Uncover Fall Colors + Flavours North of Toronto
Fall in Ontario brings out the province’s most vibrant aspect. The bushes glow in shades of crimson, gold, and orange. Farms brim with apples, squash, and pumpkins. Kitchens fill with the scent of roasted root greens and baked pies. It’s the excellent time to wander scenic roads, go to native farms, and revel in recent meals near the place they’re grown.
Whenever you head north of Toronto, you may depend on towering pine bushes that make different colors pop off, lakeside vistas and extra that makes the autumn that rather more lovely! So, listed below are three locations we propose planning a color + cravings route round this fall.
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Simcoe County: Farm Enjoyable and Epic Eats
Distance from Toronto: About 90 minutes relying on visitors
Simcoe County lies between the town and the wild, providing rural appeal inside straightforward attain of the GTA. Its fields and forests grow to be a patchwork of color in October. Crisp air carries the scent of apples and leaves, making each flip really feel nostalgic. It is a area the place meals and farming are deeply related.
Spend a weekend exploring orchards, pumpkin patches and eating places that remember what grows close by. We’ve paired up just a few of our fav pick-your-own experiences with delectable eats to make your planning simpler.
Barrie Hill Farms + The KTCHN
The place: Barrie Hill Farms, 2935 Barrie Hill Rd, Springwater, ON (View Map) + The KTCHN, 3000 11 Line N, Oro-Medonte, ON(View Map)
Barrie Hill Farms is a long-standing favorite for fall household outings. Choose apples, pumpkins and berries whereas having fun with the scenic countryside. Really feel like romanticizing the autumn a bit? We assist that! You’ll be able to snack on recent donuts and scorching cider from the farm retailer as you are taking within the oranges, reds and crimsons that make farm life so lovely this time of yr.
Afterward, drive to The KTCHN, situated within the Braestone Membership. Their fall menu highlights Ontario produce with components like squash squash, mushrooms, apples and extra. Dive into dishes like porchetta sandwiches with tomato jam, avenue corn hen bowls with the season’s final cobs and whipped ricotta with sherry beet coulis. Suppose heat, inviting flavours that make you wish to cozy up. Pair it up with a drink off their signature cocktail listing and revel in!
The setting is tranquil, surrounded by lush golf greens and forests simply beginning to flip purple and gold. It is a perfect reward after a morning of selecting and if the climate is heat, the patio is the right place to be.
Maxwell Apple Orchards + Tremont Café
The place: Maxwell Orchards, 2697 Concession 10 N Nottawasaga Rd, Collingwood, ON (View Map) + The Tremont Café, 172 Hurontario St. Collingwood, ON (View Map)
Apple selecting is certainly one of our favorite fall previous occasions! Maxwell Apple Orchards sits within the highlands close to Collingwood and the orchard grows dozens of apple varieties, every with its personal harvest window. Undecided what sort to select?
Pleasant workers make it easier to discover the right choose for baking or snacking. Suppose all the pieces from Honey Crisp and Ambrosia to Mutsu and Snow Apples(a heritage selection). Beginning in early September, friends are invited to select their very own and observe it up within the on-site farm market by procuring quite a lot of pickled veggies, jams, frozen berries and extra.
After you fill your basket, head into city to Tremont Café, situated in a superbly restored heritage constructing. Its menu options regional components changed into elegant dishes with rustic aptitude and a pleasant cocktail listing. Whereas the menu tends to vary with the seasons, previous favourites have included their Hen of the Woods Maitake Mushroom with porcini ketchup and a sesame-peanut-nori crumble to Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and a traditional Steak Frites.
Morrison Pumpkin Patch + The Pine
The place: Morrison Pumpkin Patch, 4449 Simcoe County Rd 124, Collingwood, ON (View Map) + The Pine, 7535 County Rd 9, Creemore, ON (View Map)
Morrison Pumpkin Patch close to Collingwood provides traditional fall appeal and over 30 kinds of pumpkins! Set free your inside child at coronary heart as you choose the right one or take a whack on the on-site corn maze. Through the fall season, you may also take pleasure in “Grandma’s Apple Fritters” made recent proper on website (simply control social media for after they’re out there). You don’t wish to miss it!
After getting picked your excellent pumpkin, head to the charming village of Creemore (about 20 minutes away)for dinner at The Pine. The intimate eating room serves refined seasonal fare made with native components and so they’ve racked up fairly the fame! That features gaining their first Michelin star in 2024.
Specializing in Canadian delicacies, lots of the components you’ll discover on the menu are sourced from The Pine’s circle of relatives farm and all of the proteins are sourced inside Canada. Whereas the menu is continually altering to remain in tune with the seasons, you would possibly discover dishes like pumpkin cake, lamb on the half shell and extra.
Haliburton Highlands
Distance from Toronto: About 3 hours relying on visitors
The Haliburton Highlands is a rugged area northeast of the town the place the Canadian Defend meets mirror-still lakes and dense forests. In fall, your complete panorama transforms right into a canvas of purple, orange, and yellow set on blue lakes.
