As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures start to cool, Toronto comes alive with a wide variety of fall activities. Whether you’re a foodie, sports enthusiast, nature lover, or thrill seeker, this city has something to offer for everyone. From festivals and farmers’ markets to haunted houses and walking tours, here’s a guide to the best fall activities to enjoy in Toronto this season.
Image: Kensington Market BIA
1. Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market (Ending October 29th)
If you haven’t already experienced Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market, be sure to check it out before the season ends. On the last Sunday of each month from May to October, the streets of Toronto’s coolest neighbourhood close to vehicles, transforming the streets into an open-air festival. Explore unique shops, art galleries, and jewellery vendors while indulging in delicious foods from all corners of the globe. The live music performances add to the festive vibe, making this the perfect way to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon.
2. Cheer for Toronto’s Local Sports Teams
With the fall season kicking off, it’s the perfect time to get behind two of Toronto’s most beloved sports teams as they embark on another exciting season.
Toronto Raptors: The 2024-2025 NBA season kicks off on October 22nd, with the Raptors’ home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers taking place on October 23rd.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Hockey season begins on October 9th with the Leafs facing off against their long-time rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.
3. Explore Toronto with Fall Walking and Bike Tours
As the temperatures cool, fall is the perfect time to explore the city’s neighbourhoods and historic areas. There are several tours to help you get to know Toronto better:
ROM Walks (Ending in October): Led by knowledgeable guides, these walking tours take you through some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, offering insights into Toronto’s rich history, architecture, and art. Each walk reveals a different facet of the city, perfect for curious locals and visitors alike.
Kensington Market: Taste of the World Food Tour: This small group tour is a must for food lovers. Explore the culinary delights of one of Toronto’s most multicultural neighbourhoods, with tastings from various vendors.
Heart of Downtown Toronto Bike Tour by Toronto Bicycle Tours: This bike tour offers a unique perspective of Toronto’s downtown core. Led by a local guide, you’ll cycle past iconic landmarks while hearing stories about the city’s history and culture.
Image (Left): Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market
4. Stock Up on Fall Veggies at Toronto’s Farmers’ Markets
There’s nothing like fresh fall produce, and Toronto’s farmers’ markets are the perfect place to stock up.
Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market (Ending October 29th): This popular weekly market offers a wide range of local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious treats. Held in the iconic Trinity Bellwoods Park, it’s a great spot for a fall stroll while picking up fresh veggies.
St. Lawrence Market: Known as one of the best food markets in the world, St. Lawrence Market is a Toronto institution. Visit on Saturdays to explore the Farmers’ Market, where local vendors offer everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to baked goods, cheeses, and handcrafted products.
Leslieville Farmers’ Market (Ending November 3rd): Another local favourite, the Leslieville Farmers’ Market offers a wide selection of farm-fresh produce, meats, and artisan products. It’s a great place to grab your fall veggies and enjoy the community spirit.
Image: The Haunted Walk
5. Enjoy Spooky Halloween Activities
Fall in Toronto wouldn’t be complete without some spooky fun. Check out these thrilling Halloween-themed activities:
Legends of Horror at Casa Loma: Casa Loma transforms into a haunted experience, offering a 2-kilometre trail through the castle’s eerie tunnels and hidden spaces. This immersive theatrical journey is a must for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts.
Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland: Canada’s largest Halloween event returns with haunted mazes, scare zones, monsters, and terrifying rides. For adrenaline junkies, this is the ultimate fall activity.
Pumpkinville: This interactive pop-up in Toronto is all about pumpkins. With intricate pumpkin sculptures, a pumpkin patch, night-time lights display, midway rides, and Instagram-worthy setups, Pumpkinville is a family-friendly and festive fall event.
Ghost Tours: Dive into Toronto’s dark history with ghost tours that take you through haunted locations and tell spine-chilling stories of the city’s paranormal past.
Evil Dead The Musical: If you’re looking for a thrilling yet hilarious night out, Evil Dead The Musical is a must-see. Combining elements from the cult classic films The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness, this theatrical experience delivers laughter, scares, and a wild splatter zone (so be prepared to get covered in fake blood!).
6. Visit a Farm for Apples and Pumpkins
Embrace the harvest season by visiting one of Toronto’s nearby farms for apple picking and pumpkin hunting.
Chudleigh’s: Pick your own apples, explore the pumpkin patch, and meet friendly farm animals. Enjoy a walk on the trails and warm up by the fire pit for the ultimate fall farm experience.
Downey’s Farm: Head to Downey’s for their annual Pumpkinfest, corn maze, wagon rides, and fresh-baked fall treats. It’s a great place for a family day out.
Albion Orchards: One of the best spots for apple picking, Albion Orchards also offers a charming pumpkin patch and a country market stocked with delicious fall goodies.
7. Take a Fall Walk and Enjoy the Changing Leaves
Fall in Toronto is stunning, and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than by exploring the city’s parks and trails.
High Park: One of the largest green spaces in Toronto, High Park offers beautiful fall foliage, nature trails, and even a small zoo. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful autumn walk.
Evergreen Brick Works: Known for its environmental sustainability, this nature-focused space offers trails, markets, and beautiful views of the Don Valley’s changing leaves.
Riverdale Farm: Nestled in Toronto’s downtown core, Riverdale Farm offers a scenic escape with its gardens, farm animals, and picturesque walking paths.
Image: The Royal Alexandra Theatre
8. Warm Up Indoors with a Show
As the days get cooler, move indoors and enjoy Toronto’s rich cultural scene with a variety of performances and concerts:
Mirvish Productions: Don’t miss musicals like Come From Away, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, MAMMA MIA!, and Disney’s The Lion King on stage this fall.
Candlelight Concerts: Enjoy intimate classical music performances by candlelight in some of Toronto’s most beautiful venues.
Roy Thompson Hall: From symphonies to tribute shows, Roy Thomson Hall has an exciting fall lineup, including special concerts like A Tina Turner Tribute, Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Legends of Motown and The Princess Bride in Concert.
Revue Cinema: Toronto’s oldest standing theatre, Revue Cinema offers a cozy fall escape with special programming. You can catch restored classics, iconic films, and insightful events hosted by film industry professionals. It’s the perfect venue for movie buffs looking for a unique cinema experience.
No matter your interests, Toronto has a wealth of fall activities to keep you entertained throughout the season. Enjoy the autumn energy, beautiful colours, and cozy experiences that make fall in Toronto so special.
Which fall activities are you most looking forward to? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, X, or Instagram) and let us know!