Harvest Season

What’s not to love about harvest season? In autumn, local markets and shops in Ontario overflow with fresh produce and baked goods begging to be consumed. Everything from apples and pumpkins, breads and pies, honey and maple syrup are waiting to be turned into a harvest feast. All you have to do is enjoy! Here are some of our recommendations for making the most of the harvest season in South Georgian Bay.

Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets have boomed in popularity over the last decade, and there are plenty of reasons why. You can support your local community while getting a prime shopping experience. Whether you need a loaf of bread, cooking herbs, or something to sweeten your coffee and tea, you can find it. Nothing beats the quality of farmers market goods. Why? Because farmers are selling you their fruits and vegetables themselves. Now that’s farm-to-table fresh. Look here for a list of Farmers Markets in the South Georgian Bay.

Apple Pie Trail

If you are looking for a unique local experience, check out the Apple Pie Trail along the South Georgian Bay. This apple-inspired event takes you to some of the best orchards, restaurants, wineries, cider houses, shops, and more throughout the region. From Meaford and Thornbury to the Blue Mountains and Beaver Valley, you can enjoy the best apple ciders, tarts, donuts, and (of course) pies in Ontario. How do you like them apples?

Wine and Beer Festivals

Who doesn’t love sipping a good drink on a beautiful autumn evening? Not only is autumn prime time for vegetable harvests, but it’s also the peak of brewing season. Wineries, breweries, and cideries are all hard at work turning this year’s crop into delicious drinks. From wine festivals to Oktoberfests, you can learn all about the artistry of alcohol production. If you aren’t a drinker, don’t worry! Almost all of Ontario’s growers and brewers also offer delicious alcohol-free beverages so everyone can enjoy tasting the season.

Revell in Nature

It’s no secret that going out into nature is good for your physical and mental health. The fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for your mind and body. Glamping is the perfect way to get all the benefits of immersing yourself in nature, without having to sacrifice your comfort. If you are looking for the perfect landscape to escape into, here are some things you’ll love about Ontario in the fall. 

Fall Foliage 

The vibrant display of red, gold, and orange leaves is what makes autumn such a beloved season. Ontario is one of the best places to experience in the world this annual kaleidoscope of color. There are many ways you can enjoy the fall foliage in the South Georgian Bay region. Some ideas include: hiking through Old Baldy and Irish Mountain Lookout, or, if you are feeling really glamorous, chartering a Beaver Valley plane tour. 

Salmon Runs

Every year, thousands of salmon make the arduous upstream journey from the waters of Lake Ontario to their spawning grounds. This predictable pattern makes Ontario an angler’s paradise. Whether are hoping to enjoy some sport or just want to enjoy the view, watching the Salmon fight the water is an incredible sight to see. 

Bird Migrations

Have you considered taking up birdwatching? If not, you should give it a try this fall. The semi-annual migration of birds in the spring and autumn seasons increases the likelihood of spotting some avian species. Among other animals, you may catch a glimpse of the infamous Canadian Geese, delicate Yellow-throated Warblers, and majestic Golden and Bald Eagles.

Autumn Nights

The setting sun sets the sky ablaze in the same colors as the autumn landscape. The fading light and dropping temperatures may signal the end of the day, but the night has just begun! Autumn evenings are just as full of magic and wonder as the day. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the cooler nights. 

Eating Glampfire Meals 

Fall is the season of food and feasts, so you should put that delicious Farmers Market produce to use! Glamping means luxury, and luxury means gourmet goodies. From fall-flavoured meals, to pumpkin-spiced snacks, there are so many fall favorites you can enjoy. It’s surprisingly easy to upgrade your campfire into a glampfire. All you need is a little imagination and some great ingredients. 

Letting off Steam

If the fire isn’t enough to warm up the autumn chill, why not let off a little steam with a hot tub or sauna? After a long day of exploring the environment, nothing feels better to sore muscles than some heat. Feel your stress melt away from your body, and float away with the steam into the night. You’ll end the evening feeling like an entirely new person. 

Stargazing

The perfect day deserves the perfect ending, and what’s a more relaxing way to end the night than to enjoy some stargazing? The open skies and quiet nights away from the city make for the ultimate viewing experience. Imagine snuggling up under a cozy blanket to stare at the sky with someone you love. What could be more relaxing and romantic than that?