Niagara Falls & Southern Ontario

Falls on falls on falls. Experience the diversity of the southern region with this scenic drive or motorcycle ride through Wine Country and small-town Ontario.

Begin your autumn adventure in Welland, or the city of Niagara Falls, where you may first visit – you guessed it – the stunning Niagara Falls, or even the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. From here, head north along the legendary Niagara Parkway to Niagara On The Lake – situated on the Niagara River.

Be sure to reach the Niagara region from late September to mid-October for the best fall foliage. In NOTL, you may explore the Shaw Festival Theatre, and check out fall colours on horseback thanks to Niagara Riding Stables.

Experience Ontario’s wine country at famed Niagara-region wineries like Peller Estates Winery, Inniskillin Wines, and Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery – plus Tawse Winery, Strewn Winery, and Southbrook Vineyards. From here, head west along the lake for a great photo opportunity on Lakeside Park Carousel – set just north of St. Catharines.

From there, head to Ball's Falls Conservation Area – yet another way to experience autumn in Ontario. A present day ghost town, Ball’s Falls features plenty to do in the Niagara Escarpment – hike the Twenty Valley, tour historic structures, and of course, check out the falls, complete with an exquisite fall background. From the falls, extend your drive along Lake Ontario to Jordan, Vineland, Beamsville, and finally to Grimsby.

For a nice autumn adventure along the escarpment – best experienced from mid-September to mid-October – make your way toward the Bruce Peninsula on the Georgian Bay.

Start in Owen Sound, and explore the Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum, then head northwest to the Bruce Peninsula National Park. From the park, head back south – possibly stopping at Black Creek Provincial Park – and make your way beyond MacGregor Point Provincial Park toward Kincardine. Check out Point Clark Beach just south of Kincardine on Lake Huron, and then start east toward Walkerton – eventually heading back to Owen Sound.