Lead Photo: Tiffany Shum
Whether you’re looking for the perfect autumn treat, a place to stroll with your pumpkin spice latte, or a nature walk filled with the colors of the season, check out our guide for how to spend the perfect fall day in Toronto.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
Looking for a delicious fall treat? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for some stunning fall flowers or autumn decor? Whatever your mission, an afternoon walk through Rosedale is the answer. We suggest a stop at Summerhill Market for gourmet, fresh baked goods. You can also stock up on the cutest pumpkins, gourds and flowers from their pretty outdoor space.
If a further walk is in mind, you can continue through Chorley Park and connect to Evergreen Brickworks through the Don River ravine system. Stop at Toronto’s largest farmer’s market and stock up on fresh seasonal food, stroll through the historic buildings, grab a fall treat and take in the stunning autumn colors.
Summerhill Market
Summerhill Market is a gourmet grocery store known for its extensive selection of prepared foods and high quality products. Having been in the historic Rosedale neighborhood since 1954, the store knows a thing or two about displays, and every year they offer up allll the fall vibes with an amazing outdoor selection of pumpkins, gourds, flowers and other seasonal décor. They also have some pretty amazing fresh baked goods.
Evergreen Brickworks
On Saturday’s Evergreen Brickworks is home to Toronto’s largest year-round Farmer’s Market, full of a wide selection of local and seasonal food. They often also host a fall Harvest Festival, where you can walk through the historical buildings and buy freshly baked pies, pastries, jams, ciders and other fall treats. The space backs on to the Don River Valley Park and ravine system, the perfect place to take in all the fall colors.
Spooky Vibes
If spooky vibes are more your thing, may we suggest a cemetery stroll? Toronto is home to many old, picturesque cemeteries including Necropolis and Mount Pleasant. These cemeteries are the final resting places for some of Canada’s most prominent figures. Serene and breathtaking, they are the perfect place for an autumn walk.
Toronto Necropolis Cemetery
Dating back to 1850, Toronto Necropolis is one of the city’s oldest and most historic cemeteries, and is characterized by breathtaking natural vistas and distinctive architecture including stained glass windows. It’s the final resting place of many notable people including legendary horror film director George A. Romero.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Mount Pleasant Cemetery is one of Canada’s most historic cemeteries, having served Toronto since 1876. It is the final resting place of many prominent Canadians, and it’s abundant tree collection makes the cemetery one of North America’s most significant arboretums. Serene and quiet, it’s the perfect place for an autumn walk.
Fall Breeze & Autumn Leaves
If you’re looking for more than a little autumn stroll, and really want to immerse yourself in nature, Toronto is home to many beautiful conversation areas, parks and ravines. Sunnybrook Park is a former country estate filled with babbling brooks, trails and of course stunning fall colors. Charles Sauriol Conservation Area is home to a wide array of plant and animal species and Toronto’s famous “rainbow tunnel”.
Sunnybrook Park
Sunnybrook Park was originally Sunnybrook Farm, the 154-hectare country estate of Joseph Kilgour in the late 1800s. Full of walking trails, bubbling brooks and an off-leash area for dogs, it’s an Autumn lover’s dream escape from the hustle and bustle of the city
Charles Sauriol Conservation Area
The Charles Sauriol Conservation Area is part of the extensive East Don River Trail system, taking you through a forested area where you can spot an array of wildlife and plant species. To the north end of the Conservation Area you will find Toronto’s famous Rainbow Tunnel.
As Toronto slowly re-opens, please check visitor information for Covid-19 rules and guidelines: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19