Romantic fall getaways for couples

Make memories during Ottawa 200

Ottawa is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Bytown's founding. On the official milestone date of September 26, 2026, a variety of indoor and outdoor events, performances, gatherings and exhibitions will be held across the city, with even more special experiences offered throughout the season.

From the warm contemporary vibes at gezellig and Riviera’s sophisticated cocktails to the opulent Restaurant 18 and dark, candlelit corners at Tradici (find Tradici on Instagram), there’s no shortage of exceptional restaurants with a romantic ambiance.

Where to stay: Stylish rooms, onsite fine dining and romantic packages make the Metcalfe Hotel a great accommodation option. The modern Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market puts you in the centre of the action. The rooftop lounge with cozy fireplace and outstanding views is a bonus.

Celebrate along the Rideau Heritage Route

Part natural waterway, part constructed canal, the Rideau Waterway stretches just over 200 kilometres between Ottawa and Kingston. It flows through a series of lockstations, past several small towns and charming communities on its route to the St. Lawrence River.

This year marks the bicentennial of the start of construction on this remarkably engineered water route (the 200-year anniversary of completion will take place in 2032), which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Map a road trip through charming towns like Smith Falls, Perth and Westport.

Where to stay: North of Perth, Clyde Hall is a heritage Bed & Breakfast overlooking the Clyde River and located next to Timber Run Golf Course. Nevis Estate B&B is another beautiful heritage country option.

Grey County getaway

While just a few hours’ drive north of Toronto, the rolling hills, endless orchards and sunny shores of Grey County feel like a world away, especially when bathed in the colours of fall.

Catch fall colour on display from the lookout at Old Baldy Conservation Area or hike to scenic waterfalls, including Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls near Flesherton.

Savour the county’s flourishing food scene, from freshly baked treats at the Thornbury Bakery Cafe and specialty coffees at Good Grief Coffee to the MICHELIN-recommended farm-to-table tasting menu at Down Home or Marilynne in Markdale. The cozy ambiance at Hearts Tavern and Bar in Kimberley is the perfect setting for a romantic meal.

Where to stay: Book a room at Leeward House, a newly opened boutique hotel in Thornbury designed for ultimate wellness and relaxation. Or check into a tranquil suite at The Castle Keep in the Blue Mountains. Each unit incudes private spa, fireplace, terrace and a kitchenette. For a more remote experience, Back Forty Glamping combines luxury with nature in private geodesic domes surrounded by woodland, meadows and wide open skies.

Lake Erie ports of call

With the throngs of summer beachgoers gone, the sandy beaches along the Lake Erie shoreline and quaint beach towns between Port Dover and Port Stanley become the perfect destination for couples.

Port Burwell Provincial Park and Long Point National Wildlife Area are both excellent spots for bird watching during the fall bird migration. Head up to St. Thomas to hike Canada’s only elevated park and admire the open-air gallery of murals and street art.

Treat yourselves to locally sourced seasonal dining at Solo on Main. Another Port Stanley favourite is Two Forks, as well as Grassroots in St. Thomas.

Where to stay: Homegrown Hideaway offers two secluded, luxury glamping sites near Port Dover and operates until mid-October. Select from the couple’s packages at Long Point Eco Adventures or opt for a room at the Erie Beach Hotel in Port Dover.

Fall in love with Niagara-on-the-Lake

Historic architecture, lovely vineyards, wine-inspired cuisine and lake and river views make it easy to fall in love with Niagara-on-the-Lake. Add world-class theatre at the Shaw Festival, a country cooking class at Strewn Winery and a spa treatment at 100 Fountain Spa to your getaway itinerary for a memorable getaway.

Where to stay: Experience country elegance in a 19th-century building at The Pillar and Post, a luxurious, vintage hotel with farm-to-table dining and a glamorous spa. Spa packages at 124 Q Hotel and Spa include traditional services and the hydrotherapy wellness circuit.

Balance nature and culture in Hamilton

Hamilton is home to over 100 rapids, cascades and waterfalls connected by well-maintained trails that are perfect for a romantic autumn hike. Or wander the pathways and trails at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Take in local, national and international art at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, one of Ontario’s oldest and largest art museums. Visit Puddicombe Farm & Winery in Winona to pick-your-own seasonal fruit and sip wine or cider on the patio. Ridge Road Winery in Stoney Creek is also worth a visit for wine lovers. Follow up with an elevated dining experience at Betula Restaurant or Quatrefoil in Dundas. The Ancaster Mill is a great option for a scenic, historic creek-side setting.

Where to stay: Enjoy boutique, European-inspired hospitality with stylish, celebrity-themed rooms, and an on-site Italian restaurant featuring the finest local and international wines at C Hotel by Carmen’s.

Savour Lake Huron sunsets

Often referred to as Ontario’s West Coast, the shoreline of Lake Huron extends from Sarnia to the Bruce Peninsula with long stretches of soft, sandy beaches and fabled sunsets.

From Goderich and Bayfield to Kincardine and Saugeen Shores, the fall season transforms bustling summer beach communities dotting the shoreline into tranquil lakeside escapes. Stroll historic main streets, find cozy local spots and visit historic lighthouses, such as the Point Clarke Lighthouse, just south of Kincardine. Enjoy live music and local spirit at the Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival and catch Lake Huron’s legendary sunsets from Station Beach in Kincardine, Sunset Point in MacGregor Provincial Park or Southampton Beach just north of Saugeen.

Where to stay: Love is in the air at the stately Benmiller Inn and Spa near Goderich and the charming Little Inn of Bayfield. The Beach Motel in Southampton offers rooms for a romantic coastal escape.

