Fall makes a fantastic time to visit the coast. From scenic fall drives to county fairs nearly every weekend, the only thing that makes this spectacular season even better is enjoying it in the countryside. Located a short 2.5 hours southwest of Toronto and 1 hour north of Detroit, we’ve rounded up some of the top ways to make the most of the coast. Consider this your fall bucket list for the season:
Pick-Your-Own Experiences A Plenty
Did you know that there are over 2150 farms located in Lambton County? That’s a lot of fresh produce to pick! Discover the bounty of the county at numerous family-run farms across the coast where you can pick-your-own apples, squash, gourds, and more from mid-September through fall.
Head for a Cider Tasting at Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House
Fall is definitely cider season, and it’s coincidentally also one of the best times to sample award-winning hard ciders at Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House. By mid-September mountainous displays of festive pumpkins, gourds, and squash line the entrance of this estate cidery while the smell of fresh hot cider doughnuts lures visitors in from outside. Families can enjoy wagon rides, orchard tours and apple picking while adults can spend the afternoon sampling their way through their signature award-winning hard cider collection from the oak tasting room.
Grab Something Warm and Cozy from The Cottage
There’s something about the autumn season that makes quaint and historic towns all that much more adorable, and the charming Victorian oil town of Petrolia is no exception. Take a stroll through preserved Victorian architecture and catch a performance at the Victoria Playhouse – a National Historic Site of Canada – before heading across the street to cozy up with something warm at The Cottage. Serving specialty dripped coffee, pour overs, espresso, as well as delectable specialty chocolates, it’s the perfect place to warm up on a chilly fall afternoon.
Take a Hike to See the Fall Colours
Further distance south means that fall colours don’t peak until around mid-October, which means more time to catch the show at Pinery Provincial Park. By mid-October the 400 acres of towering oak trees display their dazzling new fall wardrobe. With 115 km of scenic trails to explore, fall is the perfect time to pack a picnic, strap on your hiking boots, and set out to capture postcard-worthy views.
Grab Something Unique at the Pinery Antique Flea Market
With autumn comes fall decorating, which makes it a perfect time to visit the Pinery Antique Flea Market. Everything from fresh local food vendors to one-of-a-kind antiques are on display at Grand Bend’s oldest and favourite tradition, with thousands flocking out every Sunday to hunt for that special find or to simply spend the day outdoors with the family.
Sample Seasonal Craft Brews at Refined Fool Brewing Co.
Nothing says fall like cozying up to the friendly taproom at Refined Fool Brewing Co. to sample a flight of their caramel, pumpkin, and amber-hued brews. Packed with real pumpkin and made with notes of cinnamon and cardamom, a tasting of their seasonal brews is sure to give you those warm and fuzzy autumn feels.
Get Your Polka On at Oktoberfest
Dust off your steins, don your lederhosen, and get ready to enter a Bavarian world of music, merriment, and cheer with beer, sausage, games, yodelling, and plenty of hilarity at this annual tradition taking place October 6-7 in downtown Sarnia.
Head to a Fall Fair
Country festivals are the perfect way to welcome the fall season. One of the perks of visiting the coast in the fall? There’s a county fair practically every fall weekend! We’re talking funnel cakes, candied apples, and hayrides – need we say more?
Get Lost in a Corn Maze at Korny Korners
It’s ok to get lost every once in a while. Enjoy the county air as you experience the walk-through corn maze with stations to discover at Korny Korners Adventure Farm located on the southern tip of Lake Huron. After navigating your way through, families can enjoy putt putt, hay rides, and plenty of other fall-themed activities all season long.
Go on a Haunted Forest Ride
Get into the Halloween spirit early at Canada’s only haunted forest ride – taking passengers on a terrifyingly spooky adventure through a haunted forest. Prepare yourself for maximum chills as you encounter terrifying zombies, monsters, and ghouls along the way. Plenty of other hair-raising experiences including a haunted castle, house of nightmares, and haunted mini putt lie beyond the forest at this carnival-like outdoor festival.
Find the Perfect Pumpkin
A visit to a pumpkin patch is an annual fall ritual. Spend the afternoon perusing the pumpkin patches at one of many farms and roadside farmstands along the coast to find the perfect jack-o’-lantern-worthy winner.
Have an Axe-Throwing Competition
Unleash your inner Canadian lumberjack at one of two axe-periences along the coast. Ontario’s first and only licensed axe-throwing range, Valley Axe located in Sarnia offers axe-throwing for visitors 18 and up, while Chachi’s Axe-Throwing Field located in Grand Bend caters to families of all ages.
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