Fall in Love with Niagara: 10 Seasonal Autumn Delights

Autumn is the perfect season to explore all the Niagara Region has to offer. Whether it’s sipping wine at local vineyards, hiking scenic trails, or picking the freshest apples, there’s an abundance of fall activities waiting for you in Niagara.

Bundle up in your coziest sweater, embrace the crisp air, and dive into these must-do fall experiences in Niagara!

Fall is my absolute favourite season, and there’s no better time to visit this beautiful region.

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1. Take a Hike

The Niagara Region has no shortage of hiking trails, and they become even more magical during the fall. Whether you want to chase waterfalls or look for the best viewpoints, there’s a hiking trail for all ages and abilities. 

One of my favourite places to see the changing colours of the escarpment is Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. There is an accessible trail about 10 minutes from the parking lot and it’s free to enter. The views here are unmatched and it’s by far one of the best places to see the fall foliage in Niagara.

Another must-visit fall hiking spot is Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. The historic Glen Elgin Village is so cute during the fall and there are a ton of opportunities for amazing photos. Plus, there are two beautiful waterfalls to check out and it’s a great spot to visit with kids, too!

2. Visit a Winery

An obvious fall activity in the Niagara Region is to visit a winery. It just makes sense! With the area being home to some of the top wineries in Canada, many of which are just a stone’s throw away from one another, Niagara’s wineries offer incredible wine, delicious food, and scenic views.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is the most popular spot for winery tours, but don’t skip out on checking out some of Lincoln’s wineries. I may be biased because I live here (and we are extremely spoiled!), but I think we have some of the best wineries around. Some of my favourites include Stonewall Estates, Megalomaniac, and Vineland Estates. 

September brings the much-anticipated Grape and Wine Festival’s Discovery Pass. This pass grants you the ability to check out 6 different wineries across Niagara and try one of their wines paired with a tasty bite. It’s a great excuse to check out some local wineries you may not have visited and is a perfect date idea, or to do with a group of friends!

3. Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is the perfect fall activity in Niagara! With crisp air and beautiful orchards, it’s a fun way to enjoy the season with family or friends.

The Niagara Region offers 15 apple varieties to choose from, making it easy to find your favourite. Whether you’re planning to bake a pie, make cider, or just enjoy a fresh snack, apple picking is a must-do autumn experience.

Plus, many farms offer delicious treats like fresh pies and fresh-pressed cider! Check out my top picks for where to go apple picking in the Niagara Region.

4. Visit a Farmer’s Market

If you’re not into picking your own produce (because let’s be honest, it’s not always realistic!), visiting farmers’ markets in the Niagara Region is a must for fall!

Even as summer ends, many markets remain open until Thanksgiving, offering a bounty of seasonal fruits and veggies like pumpkins, squash, apples, pears, and brussels sprouts. It’s the perfect place to stock up on fresh produce and grab some fall decor and plants to bring the autumn spirit home with you.

5. Enjoy Fall Festivals & Fairs

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Autumn brings the fun fall events and festivals throughout the Niagara Region. From family-friendly festivals to events themed around Niagara’s wine country, there’s always something happening during the fall months.

• Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival: This annual event is held over Thanksgiving weekend and the funds raised go right back into conservation. You’ll find live entertainment, fun activities for kids, 150+ local vendors, heritage tours through Glen Elgin Village, farm markets, craft beer and wine, delicious food, and more.
• Niagara Grape and Wine Festival: Canada’s oldest and largest wine festival takes place right in St. Catharines! It’s centred around what Niagara is known for – wine! Enjoy free admission in late September and get access to 100+ Niagara wines, 20 culinary partners, live music, yoga, private VIP experiences, and so much more.
• Welland Foodfest: Get your stretchy pants ready for two days of food and wine tasting on Merritt Island! There’s plenty of kids activities and live entertainment, plus free admission!
• Fall fairs: Check out some of the region’s fall fairs, like Wainfleet Fall Fair, Fort Erie Conservation Club Fall Fair, Harvest Pioneer Day (Jordan Village) or Ridgeway Fall Festival.  

6. Sip Some Craft Beer

Fall is the perfect time to explore the craft beer scene! While Niagara is famous for its wine, the area’s breweries have been gaining well-deserved attention in recent years. As the leaves change, local breweries roll out their most creative seasonal offerings, making it an ideal time for a tasting tour. 

Enjoy a crisp fall day on the patio at places like Taps Brewhouse in Niagara Falls, Bench Brewing Company in Beamsville, or The Grist in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can savour unique seasonal brews like spiced pumpkin ale or apple cinnamon beer. Cheers to fall!

7. Visit Haunted Places in Niagara (if you dare!)

Feeling brave? Niagara is home to some seriously spooky spots, making them ideal spots for an autumn adventure. Explore the eerie Screaming Tunnel near Woodend Conservation Area, book a guided paranormal spirit walk at Nelles Manor in Grimsby for an extra dose of chills.

For those who love a good ghost story, Niagara offers several haunted tours this season. Check out a cemetery tour at Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls. Or, join a guided Niagara Dark History tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a thrilling experience! Old Fort Erie is a spooky spot to visit too; there are a lot of creepy tales from employees!

8. Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin 

No fall season is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch!

This classic family tradition is a must-do fall activity, with plenty of farms across the region offering much more than just pumpkins. Whether it’s hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin slingshot (yes, you read that right!) farmers markets, or pumpkin carving demonstrations, you’re in for a full day of autumn fun!

Howells Pumpkin Farm in Thorold and Warner Ranch and Pumpkin Farm in Welland are my top picks for this kind of adventure!

9. Explore Historic Sites

Visiting Niagara’s historic sites in the fall is a perfect way to experience the region’s rich history while enjoying the beauty of the season. Queenston Heights offers stunning views with vibrant fall foliage, where you can explore interpretive plaques detailing the War of 1812 and more.

Take a leisurely stroll through McFarland House in Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Niagara’s oldest buildings, where history comes alive amid the colourful autumn landscape. Don’t miss Old Fort Erie, where you can walk through the storied battlegrounds as the crisp fall air adds an extra layer of atmosphere. These sites offer a peaceful and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls.

10. Cozy up in Niagara’s Charming Towns

The fall is a great time to visit some of the region’s charming towns, since the summer crowds will have thinned out. Niagara-on-the-Lake is always one of my favourite places to visit in the fall; it’s harvest season for the wineries, restaurants have seasonal farm-to-table menu items, there’s lots on offer at Shaw Festival Theatre, and it’s a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

Of course, Niagara Falls is ideal to visit in the shoulder seasons, like fall! You can get some amazing views from the Niagara SkyWheel or Skylon Tower, plus attractions are significantly less busy than they are in the summer.

Jordan Village in Lincoln is another cute town in Niagara that is like a miniature version of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll find art galleries, a museum, yummy bakeries, cozy hotels, and dining options right in the heart of wine country. 

We also love visiting Port Colborne. If the weather is still decent, the stroll along the canal is peaceful and there are lots of cute boutique shops to browse through.

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