Explore the fall flavours of Central Counties

The counties of York, Durham and Headwaters stretch north and east of Toronto, from urban to rural landscapes anchored by small towns and agricultural communities. Savour the taste of place at welcoming farms and charming cafes, bakeries, restaurants and breweries.

You’ll melt over the buttery croissants and brioches at Bistro Dupain, a French bakery and patisserie in Mono. The Rosemont General Store is your go-to for butter tarts, having won best-in-show at the Midland Butter Tart Festival.

Sample hand-crafted wines at Holland Marsh Wineries in Newmarket and pure, natural honey and mead at Circling Hawk Farm in Richmond Hill.

In Whitby, The Souk specializes in authentic chai culture, while the whimsical M & L Motors Café offers freshly baked scones in an unusual location, a converted gas station (follow M & L Motors on Instagram). For Chef-driven farm-to-table dining, visit Nest at the Trail Hub in Uxbridge.

Where to stay: For upscale elegance and scenic views, book a stay at Mount Alverno Luxury Resort near Orangeville. The Postmark Hotel in Newmarket blends a modern aesthetic with historic details.

Tour the hills of Northumberland

Set out on a leisurely road trip through lakeside towns and rural communities of Northumberland, about an hour and a half east of Toronto.

Admire the fall splendour, browse the Cobourg Farmers’ Market, visit the Art Gallery of Northumberland and see what’s on stage at the rustic Westben, one of Ontario’s prettiest live performance venues.

It’s worth the drive north into the Kawarthas to experience fireside farm-to-table feasts at the Cheeky Duck Vineyard in Lakefield.

Where to stay: For some pampering, head to Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton or dial up the romance at Black River Retreat, an ultra-private luxury cabin in the woods near Tweed that hosts just one (or two) couples at a time.

Wine down in Wellington

Fresh, regional food, fantastic wine, serene lake views, live music and local art are all on the agenda in Prince Edward County.

Visit the Wellington Farmers’ Market, book a guided wine tour and enjoy Mexican fare at La Condesa. Peruse the Arts Trail to local studios and galleries and check the live performance schedule at Hayloft Dancehall.

Where to stay: The Cape, Claramount Club, The Lakeside Motel, the Drake Devonshire and Wander the Resort all provide unforgettable getaway stays.

Get into cottage mode in Muskoka Lakes

The long warm days of summer transition to crisp and cozy fall cottaging. Go hiking under colourful forest canopies and canoeing on lakes mirroring the autumn foliage.

Bala and Torrance are neighbouring cottage country communities nestled in the idyllic Muskoka Lakes. Famous for the annual fall Bala Cranberry Festival, there’s much more to explore throughout the fall season. Building on the longstanding fame of the Kee to Bala concert venue, the area’s cranberry culture, great trails at Hardy Lake Provincial Park and outstanding sky viewing at Torrance Barrens, Muskoka Lakes is an ideal autumn getaway.

Jack & Stella is an eclectic mix of lakeside cafe-by-day and Italian-eatery-by-night with a general store and bottle shop in Bala. Head up to Port Carling for a romantic meal at Portside Fusion.

Where to stay: Located across the street from Clear Lake Brewing, Muskoka Beer Spa offers a refreshingly fun twist to the traditional spa experience. The Dudley Inn oozes cottage charm while the historic Bala Bay Inn offers a relaxing and comfortable stay.

Follow your heart to Killarney

One of Ontario’s most scenic destinations, the little village of Killarney is the kind of place that once experienced, you’ll never want to leave.

Georgian Bay waves lap up to smooth granite rocks that illuminate to a warm, romantic rose colour at sunset under the gaze of the white quartzite-tipped La Cloche Mountain range.

Hike or paddle at Point Grondine Park or Killarney Provincial Park. Follow the Killarney Lighthouse Trail along the shoreline or book a private sightseeing charter to admire North Georgian Bay. Learn about Killarney’s long trading, logging and fishing history at the local museum and treat yourselves to a renowned fish and chips meal at Herbert’s.

Where to stay: Settle into one of the cozy cabins or suites at Killarney Mountain Lodge.

Superior adventure in Algoma

You’ll want to take turns being the passenger on a scenic road trip in Algoma Country; the lake vistas and fall colour foliage make for breathtaking sights. Bask in autumn colours on the hike up Robertson Cliffs for a priceless view.

Moments of Algoma is an immersive program designed to showcase how much Algoma and the North Shore of Lake Superior inspired the Group of Seven artists over a century ago. Follow along to the exact locations and landscapes and enjoy art-inspired experiences.

Where to stay: Depending on the route you choose, Dunlop Lake Lodge, a few minutes north of Elliot Lake, Bellevue Valley Lodge in Goulais River and Rock Island Lodge near Wawa, are all welcoming rest stops.

Take in the sights of Sunset Country

Located on the northern shore of Lake of the Woods, Kenora is renowned for incomparable outdoor experiences right at its doorstep. From hiking and wildlife viewing to boating and fishing, there’s a host of amazing adventures to choose from in the fall.

But don’t overlook the fun things to do in the city of Kenora either. Guided and self-guided mobile-based tours are available at The Muse, Lake of the Woods Museum. Explore downtown on the townscape murals walking tour and pick up maps and info at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre.

Tour the facility and enjoy a tasting at Lake of the Woods Brewing. The Vault Social House serves excellent food with great waterfront views.

Where to stay: Explore Lake of the Woods surrounded by fall colour on a houseboat with Houseboat Adventures or stay in the heart of town at the Comfort Inn.

From urban destinations to rural and remote retreats, dial up the romance on a fall getaway or road trip this season in Ontario.