Known for its rolling hills, vast trails, winding roads and farm activities, Caledon is the ultimate fall destination. Only one hour from Toronto (and 30 minutes from other cities in the GTA), it’s an easy trip to plan! This is your guide to Caledon’s fall activities including: PYO experiences, events, hiking gems, seasonal treats and more! Pack your flannels and get ready to hit the road (it’s a scenic one!) 

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PICK YOUR OWN 

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‍Pumpkins: Carving pumpkins is a staple activity for the autumn season year after year. Choosing your pumpkin is an adventure in itself, and for good reason. Trekking out to the pumpkin patch (or hitching a wagon ride) is all part of the fall experience. Grab your own pumpkin at these Caledon farms: Downey’s Farm, Dixie Orchards, Albion Orchards, De Boers Market, Campbell’s Cross Farms, and Davis Family Farm.  

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‍Apples: A classic family tradition, cozy fall date or girl’s day out? Apple picking! Caledon has four orchards with countless apple varieties. Dixie Orchards, Downey’s Strawberry and Apple Farm, Albion Orchards, and Spirit Tree Estate Cidery all offer a different experience. For info on wagon rides, photo props, pet-friendly areas and more, see our full apple blog here. 

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‍Hazelnuts: You heard that right! Hazelnuts are a unique PYO experience available right here in Caledon that most people don’t know about. Perfect for baking fall treats, making spreads or eating right out of the husk, hazelnuts are a treat that just scream fall. This is offered only by Dixie Orchards.

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FALL EVENTS  

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‍Farmer’s Nightmare Haunted Forest Walk: The spooky tradition is back at Rusty Jade Ranch. Farmer’s Nightmare is an annual event running on October 23 and 24 at the farm. Walk the forest for chills, thrills and haunting surprises around every corner. Every 30 minutes, the time slots for the walks get increasingly scarier. 6:30pm? Recommended for those with little ones. 11:00PM? Survival mode! Visitors are invited to stay after their walk for Halloween music and warm drinks. 

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Terra Cotta Wagon Rides: Interactive fall wagon rides are available to book at Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Ride through the forest while learning about the transformations that occur in nature during the fall season. Rides can be booked for up to 20 people. This is ideal for large family outings and groups of friends!

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‍Downey’s Pumpkinfest: An iconic month-long event each fall in Caledon is Downey’s Pumpkinfest. Along with picking your pumpkin in the famous pumpkin sea that you can spot from the road, you’ll also experience: entertainment, live music, farm animals, wagon rides, the farm shop, corn maze, kid’s activities and more! 

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Culture Days: The Town of Caledon participates yearly in Culture Days every fall. Culture Days is an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage, and encourages people to discover local arts through free interactive experiences. This year, Caledon is holding FOUR major events: Caledon Under the Stars, Caledon Creative Arts Festival, Caledon CultureFest, and Caledon Studio Tours. Whether it’s workshops, live music and entertainment, or local vendors that you’re looking for, one of Caledon’s Culture Days events will suit your needs. Fall is the perfect season to slow down, and soak up all the creative inspiration around you!

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For the FULL events calendar, click here!

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HIKING GEMS 

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Ken Whillans Conservation Area: Ken Whillans is a scenic escape in the fall season, open until October 25. Looping around Orchard Pond and Kidd Pond, the trail will take you along well maintained boardwalks and flat ground, making it a simple walk for all abilities. You’ll see reflections of colourful leaves in the calm waters all around you, and hear a wide variety of birds too! Ken Whillans offers fishing and paddling as well. 

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‍Glen Haffy Conservation Area: Glen Haffy is one of Caledon’s true hidden gems. This park is a quiet retreat that local Caledonians know and love. Featuring scenic trails, a trout pond, and picnic areas, it’s the perfect fall getaway for those looking to beat the crowds at busier parks. Plan your trip in advance, as Glen Haffy remains open during the fall season only on weekends. 

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‍Upper Credit Conservation Area: Upper Credit is tucked away on the northwest side of town. A hike here will take you on a journey through meadows, forest, wetlands and along the Credit River. With 400 acres of scenic views, there’s no shortage of trails to choose from, and you’ll definitely catch the changing leaves all around you.

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SEASONAL TREATS 

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Gather Cafe: On the corner of Main and Queen St in Alton you’ll stumble upon Gather Cafe. This cafe is a cozy escape during the fall season all the way from the location, to the interior. The fireplace and decor create a warm and inviting space to catch up with friends, or watch the leaves fall outside. Our seasonal treat pick: The Apple Crumble Tart, paired with an Apple Crumble Oat Latte. 

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‍Blissfully Baked X The Little Almond: Located in the heart of downtown Bolton is Blissfully Baked X The Little Almond. Look out for a pink sign, and follow the steps downstairs into the cafe. Owners Shaina and Taylor describe their space as “homey” or Grandma-core meets hip and young at the same time. If you’re confused, you’ll have to pay them a visit to understand what we mean! The treats are artfully crafted for the fall season each year, and there’s TONS to choose from. Our seasonal treat pick: The Pumpkin S’mores Bar, paired with a Brown Butter Sage Latte.

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‍Cordoba Coffee: A visit to Cordoba Coffee is a two-for-one! Located on the scenic Campbell’s Cross Farm, pick your pumpkin and then take a seat in the coffee shop afterwards. Inside you’ll discover fresh roasted beans, a curated fall menu, and vintage items to shop. Our seasonal treat pick: The Cinnamon Scone, paired with a Pralines and Cream Latte.

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WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO? 

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Cycling: Fall cycling brings a new experience! Colourful changes, less heat, and cool air rushing through your helmet. Caledon has cycling routes for every skill level. Whether you’re mountain biking in Palgrave, hitting the country roads around town, or using the Caledon Trailway for a family friendly adventure, it’s a great way to stay active, even when the weather starts to get chilly.

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Golf: There’s something about golf during fall—the crisp air, foggy mornings, and seeing the beauty of the course change colours with the season. It’s typically a quieter time of year for the sport, so it’s a great way to wind down and relax. Get in a couple more rounds for this year while you still can! View Caledon’s list of courses here.

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Horseback Riding: We’ll set the scene. Happy horses with leaves crunching beneath their hooves, panoramic views of farm land and forest all around you, and a slow stillness in the air that allows you to take a breath, be mindful, and appreciate the acres of beauty surrounding you. Sounds perfect? We thought so! Inquire about a fall trail ride with Rusty Jade Ranch or Teen Ranch. 

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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Fall in Caledon is truly magical, but that means it can be a busy time of year for us! There’s room for everyone to enjoy the season, but to have the best experience, we recommend planning ahead. Visiting on weekdays when possible is often a quieter experience. Always remember to drive safely, make reservations for parks and activities in advance, and be mindful of parking. For more “know before you go tips” click here! 

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