Each drive turns into a scenic route. And the meals? Simply as vibrant because the surroundings. The realm helps a robust farm-to-table motion and a brand new wave of passionate cooks. Whether or not you might be mountain climbing, paddling, or driving you can see glorious meals not removed from the path. These stops have loads of color and flavour to please!
Juna Restaurant
The place: 210 Highland St, Haliburton, ON (View Map)
Juna in Minden is a contemporary Italian bistro with a inventive seasonal menu. The restaurant focuses on recent Ontario produce and domestically raised meats. It’s recognized for fashionable plates and daring flavours. Having simply opened in March of this yr, we’re undecided what to anticipate of the autumn season simply but however we all know it’ll contain savoury seasonal pizzas, recent pasta (linguine with smoked trout, anybody?) and an incredible choice of Ontario wines.
Juna is simply steps away from Head Lake and so after your meal, we suggest heading to Rotary Seaside Haliburton to savour the views. The hilly city might be completely surrounded by fall foliage for those who time issues proper and we will’t consider a greater spot to observe the solar go down.
Eagle View Remark Tower + Sir Sam’s Inn
The place: 1054 Liswood Street, Eagle Lake, ON (View Map)
The lookout off the Eagle View Remark Tower at Sir Sam’s Inn provides probably the greatest views within the area. A brief climb rewards you with panoramic vistas of Eagle Lake and the rolling hills past. The encompassing bushes flip early right here, lighting up the panorama in fiery tones.
After your hike to the highest, head to Sir Sam’s Inn for dinner at Twin Fires. The lakeside eating room options hearty dishes with native roots like beets brulé, conventional purple pepper rissoto and pomodoro pasta with stuffed burrata. A hearth provides to the comfortable environment, particularly on chilly October evenings. The mixture of view and delicacies makes this a must-visit within the highlands.
Haliburton Put up Home
The place: 1297 Kashagawigamog Lake Rd, Minden, ON (View Map)
The Haliburton Put up Home blends boutique lodging with distinctive delicacies and a Feast On® certification that proves their dedication to sourcing native. Tucked alongside the shores of Kashagawigamog Lake, the views listed below are spectacular and the lodging haven’t any scarcity of facilities to take pleasure in all of it together with paddle boards, kayaks, Muskoka chairs and fireplace pits.
Meals are provided by reservation solely, creating an unique eating expertise from begin to end that celebrates Ontario growers and producers like Pearl Morissette Vineyard, Bellwoods Brewery, Ontario-raised duck breast and extra.
Anticipate multi-course menus constructed round regional components and seasonal produce. Fall flavours shine in dishes like grilled lettuce with Romesco sauce, heirloom beets with apple, celery and birch syrup crème fraiche and sourdough bread with Kawartha butter.
With restricted seating and customized service, the night feels particular from begin to end. The intimate setting invitations dialog, rest, and lingering over dessert. Each dish tells a narrative concerning the place and the individuals who develop the meals.
The Mason Jar
The place: 15436 ON-35, Minden Hills, Ontario (View Map)
Situated proper on the intersection of Freeway 35 and Freeway 118, The Mason Jar in Minden is a cheerful and unpretentious café. Conveniently situated close to Little Boshkung Lake and Mirror Lake, it’s an incredible spot to gas up pre or submit swim, even when it’s a wee bit chilly this time of yr for that!
Locals and guests alike adore it for hit-the-spot meals that aren’t taking themselves too significantly. Fall guests cease in after leaf peeping for enjoyable takes on poutine (assume Buffalo Blue and Massive Mac varieties) in addition to dishes like Spicy Basil Pork Energy Bowls, smash burgers and crispy buttermilk hen sandwiches.
The meals is straightforward, hearty and made with care. It seems like visiting a pal’s kitchen, heat and welcoming. Whether or not you might be coming from a paddle or a hike, The Mason Jar will fill your stomach and carry your spirits.
Rhubarb Restaurant
The place: 9201 ON-118, Minden, ON (View Map)
Not far-off, Rhubarb sits beside Mirror Lake, providing views of the water framed by vibrant bushes within the windowed eating room. The restaurant is understood for its ingenious flavours. Their fall menu typically contains hearty meals like scorching turkey sandwiches close to Thanksgiving, spaghetti meatballs with focaccia and hen liver pate with rhubarb compote from the spring.
The area feels elegant however relaxed, with massive home windows and comfortable lighting, providing you with the optimum view of the lake. Adjoining to Boshkung Brewing, you may also pattern craft beer earlier than your meal. The vibe is energetic but peaceable, identical to the encompassing lakes. It’s a favorite amongst returning guests and weekend street trippers alike.
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is situated on the northern shore of Lake Superior, surrounded by forest, waterfalls and huge open skies. In fall, its wild panorama turns into much more dramatic. Climbing trails, rivers and scenic lookouts draw adventurers however the metropolis additionally boasts a thriving meals scene with deep native roots and days that final just a bit bit longer.
From family-run farms to downtown kitchens, the connection between land and plate is robust. It’s a place the place you may break a sweat then take pleasure in a scorching meal minutes later.
