Fall-elujah!
Fall means it's time for autumn skies, pumpkin pies, and beautiful colours here in Hamilton. Autumn is one of the best times to plan a weekend get-away or a day trip to Hamilton thanks to the gorgeous colours that blanket the city, breathtaking waterfall hikes, pumpkin-packed farms, fall fairs, and fun culture events.
Mix and match these unique-to-Hamilton fall experiences to create your perfect autumn getaway.
What to See & Do in Hamilton this Fall
Get outside and breathe in that fall crisp air, experience favourite fall fairs and events, and warm up at these world-class attractions.
Outdoor Adventure
- Enjoy a fun-filled day at the fair this fall with The Ancaster Fair and Rockton World's Fair.
- Take in Hamilton’s stunning fall views from these must-see lookouts.
- Discover hiking trails bursting with colours on one of these spectacular fall hikes.
- Don’t miss the spectacular fall colours at Spencer Gorge Conversation Area. Be sure to reserve your spot online before you go.
- Chase these breathtaking waterfalls framed by perfect fall foliage with our waterfall guide.
- See even more of Hamilton this fall on two wheels on our cycling trails across the city.
Farm Life, Orchards, and Country Fun
Hamilton’s farms bring out the best of the season with pumpkin patches, pick-your-own orchards, and corn mazes.
- Enjoy an iconic fall hands-on experience and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins at local farms.
- There are plenty of corn mazes to wander through, including Hanes Corn Maze, Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm, and The Apple Orchard.
- Sip on a glass of crisp cider, take a tour of the orchard, and enjoy the fall colours at West Ave Cider.
- Make sure to put these local farms on your fall bucket list to get your fill of orchards, farm animals, and tasty treats.
Haunted Hamilton Fun
Make it a frightful fall to remember and explore the spooky side of Hamilton.
- Make it a frightful fall – if you dare – with our guide to Haunted Hamilton spots to visit.
- Get spooked on guided Ghost Tours at various haunted Hamilton locations.
Top Attractions
Fall is one of the best times to explore some of the city’s best attractions.
- Royal Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to spend a fall day with stunning trails, colourful foliage, and fun events to enjoy.
- Soar through the fall leaves at Treetop Trekking and take the whole family on a forest adventure.
- Art Gallery of Hamilton is a must-visit with renowned permanent exhibits and new fall shows.
- Explore the city’s historic roots at Civic Museums like Dundurn Castle, and Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
- Sweater weather is perfect for exploring like a local with our neighbourhood guides.
Fall Festivals, Concerts & Events
Mark your calendars for some of Hamilton’s biggest fall events.
- Fluers de Villes Downton Abbey: Step into the world of Downton Abbey where beautiful floral displays bring the characters and stories of the iconic show to life at Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Art & Soul with Sean Jones: Experience soulful music with Juno Award winner Sean Jones at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
- Rockton World’s Fair: Experience this iconic Thanksgiving festival tradition, dating back to 1852!
- Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra: Enjoy the fall season with breathtaking performances.
- Under the Harvest Moon with Rufus Wainwright: Spend a night under the stars with Rufus Wainwright at Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Hanson: Sing along to all your favourite hits at this high-energy and nostalgic concert.
- Rick Mercer: Get ready for a night full of laughs with a Canadian icon.
- The Time Capsule: Enjoy this hilarious journey when five strangers come together.
- The Great Pumpkin Trail: Follow the magical glow of jack-o-lanterns with live entertainment and fall treats.
- Road2Hope Hamilton Marathon: Canada’s #1 Boston Qualifier returns with a waterfront course.
- Blippi: Bring the whole family out to sing and dance along to all your favourite songs.
- Art Gallery of Hamilton: Don’t miss their brand new art+music+food Festival.
- Paul McCartney: Experience a musical icon live in the newly renovated TD Coliseum.
- Event Calendar: Stay up to date with all the top fall events happening during your visit.
Family-Friendly Fall Fun
Hamilton is packed with family-friendly fall fun – for both the young and young at heart.
- Enjoy all the fall fun with wagon rides, activities, and of course pumpkins at Dyment’s Pumpkin Festival.
- All aboard for Train Days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology.
- Telling Tales Festival combines stories, art, and nature for magical moments at Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Spend a day on the farm and enjoy a pick-your-own experience with the whole family.
- Enjoy a fun-filled day wandering through Hanes Corn Maze, then stop by the Tiny Bake Shop for a festive fall treat.
- Spend some time outdoors with our guide to family-friendly hiking trails.
Eat & Drink This Fall
Fuel up during your fall getaway at these top food and drink spots.
- Cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte at one of Hamilton’s top coffee shops.
- Discover some of the city’s best breweries, cideries, wineries, and bottleshops with our guide.
- Hamilton foodie insider @TasteHamOnt shows you the city’s best cheap and delicious eats.
- Find the perfect short stack or eggs benny with our popular Brunch Guide.
Bonus Planning Tips
Make your getaway extra perfect with these travel tips:
- Skip the drive and take GO Transit to West Harbour GO or the downtown Hamilton GO Centre into town.
- Once you're here, explore on two wheels by renting a SoBi Bike or e-Scooter or hop on a local HSR bus.
- Use our Accommodations Guide to find the perfect place to spend the night.