Romantic fall getaways in Ontario

Lake Erie ports of call

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

Witness the fall bird migration, stroll the quaint beach towns, browse shops like Yellow Brick Pottery, visit the Hounds of Erie boutique winery and enjoy wholesome, locally sourced food at Solo on Main.

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 for a memorable getaway.

Stay: From elegant inns along the tree-lined main street to country manors, find the perfect romantic Bed & Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Discover Hamilton’s natural and cultural wonders

Hamilton is home to over 100 rapids, cascades and waterfalls connected by well-maintained trails perfect for an autumn hike. 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 purchase wine or cider and a fresh bouquet of flowers from Fresh Farms Market. Ridge Road Winery in Stoney Creek is also worth a visit for wine lovers. Follow up with creative burgers and tacos at Betula Restaurant in Dundas.

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.

Country loving in St. Jacobs

Have you crossed the kissing bridge? The picturesque West Montrose Covered Bridge is the last remaining bridge of its kind in Ontario and has likely provided countless couples a private spot to steal a kiss since its construction in 1881.

Follow the St. Jacobs Art Walk to beautiful wall murals, paintings and poems that reflect the inviting country culture of the area. Discover one-of-a-kind finds and delicious treats in the village of St. Jacobs and at the St. Jacobs Market.

Stay: The cabin at The Blue Bruce B&B is designed to provide a peaceful and cozy getaway for couples.

Explore the urban villages of Mississauga

Restaurants, cafés and shops in historic buildings line the main road through the quaint community of Streetsville. Follow Mississauga Road south to the vibrant, waterfront village of Port Credit for more shopping, dining and lakefront views. Feel the serenity at Kariya Park, a Japanese-themed garden and park just north of Port Credit. Express your artistic side on a fun date night at The Studio Paint Bar.

From the intimate ambiance of dining in a historical house at Chelsea Restaurant to the bustle, buzz and enticing aromas at Bar Catalina, a busy Spanish tapas bar to the homemade Hungarian Chimney cakes, pastries and other take-out treats at Eva’s Original, there’s lots of choice when it comes to where to eat and drink. For an extra special cocktail, check out the creations at Door FiftyFive.

Stay: The upscale Glenerin Inn & Spa offers a selection of packages, including romantic getaway with dinner and a couple’s spa retreat.

Embrace the ‘sweat culture’ in Durham Region

More than just a spa, Thermëa in Whitby is a brand new wellness village replete with thermotherapy, massage, and other rejuvenating treatments, fresh farm-to-table cuisine and a biërgarden. Dress code is bathrobe.

Stay: Check out the couple’s weekend getaway package at Southwoods Bed & Breakfast in Oshawa.

Waterfall, art and apple trails await in Georgian Bay

Waterfalls, apple orchards and beautiful views of Georgian Bay make this region a perfect spot for romance. Hike to one of eight waterfalls in the area, visit local art galleries, taste the fresh flavours of craft wine, beer and cider and explore this region’s love of apples along the Apple Pie Trail.

Fall is the perfect season to tour the back routes and county roads of Simcoe County by bike. Humdinger Bicycle Tours offers curated guided and self-guided cycling packages.

Stay: Overlooking Walters Falls, Falls Inn & Spa is a great spot to appreciate the fall colour as well—with onsite trails that connect to the Bruce Trail. Or book your stay at the Dragonfly Dreams Inn in Midland.

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 during the Open Air Fall Fest at Westben, one of Ontario’s prettiest live performance venues.

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, amazing wine, serene lake views, live music and local art all on the agenda in Prince Edward County. From your home base in the village of Wellington, visit the Wellington Farmers’ Market, book a guided wine tour and enjoy Mexican fare at La Condesa or the thoughtful Japanese selection and whisky list at Koenji Whisky Bar. Follow the Arts Trail to local studios and galleries and check the live performance schedule at The Eddie or Hayloft Dancehall.

Stay: The Lakeside Motel, the Drake Devonshire, Drake Motor Inn and Wander The Resort all provide unforgettable getaway stays.

Ottawa countryside escape

From the counties of Prescott and Russell to Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, the countryside east of Ottawa towards the St. Lawrence River is home to some of Ontario’s most intriguing history and culture. In fact, communities in this region were established almost 20 years before the Canada was officially founded as a nation.

Join a local expert on a customized, guided tour. Visit the oldest jail in Ontario in L’Orignal, check out local art at Arbor Gallery Cultural Centre in Vankleek Hill. Pick up bath bombs and beard oils at the Lavender Boutique Farm in Chute-à-Blondeau. This area is home to delicious wine, cheese and craft beer. With oysters, steak and maple fried chicken French toast on the menu, Sunday brunch at Riverest in L’Orignal is an event.

Stay: Make your home base at Microtel by Wyndham in Casselman or Quality Inn and Suites in Hawkesbury.

Romantic retreats 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 past several small towns and charming communities on its route to the Saint Lawrence River. Chart your road trip through the region. Enjoy local art, food, festivals and attractions in adorable towns like Kemptville, Smith Falls, Perth and Westport. One of the best ways to explore is by kayak, especially in the fall.

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

Expand your horizons in Parry Sound

Perched on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay facing the largest freshwater archipelago in the world, Parry Sound is surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the islands and sparkling waters aboard the Island Queen. Or take to the skies with Georgian Bay Airways for an aerial view of forest awash in fall colour, rocky shorelines and 30,000 Islands. Enjoy fine Italian cooking at DiSalvos, a craft brew at Trestle Brewery and see what’s on at the Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts.

Stay: Bayside Inn is within walking distance to the harbour and downtown.

Follow your heart to Killarney

One of Ontario’s most scenic destination, the little village of Killarney is the kind of place once experienced, you’ll want to return to. Georgian Bay waves lap up to smooth granite rocks that illuminate to a warm rose colour at sunset under the gaze of the white quartzite-tipped La Cloche Mountain range.

Go for a paddle in Killarney Provincial Park, follow the Killarney Lighthouse Trail along the shoreline or pick up the basics of sailing. Learn about Killarney’s long trading, logging and fishing history at the local museum and treat yourselves to a fish and chips meal at Herbert’s.

Stay: Settle in to 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 are outstanding. The hike up Robertson Cliffs is worth it for the view.

Moments of Algoma in 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 same locations and landscapes and enjoy art-inspired experiences. Elevate your photography game with the Fall Gales Photography Workshop offered October 15–19, 2023 by Rock Island Lodge.

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 all are 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 Lake of the Woods Museum the Muse. Explore the downtown along the townscape murals walking tour, 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. Soak up the ‘lake life’ vibe at The Boathouse, overlooking the water. Sweet Lake of the Woods will satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Stay: Explore Lake of the Woods surrounded by fall colour by houseboat with Houseboat Adventures, stay in the heart of town at the Comfort Inn or experience the ultimate wilderness luxury aboard the Grace Anne II Yacht and at the Grace Anne II Lodge.

Find more romantic getaway ideas, travel itineraries and road trips perfect for two.