Looking for sweater weather fun close to home? Mix and match these made-in-Hamilton experiences to create your perfect fall outing.
1. Hike to a Victorian Train
Dundas Valley Conservation Area has several breathtaking trails to choose from to see some of the best fall colours around. Hike to find the replica Victorian train station at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre in the hub of the valley's trail network.
2. Visit a Cidery in an Orchard
Enjoy a flight of crisp cider with a cheese plate with a view of a picture-perfect apple orchard at West Avenue Cider House, a charming country cidery just a 15-minute drive from downtown's city lights.
3. Take a Spooky Walking Tour
Embrace the Halloween spirit on a downtown walking tour and listen to the ghost stories surrounding some of Hamilton's most iconic – and haunted – landmarks. If you dare!
4. Sip on a Tahini Latte
Warm up with a smooth latte with tahini, coconut, oat milk and maple syrup at Synonym, a gorgeous wine bar and bookstore on downtown's famous James Street North.
5. Hike to a Waterfall and Lookout
What's better than hiking to Dundas Peak for one of the best fall leaves views in the region? How about stopping to take in a 41-metre waterfall called Tew Falls on the way? (Reserve your spot online early to avoid disappointment).
6. Go Antiquing (and Eating) on Ottawa Street
Explore Hamilton's historic fabric district, now also a home decorating hub that attracts designers from near and far with plenty of stops to fuel your shopping like Hambrgr, Cannon Coffee, Merks Snack Bar, and even the first ever Tim Hortons location.
7. Follow a Pumpkin Trail at Canada's Biggest Garden
Stroll past the dreamy glow from hundreds of jack-lanterns along the garden paths at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Pumpkin Hollow and enjoy live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities, and fall-inspired treats. Also at RBG this season, don’t miss the international augmented reality exhibit Seeing the Invisible.
8. Climb 289 Stairs for a Totally Worth-It View
Locals in the know looking for a workout with a huge payoff come to the Chedoke Stairs – one of several stairways connecting the lower city to the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment. You'll pass the bottom of the stairs in the parking lot of the Chedoke Golf Course during the 2.7 kilometre hike along the Chedoke Radial Trail – part of the Bruce Trail. The view from the top is worth it.
9. Visit a Pumpkin Patch with a View
The scenic 120-acre Glen Drummond Farm centres around the sprawling Dyments pumpkin patch, but there's a lot more to see and do here including a mouth-watering bakery and a stunning view from the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.
(Make sure to reserve your spot online in advance)
10. Step back in Time at Westfield Heritage Village
Slow down and step inside a simpler time at this living history museum in picturesque rural Hamilton. Costumed interpreters bring historic Ontario to life on a pre-booked tour.
Visit Westfield Heritage Village
11. Smokey Hollow Waterfall Experience
This popular Hamilton waterfall has a bit of a spooky name that goes with the season. At 10-metres tall, this ribbon waterfall is nowhere near the largest waterfall in the city, but it is a beauty and surrounded by a fall forest setting well worth a visit. Fuel up with great food and drink in nearby Waterdown.