Top 10 Late Summer and Fall Family Experiences North of Toronto

For many, the best time to get out and enjoy the abundant natural, cultural and historic treasures north of Toronto occurs in the late summer and fall.

Here, one can enjoy a leisurely spin around the region without combatting the peak summer crowds that seek out this area’s cornucopia of riches throughout late June and July.

Natural wonders and small-town attractions and activities can be a great focal point for a day trip, quick weekend getaway or an even longer stay.

1. Embrace those last days of summer. The coming weeks offers some of the best weather on the calendar for getting outside. And with two long weekends in the offing, there are plenty of places to explore. Labour Day and Thanksgiving provide ample opportunity to check out someplace new or return to a familiar, much-loved haunt.

* Labour Day Weekend Events
* Thanksgiving Weekend Events
* Events Calendar

2. Take in a festival. There are still plenty of chances to take in a family-friendly weekend event. Blue Mountain Village, for example, features a number of special events throughout the coming weeks. On August 15 and 16, the village hosts Mountain Music, a festival devoted to all things country. A couple of weekends later, the village mixes it up with Funkengruven, a fun festival featuring high-energy music, interactive drumming, groove dancing and even hula hooping.

Festivals include:

Sainte Marie among the Hurons Harvest Festival
Summer Sundown & Fireworks
Apple Harvest Festival

3. Brush up on your history. Whether one’s history bent relishes the story of early French missionaries or those protecting our land during the War of 1812, Huronia Historical Parks offers two must-see destinations. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland features Franco-Ontarian Day on September 25 to celebrate French culture and heritage with special displays and activities followed on October 10 and 11 with the site’s popular Thanksgiving Harvest Festival. The family favourite features pumpkin decorating, seasonal displays, and dozens of artisans. A few kilometres away on the shores of Georgian Bay, Discovery Harbour returns with its popular Haunted Harbour October 22, 23 and 24. The evening event promises a fun and spooky time for the whole family as visitors walk along a candlelit path between the site’s historic properties and meet a range of costumed characters.

Museums & Galleries

Huronia Museum | Dave Beckett Gallery | MacLaren Art Centre

4. Pack up the tent for a fun weekend of camping under the stars. There’s no better time than late August and September to explore Ontario’s most famous park. Algonquin, which also features workshops at its Wildlife Research Station, and other provincial parks throughout the region offers great family-friendly experiences with camping, hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities.

5. Learn about animals and other species at a wildlife centre. Families will love checking out facilities like the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre near Midland. Throughout the summer, the centre’s open late on Saturdays, which marketing and development coordinator Laura Thomas points out is the best time to view wildlife at its most active. The Marsh also boasts one-hour guided canoe and kayak tours led by a naturalist and more than 25 kilometre of trails, including its spectacular boardwalk that reaches out into the heart of the action where kids will get a kick out of using a drip net to see what kinds of little creatures inhabit the area. “There are ample opportunities to view wildlife from the majestic trumpeter swans to the playful river otters,” Thomas says, noting that throughout the summer the facility is hosting the popular Bats of Ontario Exhibit, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum.

6. Head to the beach. With so many lakes and rivers on offer, the region north of Toronto features a plethora of great swimming, canoeing and kayaking possibilities. From collecting rocks and shells along the sandy beaches of Georgian Bay to paddling down a pristine river, there are just so many water-based activities to enjoy.

7. Celebrate the country’s First Nations. The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre holds its 15^th annual POW WOW September 12 and 13. Presented just east of Midland in Sainte-Marie Park, the POW WOW features all types of Native dancers and drummers as well as intertribal dances where everyone is invited to participate in the dance circle. There are also plenty of fun and colourful activities throughout the weekend as well as more than 35 vendors and artisans selling their crafts, jewellery, and foods. 

8. Thank a farmer. Late summer and fall is harvest season for many Ontario fruits and vegetables. What could be more fun than heading to a farmers' market on a cool sunny day and picking out your own pumpkin for decorating or making a delicious pie? Many pumpkin patches also offer hayrides and corn mazes that are sure to delight both the young and young-at-heart. The region also features plenty of apple orchards where visitors can pick an assortment of available homegrown varieties.

9. Head to a resort. Besides several well-known resorts dotting the area, the region features dozens of top-notch resorts offering a wide array of services designed to suit every taste. From the rustic to the luxurious, the area offers sublime getaways with a generous range of activities. Besides an array of water-based activities, many resorts also offer full dining plans along with a bevy of entertainment, sports and leisure activities.

10. Take in nature’s glory at its finest. This could easily be number one on the list since there are few things more spectacular than the vibrant orange, yellow and red hues that envelop the region when the nights become colder and leaves begin to change colour. But whether by bicycle, motorbike or car, there are plenty of backroads that can serve as not only a wonderful way to enjoy the many small towns and villages that dot the landscape, but also to breathe in the fresh air and let one’s eyes capture one of nature’s greatest gifts.

Excited to knock things off this list? Visit our website to find:

Events & Festivals

Fall Leaf Colour Progression Report and Road Trip Ideas

August Getaways & September Getaways & October Getaways

Attactions, Activities & Things To Do

Article written by: A Philips for 400eleven.com