Belluz Farms + Purple Lion Smokehouse
The place: 752 Sweet Mountain Dr, Slate River Valley, ON (View Map) + 16 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Belluz Farms is an area favorite for autumn produce. You’ll be able to choose your personal berries or discover rows of squash, kale, vibrant heirloom carrots and pumpkins. Come September, you may even lower your personal lovely sunflower bouquet or take a enjoyable kitchen class!
The market additionally sells selfmade preserves, pies and baked treats. Because the climate begins to show, so does the farm right into a enjoyable fall wonderland. When you’re travelling with tots in tow, you’ll want to take them to the pumpkin bowling, wagon rides, corn maze, pumpkin chess or to fulfill the cattle!
After a day on the farm, head into downtown Thunder Bay to Purple Lion Smokehouse. The restaurant makes a speciality of house-smoked meats like brisket and ribs served with daring sauces and sides. Their beer listing options many Northern Ontario brews, excellent for pairing. The area is informal and comfortable, best for households or teams of buddies. It seems like fall in and out.
Kakabeka Falls + The Eddy
The place: Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map) + 4744 ON-11 #17, Kakabeka Falls, ON (View Map)
Kakabeka Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Ontario, cuts by way of a forest of color in October. Stroll the boardwalks and admire the dramatic drop framed by golden leaves and darkish inexperienced pines. The sound of dashing water and funky mist set the tone for an ideal fall day (belief us).
Simply west of the falls, The Eddy provides consolation meals with an area twist. Priding themselves on true from-scratch cooking, the menu boasts their well-known Eddy Burger (that’s 2 5Oz patties topped with smoked cheese, bacon onion jam, home roasted garlic and extra, reuben sandwiches, poutine with home made gravy and extra.
Prime all of it off with a slice of their selfmade pie and a beer from Sleeping Large Brewing Firm. Then, sit back to benefit from the relaxed environment of this roadside cease.
Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Slate River Dairy + Tomlin Subdivision
The place: 611 Boundary Dr, Neebing, ON (View Map); 8 ON-608, Neebing, ON (View Map); 28 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Fancy a little bit of dairy? Gouda factor you’ve learn this far. Drive out previous scenic, golden farm land to start your flavour journey! Begin at Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, well-known for his or her creamy gouda. Pattern totally different varieties and watch the cheesemaking course of in motion by way of a viewing window. Suppose all the pieces from Fenugreek Gouda to Dill Gouda and naturally, additional previous. When you’re there, you may also store a choice of Dutch specialties like black liquorice and stroopwaffles.
Subsequent, head down the street to cease at Slate River Dairy for recent milk, yogurt, and European-style dairy treats. Situated on the attractive Slate River on an expansive farm subject, it’s a surprising spot to soak up all the autumn foliage. We love their creamy chocolate milk and salted butter, excellent for including to any slice of toast.
After getting stocked your cooler, head downtown for dinner at Tomlin Subdivision. Situated within Lakehead Beer Firm, this spot is a must-try for his or her epic Detroit-style pizza, sub sandwiches and snacks on snacks on snacks. From mozza sticks to crispy hen skins, you may’t beat it. Wash it down with a straight-from-the-bright-tank Lakehead brew and also you’ll be smiling from ear to ear!
Gammondale Farms + Bight OR Candy North Bakery
The place: 426 McCluskey Dr, Slate River Valley, ON (View Map); 802 Fort William Rd. Thunder Bay, ON (View Map); 2201 Sleeping Large Pkwy Unit 100, Thunder Bay, ON (View Map)
Gammondale Farms provides fall actions for all ages. Navigate the corn maze, go to the pumpkin patch or hop on a hayride. The power is festive and family-friendly. Come the autumn, Pumpkinfest kicks off and the farm actually involves life. Trip on the pumpkin prepare, stroll by way of the boo barn, attempt a pumpkin catapult and naturally, make the most of plenty of festive photograph opps!
Afterward (or earlier than), you’ve two scrumptious instructions to go. For a fast chew that’s household pleasant, Candy North Bakery serves handmade bagels, gooey cinnamon buns and sandwiches stacked with native flavour. Their breakfast rays are a favorite (assume bacon, egg and cheddar wrapped in a comfortable pastry) as are their weekly cruffin options. We suggest grabbing your meal to go from the drive by way of and heading right down to the waterfront to take pleasure in!
No children with you? No worries! When you’re within the temper for a sit-down meal, attempt Bight on the waterfront. The view of Lake Superior is beautiful, particularly at sundown. The menu options trendy Canadian fare with regional influences and the patio leads little or no to be desired. It’s the excellent finale to a vibrant day.
Whereas the menu modifications usually, previous favs have included their Rooster Kaarage with white kimchi, miso aioli and smoked furikake, their cumin lamb pappardelle and the Pork Chop Scotaditto with beet purée sauce and plum salad.
Can’t Get Sufficient North?
Try this scrumptious weblog all about picnic stops and pie outlets in Superior Nation!
From Picnic Stops to Pie Retailers: A Superior Nation Street Journey
