You don’t have to drive hours to find great spaces where you can savour a beautiful fall day. There are some amazing hidden gems to explore right here in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Some of our Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) team members have shared their favourite spaces with us – local destinations where you can make memories without taking days out of your schedule. Plan easy full or half-day trips to learn, explore, and be active.
1. Albion Hills: A Year-round Destination for Adventure
Did you know that Albion Hills Conservation Park in Caledon is open all year-round?* On almost any day of the year (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day) you can hike, bike, and explore the incredible trails.
Fall is one of the best times to see Albion Hills, when the forest is ablaze in a symphony of colour. But there’s something to see and do in every season, including camping in prime and shoulder seasons.
*User fees apply. Conservation Parks members can access the park for free. Learn more about parks memberships.
PLAN YOUR ALBION HILLS ADVENTURE
YOU MIGHT LIKE: 5 Best Ways to Relax, Unwind and Have Fun this Fall with TRCA Parks
2. Visit a Pollinator Garden at Kortright Centre
One of the hidden wonders of Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge is the Allan Foster Pollinator Education Garden, a 0.5-hectare meadowscape and pollinator garden. Enjoy a hidden path or take a seat on a bench for some quiet time.
Looking for more while you’re at Kortright? Try hiking through the incredible Spruce and Wetland trail. This 3.9-km loop trail is an easy route that takes just 45 minutes to complete.
Kortright also has a gift shop where you can get in a little early holiday gift shopping.
PLAN YOUR GARDEN JOURNEY AT KORTRIGHT
3. Meet the Flynns at Black Creek Pioneer Village
The tree-lined streets of Black Creek Pioneer Village are a must-see for fans of fall foliage. And while you’re exploring the Village, be sure to check out the immersive Flynn House exhibit.
Discover the daily struggles and joys of a real-life family of 19th century Irish refugees in a fully interactive setting. Open the drawers, sit in the chairs, and follow the journey of the Flynns as they faced the many challenges of building a new life in a new country – the very same challenges that new Canadians confront to this day.
PLAN YOUR TIME TRAVEL EXPEDITION
LISTEN: The Harp That Once Through Tara’s Halls / Tho’ The Last Glimpse of Erin
Planning Adventures Throughout the Year?
Consider Investing in a TRCA Conservation Parks Pass
A TRCA Conservation Parks Membership Pass provides access to outdoor recreational experiences across the GTA.
Get free admission to locations including Black Creek Pioneer Village, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, Heart Lake Conservation Park, and Kortright Centre for Conservation, along with free parking and exclusive discounts on recreational activities.
COMING SOON
Enter TRCA’s FALL INTO NATURE Giveaway Contest for a chance to win a TRCA Annual Family Parks Membership Pass!