Ontario’s fall art studio tour road trips
Studio Tour | Destination Ontario
On select weekends during the season, local artists and craftspeople welcome visitors into their studios to view and purchase their work.
Original paintings, fine jewellery, glass art, sculptures, quilts and pottery are just some of the treasures you will find. Plus, you’ll have the unique and rare opportunity to meet the artists, discover new talent and chat about their creative process.
With the kaleidoscope of colourful red, gold and amber foliage as a backdrop, set out on an inspiring studio tour road trip to some of Ontario’s prettiest and most artistic communities this fall.
Note:
- Some locations may not accept debit or credit card payments.
- Many of these routes are perfect for motorcycle touring, so consider the shipping options for fragile and oversized pieces you would like to purchase.
Southeastern Ontario
Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Studio Tour
Don’t miss this vibrant artists' studio tour in eastern Ontario’s Lennox and Addington County. This year, visit 35 artists across 16 locations from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy viewing local art and chat with creatives working in basketry, encaustic, glass, gourding, jewellery, luthier, mixed media, mosaics, painting, photography, pottery, textiles and woodworking. In addition to 19 studio stops, the Museum of Lennox and Addington in Napanee is also on the tour.
Download the Toureka! app to create your own tour map.
When: September 6–7, 2025
Where: Lennox and Addington County communities including Northbrook, Napanee, Tamworth and Amherst Island.
While here: explore hamlets and towns, local markets and restaurants in the area, as well as rolling farmlands and vibrant forests and lakes.
Prince Edward County Studio Tour
Discover the work of over two dozen county artists, plus guest artists, during the PEC Studio Tour weekend. Use the online map or pick up a copy of the tour guide and look for the PEC studio tour signs as you explore the county.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., September 19–21, 2025
Where: Prince Edward County is located along the Lake Ontario shoreline between Ottawa and Toronto, approximately an hour’s drive west of Kingston.
While here: Enjoy the tranquility and solitude of the beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park after the summer throngs, tour vineyards and enjoy tasting flights at one of the many local wineries. Stop in at Oeno Gallery, Armstrong Glassworks, ANDARA Gallery and Base 31 for more local art.
Where to stay: From country inns and boutique hotels to renovated motels and chic farmhouse B&B’s there’s a wide variety of bespoke accommodations.
Merrickville Arts Guild Studio Tour and Sale
The annual Merrickville Arts Guild studio tour has been a tradition since 1985. Local artists open their doors and welcome visitors into their studios.
There are 28 tour participants in 2025 working in various media, including printmaking, pottery, sculpture, glass blowing, photography, painting and woodwork. Watch handblown hot glass take shape before your eyes or pull proofs off of a vintage printing press. Purchase an original piece of art directly from the artist.
When: September 27–28, 2025
Where: Merrickville-Wolford
While here: Follow a myriad of walking, cycling and paddling trails in and around the quaint village of Merrickville-Wolford, known as the “Jewel of the Rideau.”
York, Durham and Headwaters
Uxbridge Studio Tour
Come for the art, stay for the hospitality, food, drink and sightseeing.
Celebrate 40 creative years of the Uxbridge Studio Tour. From photography and quilting to painting, glass, pottery, jewellery, and more, get ready to be wowed! Explore forests, farmlands and historic downtown Uxbridge during the height of the gorgeous fall season. Browse the artist list and check the map for artists’ studio locations.
Where to stay: Browse unique accommodations in Uxbridge, from Bed and Breakfasts’ to chalets there’s lodging for every type of art enthusiast.
When: September 20 and 21, 2025
Where: In and around the Township of Uxbridge, in Durham Region, a 1.5-hour drive northeast of Toronto.
While here: Uxbridge, known as the “Trail Capital of Canada,” welcomes you to explore beyond studio tours, enjoy local food and drink, local attractions and nature trails.
Caledon Studio Tour
Be one of the first to tour the 18 stops and visit over 25 artists across the town of Caledon on the first-ever studio tour.
The self-guided tour invites you to experience the artistic process from behind the scenes and purchase artwork directly from the creators. Visit the event website to plan your route.
Where to stay: Whether you’re glamping or kicking back in a luxurious resort, find the perfect spot to stay in Caledon during your visit.
When: October 4–5, 2025
Where: All across Caledon
While here: Squeeze in some hiking and time in nature to appreciate the fall colour at a nearby conservation area, including Belfountain or Terra Cotta.
