Fun things to do in Toronto this fall abound. Kids and teachers are back in school. The nights tend to be fresher. The temperatures during the day can range from summer like to cool winter like.
While I can not predict the weather in Toronto, I can recommend that the fall season is a great time to visit.
Updated for 2024.
Toronto Things to do in Fall
If it is your first visit to Toronto, I will recommend you get your bearings using the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour. Now I recently took the tour myself. As compared to other Hop-on, Hop-offs in other cities, I was a little disappointed but that could be because I know the city so well or given the construction in the downtown core the company didn’t want to extend the trip.
That said at about two and half hours, you will get a good feel where the major attractions are in the downtown core and get a feel for the directions.
Things to Do in September in Toronto
Yes, I know September technically is not fall. I consider anytime after Labour Day “fall”. September in Toronto is Toronto International Film Festival time.
Check out films and documentaries. Go star watching in the entertainment district or in the Yorkville district. I will grab a coffee (or two) and plop myself on a bench in the area of Bay and Yorkville and catch a star walking about every now and again.
The other advantage in September is that it is still patio season. Most bars and restaurants will try to extend their outdoor dining as far into the autumn as possible. It will go as long as the weather co-operates. Around Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (the second Monday in October), most establishments will start shutting down their patios.
Just for Laughs has been canceled for 2024.
After the festival packs up and heads out, Toronto’s version of “Just for Laughs” moves into town. Tickle your funny bones with some comedy. Check ticket availability here.
Toronto in Fall: Free Things, Art Things
Nuit Blanche
This year Nuit Blanche is going to be on October 5th.
What is Nuit Blanche?
Simply, it is a night of contemporary art and interactive exhibits through all parts of the city, most in the downtown core.
It runs from dusk to dawn, with the TTC running on a limited schedule all night.
Check here as it draws closer for more details on exhibits etc: Nuit Blanche website.
Kensington Market: Pedestrian Sundays
The last Sunday of every month, from May to October. Toronto’s hippest neighbourhood shuts itself down to vehicular traffic.
The streets are filled with folks looking for hip, vintage clothing or foodies searching for that awesome Sunday meal.
The fall dates remaining for 2024 are September 29th and October 27th.
The Bentway
Originally known for its ice skating loop, The Bentway has evolved over the last couple of years to an urban recreation hub.
With diverse programming from art to physical, there is a lot to do for families to individuals. Many of which are free of charge, others may have a fee attached for supplies, instructors etc.
Depending on weather conditions, the ice rink is open from late November/early December until late February.
I have provided a link here so you can check out the Bentway Programs.
Fall Foliage in Toronto
The peak of the fall foliage is hard to predict. It depends on many variables and even then, one good storm or extended period of heavy winds can put a damper on the viewing.
Within Toronto, head to High Park to wander through the trees and admire the colours. Grab a coffee or lunch at the restaurant or one of the concession stands throughout the park.
Senior note: If using transit to get to High Park, I would recommend getting off at High Park subway to access the park. At the time of me writing this, there is no elevator service at this station. There are escalators that will get you up to street level.
I then recommend that you work your way through the park back east on Bloor to Keele subway station. Keele has both escalators and elevators to street level and subway level. So, if mobility or arthritic knees are an issue for you check this route out.
Autumn Walkabouts in Toronto
Another day trip that you could plan is a visit to the Toronto Zoo. Hectares upon hectares of open and forested landscape. It is a great place to see wildlife and take in the changing leaves.
Further there are a couple new habitats that I want to see. In particular, the new orangutang habitat. I am hoping it is a little better for picture taking than the older exhibit.
Hop one of the ferries over to the Toronto Islands. While the water may be cooling off, there are plenty of great picture taking opportunities. Note: I would pack or purchase a lunch ahead of time if you are heading over. Most of the concessions will be closed by October.
Alternative Activities for Fall Around Toronto
Get out of Town!
Here are three ideas for day or overnight trips to check out the autumnal foliage. Let’s rent-a-car and go!
Fall Foliage North of Toronto
North to Blue Mountain. Blue Mountain is known primarily as a ski resort in the winter months. But recently they have been “revisioning” themselves as a year-round escape from the city. The scenic drive north from Toronto will take your through what we know as cottage country.
At the resort itself you will find accommodation suitable for any traveller. The ski lifts runs year-round and on a clear day will get you a beautiful vista of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, through to the surrounding countryside.
Autumn Drive to the East of Toronto
Drive east to Prince Edward County. I would recommend you not using the 401 unless you are in a hurry. Take Highway 2 instead. Once you get out of the Greater Toronto area, you will meander through scenic farmland and maybe an apple orchard or two.
Search for a Bed and Breakfast and enjoy the cool fall nights and brisk morning with a glass of wine or great cup of coffee respectively.
Fall in Niagara Falls
The Niagara Peninsula is another destination that you can either drive to or hop on a train to visit.
If you just want to visit the falls areas, the train trip will do. But if you want to stretch and visit places like Niagara-on-the-Lake or the vineyards surrounding the Falls, you will probably need a car or book a tour.
Now note, the timing of the foliage changes in each of these regions will vary. Generally, but not conclusively, the Blue Mountain area would change over first followed by Prince Edward County and then Niagara region.
October Activities in Toronto
October means Halloween. In Toronto that means spooky activities.
Casa Loma – Every year Casa Loma dresses itself up in scary décor. At the time of me writing this they haven’t yet announced their theme for the year but in my opinion, it is worth checking out.
Senior Note: if you have mobility issues or arthritic knees, Casa Loma is not easily accessible via transit or even the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus. You will have to climb or descend a steep hill depending on from which directions you arrive. Pack your canes if you use (see my guide to walking canes here). Alternatively, you can use a taxi or an Uber to get you to the main entrance.
Canada’s Wonderland – this amusement park north to Toronto also runs Hallowe’en themed events each year with ghouls and goblins abounding to scare the be’jeezus out of anyone of any age!
Finally, there are “ghost tours” in the Distillery district and “haunted ghost tours” through the downtown core that will give you pause if you are feint of heart. Check them out. Plus, if you are in the city on the 31st, head down to the gay village to check out the costume parade.
Fall Sports Bonaza in Toronto
Depending on the year, fall is at convergence of sports with hockey, football, baseball and basketball seasons over lapping. Check out the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, Raptors or Argonauts while in town.
Click on the team to check ticket availability!
Cool Activities in Toronto for the Fall
As October turns to November, it is time for the Royal Winter Fair!
The Fair is a showcase for farm livestock, rodeos, winter foods. Held down in the Exhibition area of Toronto, check out the animal husbandry or get a pumpkin pie!
After the Fair, the Christmas markets will start to pop up. The Distillery district kicks it off with their Christmas decorations. Find your handmade presents in one of the artisans’ outlets. Or grab a hot chocolate and absorb the Xmas atmosphere.
Conclusion
As December arrives, winter blankets the city. Snowfall can occur as early as November, offering new opportunities for visitors. Embrace the frosty weather by layering up to keep warm. Toronto tends to have moderate winters, but occasional heavy snowfall creates a picturesque scene. Embrace the beauty of Toronto in winter and explore all that this remarkable city has to offer.
Come and experience the vibrant and ever-changing Toronto throughout the seasons
Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes. Most of all have happy travels and see you out there on the road!
Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography: From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.