Fair October
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Even though Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote about picturesque Prince Edward Island, Octobers in Ontario are pretty special too. What do you like about the fall? The colourful landscape, fall fairs and crisp autumn air make it the perfect time to take a little road trip and enjoy the scenic season. Here are some favourite fall attractions and provincial parks not far from the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa.
Ottawa
Richmond Fair — September 19 to 22. Celebrates its 175th year.
Carp Fair — September 26 to 29
Metcalfe Fair — October 3 to 6
Across the Ottawa River, Gatineau Park in Quebec hosts the colourful Fall Rhapsody event from October 5 to 27.
Painting: Tom Thomson’s View from a Height, Algonquin Park (Fall 1916)
Algonquin Park area
Huntsville Fall Fair — September 20, 21, 22
Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in Canada, established in 1893. The beauty of the park was made famous by painter Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
Peterborough
Norwood Fall Fair near Peterborough — October 12, 13, 14. The Norwood Fair received the Peterborough County Accessibility Recognition Award in 2018 for creating a barrier-free experience for visitors with physical and sensory challenges.
Petroglyphs Provincial Park in Woodview, Ontario has the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Canada, depicting turtles, snakes, birds, humans and more; this sacred site is known as “The Teaching Rocks”.
- Did you know? Ontario Parks has a Fall Colours Report interactive map that shows where the best fall foliage is happening. Visit: www.ontarioparks.com/fallcolour
Guelph and Kitchener
Erin Fair — October 10 to 14
Fair November, University of Guelph — November 14 to 17. It’s not October but it is a fair – and a very interesting one that’s worth planning a visit.
Sarnia
Brigden Fair — October 11 to 14
Brantford and Woodstock
Burford Fair — October 11 to 14. Wheelchair Parking available along Main Gate. Service animals permitted.
Barrie
Elmdale Fall Fair — October 10, 11, 12
Hamilton
Rockton World’s Fair — October 10 to 14. Licensed dog guides & service animals are welcomed.
At nearby Bronte Creek Park the Maiden’s Blush Trail is barrier-free. All washroom facilities have barrier-free access. On September 28 and 29, the park hosts the Harvest Festival.
The Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Sault Ste. Marie
A final mention, even though it’s a 7-hour drive from the GTA, the Agawa Canyon Tour Train offers a breathtaking tour of the Canadian Shield. The train has a coach that is equipped for passengers with disabilities. If you visit The Soo, check out the Algoma Fall Festival that runs from October 4 to 26.
Wheelchair in Motion offers accessible rentals in the GTA and many areas of Ontario, including Ottawa. We still have availability in October! Book one of our vehicles for a day, a weekend, and more. We are here to assist with your accessible transportation needs. Contact us and we’ll help get you on the road.
Wheelchair in Motion Limited | Van Rentals in Ontario