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Tweed and Area Studios
Explore the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists and artisans as they open their studios for a unique self-guided tour. Discover the rich artistic talent and breathtaking natural beauty that make this corner of Ontario special.
Plan your self-guided tour by browsing through the studio tour map.
When: September 27—28, 2025
Where: Across Tweed
While here: Brush up on Tweed history and tour the 127-year-old Tweed Jailhouse that operated as a jail until 1950.
Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour
The annual juried tour winds its way through Mississippi Mills and the surrounding rural area to showcase the talent of local artists and artisans with a wide variety of arts and crafts to discover. And along the route, the fall colours are an outstanding complement to the experience.
Keep up to date with Crown and Pumpkin Studio’s website as tour participants and stops will be updated in the coming weeks.
When: October 11–12, 2025
Where: In and around the communities of Almonte, Clayton and Pakenham.
While here: Don’t forget to try a healthy share of food and drink available along the self-guided tour including artisanal chocolate, honey, maple syrup and spirits.
Bancroft and Area Autumn Studio Tour
In its 34th year, artists and artisans in North Hastings once again welcome you to tour their gorgeous area, visit their working studios and view a wide variety of creative pieces of art. Meet the artists, view their creations and purchase fine craft and art directly from them.
When: September 20–21 and 27–28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: In and around the town of Bancroft, located on the York River in Hastings County, approximately a 2.5-hour drive west of Ottawa.
While here: Soak in Bancroft’s fall season by experiencing some of the rural highlights, staying at a bed and breakfast and visiting local farms and farmers’ markets.
The Perth Autumn Studio Tour
Meet emerging and established craftspeople, makers and artists in the community and countryside around the historic town of Perth. Expand your inventory with jewellery, felted alpaca garments, paintings, woodcraft and more.
Check the map for artists’ studio locations to guide your tour.
When: October 11–12, 2025
Where: Centrally located between Ottawa and Kingston, in eastern Ontario, Perth is just over an hour's drive from Ottawa.
While here: Experience Perth, located on the Tay River, a scenic village with historic architecture and boutique shops, galleries and cafes. In between studio visits, follow a self-guided walking tour and be sure to try the local breweries and distillery.
Where to stay: From motels to Bed and Breakfasts, there are a few options for places to stay in town.
The Studio Tour Haliburton Highlands
Explore the art of the Highlands with a long-running tradition; this studio tour showcases the breadth of creativity and innovation in the area. In its 38th year, experience one-of-a-kind art and the Haliburton Highlands community that celebrates the diversity of handcrafted fine art. Plan your route with the studio map, which identifies the various artists’ mediums and studios.
When: October 4–5 and 11–12, 2025
Where: Haliburton Highlands includes the communities of Minden, Carnarvon, Haliburton and Eagle Lake.
While here: Appreciate the fine art Haliburton Highlands has to offer, savour local eats and brews and explore your inner artist with creative, hands-on experiences.
Where to stay: Find a cottage or resort in the area.
Madawaska Valley Studio Tour
Visit local artists in their studio on a fall road trip through the Madawaska Valley. Experience live demonstrations, chat with the artists and makers and purchase a work of art that speaks to you.
Plan your route with the studio tour guide.
When: October 4–5, 2025
Where: Madawaska Valley
While here: Grumblin’ Granny’s in Barry’s is always a shopping adventure.
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour
One of Ontario’s favourite recreation destinations, the Kawartha area is beautiful any time of year but shines in fall. Hosted by the Art Gallery of Peterborough, self-drive to a variety of artists working in different media.
When: September 27–28, 2025
Where: In the city and county of Peterborough-Kawartha region.
While here: Check out the area’s vibrant arts and culture and food and drink scene, and plan your studio tour itinerary with one of these fall colour drives.
Victoria County Studio Tour
Celebrate 40 years of the Victoria County Studio Tour with approximately 30 artists, artisans, craftspeople and designers participating through the City of Kawartha Lakes.
View the studio tour map to start planning out your visit. Enjoy the colourful autumn leaves, welcoming lakeside communities and innovative art.
When: September 27–28 and October 4–5, 2025
Where: Approximately 1.5 hours drive northeast of Toronto, the area of Kawartha Lakes incorporates several communities, including Lindsay and connected lakes and waterways.
While here: Bring along your binoculars, as the region is home to several birdwatching hotspots.
