenes shine even brighter.
This treasure of a tour has become a tradition and a staple that generations look forward to each year. Now in its 34th year, Apples & Art takes visitors throughout Cornwall and SDG Counties, including historic sites, local studios and orchards. With more than 40 locations participating, it’s sure to leave an autumn impact.
23. Local favourite, Casa Paolo
Offering Italian cuisine, perfection steaks, chicken and buttery seafood, Casa Paolo is a local choice for an elevated dinner out. It’s cozy for fall with homemade Italian comfort food that’s known in the community as top-notch, with a fabulous atmosphere and warm, caring owners. Settle in for some great eats like Nonna used to make!
Add some colour to your life during harvest season here - plan a cute road trip in South Eastern Ontario this fall!
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