Fall for the Foliage this Autumn with GO Transit

As the crisp autumn air slowly enters the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the change of the weather is a sign of something on the horizon: stunning fall foliage. Picture the allure of golden canopies, fiery red leaves, and the ever-changing tapestry of nature spreading its magic across diverse landscapes, all within reach!

Embrace the seasonal spectacle stress-free by experiencing it by train with GO Transit. With GO Transit, you can sit back and relax as the train twists and turns through some of the best foliage in Southern Ontario, making the journey as exciting as the destination.

Join us as we unravel the beauty of fall foliage and journey to some of the most enchanting leaf-peeping destinations in Southern Ontario.

Best places to see the fall colours in Toronto

As the summer heat fades and the vibrant greenery transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and gold, the Toronto Islands become a serene haven for nature enthusiasts seeking the beauty of fall foliage. Once buzzing with summer activities, the quiet and tranquil atmosphere that descends upon places like Hanlans and Wards Island during the autumn season is truly serene. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and catch the ferry to Toronto Islands for a day this fall. 

Accessing the fall colours of Toronto Islands is convenient with connections from Union Station and the GO Transit lines. Grab the 509 TTC streetcar from all GO lines terminating at Union Station and experience the stunning fall scenery of Toronto Islands without the stress of summer crowds.

Best places to see the fall colours around Burlington and Hamilton

The Burlington Waterfront Trail offers riders the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking and unique pattern of fall colours along Lake Ontario. This 3.5km off-road trail from Brant Street Pier at Spencer Smith Park to the Lift Bridge provides a serene and picturesque setting for experiencing the beauty of autumn. Cycling enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that they can continue for another 6km along Hamilton's trail, extending the scenic journey even further.

Connecting the Lakeshore West Line at Burlington GO makes accessing the Burlington Waterfront Trail convenient. This means that whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, you can easily incorporate this enchanting trail into your fall foliage adventure with the seamless travel provided by GO Transit.

Get into the Halloween spirit at The Great Pumpkin Trail at Royal Botanical Gardens. Follow the candlelit glow of hundreds of jack-o-lanterns deep in the Hendrie Valley, along with live entertainment, pumpkin-themed activities and fall inspired treats. Event dates: October 18-20 and 25-27, 2024.

As a nature sanctuary nestled between two very different climate zones, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) offers an incredible display of plant biodiversity, making it the perfect location to witness the changing of seasons. You don’t need to be a nature enthusiast to be captivated by the stunning display of autumn colours. Hendrie Park boasts a beautiful collection of roses and companion plants, creating a picturesque setting for enjoying something other than fall hues. As you wander through the garden areas and trails at RBG, you'll be captivated by the stunning hues of the changing leaves, creating an enchanting spectacle of nature's artistry. With 4.5 kilometres of trails and five picturesque lookouts, the trails of Hendrie Valley provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall landscape while still within a stone’s distance of Hamilton.

Accessing Royal Botanical Gardens is made convenient with connections to the Lakeshore West Line on GO Transit, offering a seamless journey to this natural wonderland every 15 minutes during peak periods.

Bayfront Park in Hamilton offers a delightful retreat away from the harsh waves of Lake Ontario. The park features a paved pathway perfect for in-line skating, cycling, walking, and jogging, allowing visitors to not only immerse themselves in the beauty of the autumn landscape but stay active while doing so! As you explore the park, be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, making for a memorable outdoor experience. Don’t have a bike? Take advantage of Sobi which offers bike sharing, or Bird e-scooters, both great ways to explore the park and nearby trials.

Accessing Bayfront Park is easy with connections to the Lakeshore West Line on GO Transit. GO Transit provides a convenient and comfortable journey to this picturesque destination via Hamilton: this allows you to seamlessly incorporate the fall foliage of Bayfront Park into your autumn adventure.

If you are looking for a city adventure, check out the Hamilton Fall Guide which has more information on things to do in the downtown area.

Best places to see the fall colours near Niagara Falls

Who would have thought Niagara Falls, known for the grandeur of the Falls, would feature such a beautiful landscape for leaf-peeping? The Niagara Glen, where the trails wind through rugged terrain, allows you to witness the majestic beauty of the changing leaves up close.

Additionally, accessing the Niagara Glen is made easy with convenient connections to the Lakeshore West Line on GO Transit. Get ready to embrace the natural splendour of the season as you hike through the enchanting trails of the Niagara Glen – a quick WEGO bus trip from Niagara GO, dropping you in the centre of the park. Pro tip: bundle your GO transit and WEGO bus fare with one package, available from Niagara Parks!

One of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the stunning fall colours on both sides of the Niagara Gorge is by riding the Whirlpool Aero Car in Niagara Falls. As you journey over the teal-coloured waters of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool, you'll be treated to a spectacular view of the breathtaking autumn landscape. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold interwoven with the lush greenery provide a mesmerizing sight that encapsulates the magic of the season.

Conveniently, accessing the Whirlpool Aero Car is made easy with connections to GO Transit on the Lakeshore West Line.

While in Niagara Falls, why not try and see all the sights in Niagara with a WEGO Combo Ticket?

If you're looking for a truly unique way to experience the breathtaking fall colours without the adventure of a hanging cable car, look no further than the Floral Showcase in Niagara Falls. This slow-paced fall destination offers a spellbinding display of whimsical, topiary-like, living sculptures meticulously crafted from thousands of plants in a refined horticultural style. From a colossal dragon to a mystical Pegasus, these masterpieces are sure to ignite your sense of wonder and leave you mesmerized with fall hues!

And here's the best part - getting there is a breeze with connections on GO Transit and WEGO! Simply grab a train on the Lakeshore West Line, ride until the end of the line, and transfer to a WEGO bus to get to the Floral Showcase or wherever your fall adventure takes you! With a GO + WEGO combo ticket, you can save time, and money, on your autumn adventure.

Best places to see the fall colours near Barrie

Witness the stunning fall foliage without the crowds at the Barrie Waterfront Trail and Oro-Medonte Rail Trail. The Barrie Waterfront Trail, spanning 6.71 km, offers a charming route for gravel-cyclists to immerse themselves in the breathtaking fall colours while enjoying beautiful views along the west shore of Lake Simcoe. Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to bring their bikes and embark on a scenic ride along this idyllic trail all the way to Orillia, offering an opportunity to turn back after lunch.

For those craving an extended cycling journey, continue from the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail towards Orillia on the Simcoe Loop. This 28 km abandoned CN rail line allows cyclists to traverse through mesmerizing landscapes, taking in the natural beauty of the fall foliage and indulging in birdwatching amidst the surrounding forests.

This trail is one of the most accessible on the GO Transit system. Travellers can access these enchanting trails directly across the street from Allandale Waterfront GO Station, on the Barrie Line. Whether you're a local or visiting 2 hours from Toronto, this seamless travel option by GO Transit ensures a comfortable and stress-free journey to this must-see destination.

Time is ticking: don’t miss the best time to see fall colours! 

As autumn sets in across Southern Ontario, nature puts on a breathtaking display of vibrant colours, making it the perfect time for a scenic adventure to witness the stunning fall foliage. The peak foliage in Southern Ontario usually occurs from late September to mid-October, offering only a small window of opportunity to experience the most visually stunning display of autumn colours.

Embarking on a journey this fall with GO Transit is a fantastic way to explore some of these enchanting destinations across Southern Ontario. With convenient connections and reliable service, GO Transit makes it easy to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn. What's more, it's an affordable option, especially with group passes available on weekdays and weekends and the benefit of kids GO free.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary natural spectacle before winter comes and takes the leaves and your autumn adventure away.