Where to stay: Find traditional accommodations on your visit, as well as unique ways to stay, like on a houseboat.
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Elora and Fergus Studio Tour
Over 30 participating artists and craftspeople in Elora and Fergus invite you to look behind the scenes and learn what goes into the creation of their art. Studios will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and keep an eye out for roadside sandwich board signs clearly marking studio locations along your way.
Besides opportunities to visit their studios, there will be a show and sale at the Elora Centre for the Arts.
When: September 27–28 and October 4–5, 2025
Where: Elora and Fergus are two neighbouring towns in Wellington County, located along the Grand River. Check the studio maps to plot your route.
While here: Be sure to explore the historic limestone architecture in the villages, the picturesque Grand River and the unique natural geological features of Elora Gorge. Or enjoy a local brew at the Elora Brewing Company and explore Scottish traditions in Fergus.
Where to stay: Treat yourself to country elegance at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa.
Grey, Bruce and Simcoe
Owen Sound Community Artist Studio Tour
Celebrate the artistic spirit of Owen Sound. Throughout the weekend, local artists will be featured in participating studios around the city.
Located along the Niagara Escarpment on the shores of Georgian Bay, natural inspiration abounds, and the local art community is made up of photographers, painters, sculptors, woodworkers and so many more talents.
Browse the studios featured on the tour before your visit.
When: September 20–21, 2025
Where: Throughout the city of Owen Sound
While here: Take in the scenic fall colour on a hike to Inglis Falls or along the Niagara Escarpment on the Bruce Trail. Or visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, an interesting stop for Group of Seven fans.
Where to stay: Enjoy accommodations with a touch of regal elegance on your visit, at The Highland Manor Inn.
Autumn Leaves Studio Tour
Held annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving and always free to attend, the Autumn Leaves Tour invites you to experience three days exploring some of Grey County’s finest local artists and artisans working in paint, pottery, photography, wood and metal.
Download the tour map and look for studio signs along the country roads.
When: October 3–5, 2025
Where: Across Grey County from Hanover, Mount Forest and Dundalk up towards the southern shore of Georgian Bay–approximately two hours drive north of Toronto.
While here: Add culinary, drink and outdoor experiences from the Apple Pie Trail to your weekend road trip
Where to stay: Book a country inn, cottage or boutique motel with maximum views of the fall foliage.
The Bay Studio Tour
The Bay Studio Tour takes place along the shores of Georgian Bay with over 30 artists displaying work including painting, pottery, Indigenous art, textiles, sculpture, woodwork, glasswork, jewellery and mixed media at over 20 locations. Print or use the interactive mobile-friendly map to navigate through the studios.
When: October 4–5, 2025
Where: In and around the towns of Penetanguishene and Tiny, about a 45-minute drive north of Barrie.
While here: Explore local restaurants and food shops with Midland Food Tours and visit one of the many lovely beaches.
Where to stay: Stay at a hotel, resort or cottage in Midland or Simcoe County would make a great home base.
Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour
From exceptional painting and photography to three-dimensional art, explore over a dozen studios over four days during this artist-run, juried event. Use the tour map to chart your route. The tour is currently taking artist applications yet will release more information regarding their October event soon.
When: To be announced
Where: Simcoe County, the self-guided tour covers Moonstone, Horseshoe Valley, the shores of Lake Simcoe and Orillia.
While here: Look out for the colourful designs along Simcoe’s Barn Quilt Trail and stop for a craft beer or a bottle of wine.
Where to stay: Choose from inviting country inns and B&Bs, a downtown Barrie hotel or a full-service resort like Horseshoe Valley Resort during your visit.
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Fine Arts Society of Milton (FASM) Studio Tour
Take a fall road trip to Escarpment country in Halton County, visiting local artist studios along the way. The diverse artwork of over 37 artists will be displayed and for sale in 21 studio locations. Check out the route map to plan your colourful tour.
When: September 27–28, 2025
Where: Halton area, including Milton, Kilbride and Carlisle
While here: Visit trails at Rattlesnake Conservation Area that lead to incredible views, especially during the fall season. Find more things to do in the area.
Soak up the crisp autumn air, meet passionate creators, fill up your shelves with handcrafted goods and let Ontario’s scenic studio tours spark your love for art and adventure.
Studio tours such as the Niagara-on-the-Lake Studio Tour also take place in the summer. Learn more about Ontario’s summer art festivals and events.
Last updated: August 19, 2025