These breezy driving routes make for amazing fall road trips

Crisp air. Falling leaves. Hot apple cider in hand. Nothing says fall like a weekend road trip touring through small town Ontario. This year, slow down and celebrate harvest season in Ontario’s Southwest on one of these great routes.

Guide your Flavours

The bounty of Ontario's Southwest comes alive during harvest season with fresh new flavours to fill your plates and glasses. The farm-to-table dining, apple pies, and markets in the Fall Flavour Guide will help you flavour up for winter.

apples fall drive

Migration takes Flight

Ontario’s Southwest is home to world-class birding thanks to multiple sites playing as main resting hubs during migration for our feather friends. You can take part in fall migration in many ways including birding festivals, interaction with experts at bird banding stations, and taking to the trails at parks and conservation areas.

Sunsets and Songbirds

The Lake Huron sunsets at Pinery Provincial Park have been ranked as some of the world’s best and this itinerary will put you right where the magic happens. In addition to spotting birds on their fall migration at the area’s many great birding sites, there’s time for live theatre, wine tasting, strolling on a world-class beach and leisurely meals.

Pinery Beach Waterfront

Wheelin' through Wine Country

Not all road trips exploration requires you to be behind the wheel of your own car. Explore the wineries, and even breweries, of Essex County on a trolley or take a small-group tour with Grape Vine Tours. Cruise along the Toast the Coast Trail with Ride the Bine, and take in the newest wine region, Huron Shores, with Tour the Shore

Find Ciders that A-Peel

The cider scene in Ontario’s Southwest is booming and the fall is the perfect time for a visit to the orchards that are responsible for these sparkling sensations. Follow the route that these bloggers test drove and get a taste of the region’s non-alcoholic and hard ciders for yourself.

Reconnect with Nature

Enjoy a guided scenic walk through a Carolinian forest with woodworker Dave Schonberger to get in touch with rural life living, and connect with the forest. Head over to the artisanal workshop and create your own charcuterie board. You get to make this board alongside Dave and use locally harvested lumber. After all the work is done, you get to learn how to use your new charcuterie board to enjoy at home with family and friends! From Tree to Table: Build Your Own Board is an experience you won't want to miss!

From Tree to Table

Explore Canada’s Dairy Capital

Oxford County’s Cheese Trail is a bucket list trip for cheese lovers. Explore the 24 stops along the route at your own pace. Design your own route or follow this travel blogger's journey in Canada's Dairy Capital.

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Get Hands-On in London

Try something new this fall and experience the culinary scene of London with a local expert. Whether you decide to do the Experiential Walking Tours, a Covent Garden Market Experience, or the Ultimate Forest City Culinary. You'll be sure to discover a whole new side of London.  Want to find out more?  Well, be sure to check out all the details here.

Explore the Trails

Fall is the perfect time to lace up your boots and adventure through some of Ontario's Southwest's favourite hiking trails. Experience the crisp air, breathtaking views, and see the leafs change as you take a relaxing hike.

fall hiking

Snap some share-worthy selfies

Your friends will be dying to know about your weekend travels if you post some pictures from this trip. Say cheese as you sidle up to roadside attractions like a Cold War-era submarine, a 50-foot catfish and a famous elephant from days gone by. Get the complete itinerary along with tasty dining recommendations.

St Thomas elevated park

Bring the family along

It's the season to warm up with some apple cider before you and the family had out to enjoy some fall themed fun. Participate in mazes, wagon rides, and pumpkin picking, all while creating the connection between local farms and the tasty food on the plate. Get your fall family road trip inspiration here.

Next Stop Taste

Plan your epic fall flavour road trip to our large variety of breweries, farms, markets, restaurants, and wineries! This video series Next Stop: Taste will help guide you in building the perfect itinerary for you to have a taste of flavours throughout our region!

Great food on a serving board

Get your Motor(cycle) running

In addition to being home to the legendary Friday the 13th Port Dover motorcycle cruise route, Ontario’s Southwest has scenic highways and byways that make it a Mecca for motorcyclists. These 12 routes are sure to thrill two-wheeled riders, but they also make for amazing scenic cruising for four-wheeled drivers and cyclists too.

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