We know, we know – there is still plenty of Summer weather left this year. Thinking about fall is crazy, right?
Canada is often known as a country of two seasons: winter and summer. However, fall in Canada (and especially in Southern Ontario) is truly a sight to behold. It also signals the beginning of the hockey season, which is a highly anticipated mark on the calendar for those of us north of the border.
Trying to figure out how to best spend your time this fall in Southern Ontario? Let us guide you with our list of the best things to do.
1) TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH THE NIAGARA ESCARPMENT
The Niagara Escarpment is a geological formation that extends from western New York State through Ontario to Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. It originated as a result of unequal erosion where a top layer of harder and more resistant dolomitic limestone overlays more easily eroded shale. The gradual erosion of the rock left behind dramatic cliffs and offers perfect fall views. In Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment features the Bruce Trail: Canada’s oldest and longest footpath that extends over 800 km (with side trails) from Niagara Falls in the South to Tobermory in the north. The entire area has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve due to its unique fauna and flora. A drive through the Niagara Escarpment is a fall must in Southern Ontario.
2) VISIT CANADA’S LARGEST OKTOBERFEST IN KITCHENER-WATERLOO
Kitchener-Waterloo’s deep-rooted Bavarian history is well known across the country – Kitchener was actually called Berlin until 1916, after all. Their Oktoberfest is an annual nine-day festival in the twin cities of Kitchener–Waterloo. Based on the original German Oktoberfest, it is billed as Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival and is the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world. It is held every October, this year running from October 5th – 13th. The event attracts roughly 700,000 visitors to the region every year and is one hell of a party. While its best-known draws are the beer-based celebrations, other cultural and entertainment attractions also fill the week. The most well-known is the parade held on Thanksgiving Day; as the only major parade on Canadian Thanksgiving. So, grab your lederhosen and come to experience a taste of Germany in Canada!
3) HEAD TO A FARM
The agricultural industry in Southern Ontario is alive and well, as evidenced by the plethora of farms dotting the landscape. Why not make a day of it and experience the rural tranquillity yourself? With fall comes Halloween, and a trip to one of the many farms in Southern Ontario is a perfect excuse to choose your own pumpkin. If Halloween isn’t your thing, apple picking is still offered at many farms during the beginning of fall. Support local, and make a day of it while you’re at it!
4) TAKE IN A SPORTING EVENT
You can catch the tail end of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball season in early fall – same goes for the CFL and Major League Soccer. Fall signals the beginning of the NBA season (and this one will be one to watch for the Toronto Raptors). But, if you want to celebrate like a real Canadian, you know that Fall only means one thing: the NHL is back. Taking in a Toronto Maple Leafs game is a right of passage for Torontonians and Southern Ontarians alike – and this year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in decades. So head on down to the newly renamed Scotiabank Arena and experience the thrill of live hockey for yourself.
5) GO AXE THROWING AT BATL AXE THROWING
It really doesn’t get more Canadian than axe throwing. A visit to BATL Axe Throwing, is a sure-fire way to keep you and your friends entertained and leave a lasting impression. With 7 locations in Southern Ontario (including Toronto, Pickering, London, Kitchener, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls) it’s never been easier to get involved with our sport.
BATL Axe Throwing pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing back in 2006, so it’s no surprise that we’re the best at what we do. Our weekly league play is what made us famous, but each of our 18 locations across North America offers other ways to get involved with axe throwing. Our private event group bookings are offered for groups of 2 and up and are perfectly suited for any occasion – adult birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building, or just a summer outing with friends. Private event bookings include one on one coaching from our expert staff, followed by a round-robin tournament and playoff. If you’re looking to get involved in our sport with less commitment, BATL Axe Throwing also offers weekly public walk-in sessions with no advance booking required; just show up and hone your skill! Most BATL venues in Southern Ontario offer a fully licensed bar and food menu, meaning all you have to worry about is throwing axes.
Make sure to stop at BATL Axe Throwing for some axe throwing on your next visit to Southern Ontario!
Southern Ontario offers a little something for everyone – so be sure to make the most of it this fall and visit BATL Axe Throwing and experience axe throwing!