Posted : October 6, 2022
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
It’s that magical time of year when mother nature paints the forests in varying shades of red, orange, and yellow. Many fall hard for fall thanks to the colourful foliage! One of the most thrilling autumn activities is to set off chasing fall colours, and the York Durham Headwaters region is the perfect place to enjoy those fall-tastic hues.
On account of the endless stretches of forests and incredible small businesses, the region is home to a wealth of places to see the fall colours. From high atop the tree canopy to on foot through dense forest tracks, below are some of the most unique ways to experience the colours of the season.
Horseback Riding
For those looking for unique fall colour experiences consider hitching a ride upon a horse! There are two great places to rein in a good time while horseback riding in the region.
Rawhide Adventures and Peace Valley Ranch
The rolling hillsides of Mulmur are some of the best places to soak in the fall colours in Headwaters! Among the scenic countryside sits Peace Valley Ranch. This free-range beef farm has been a staple in the community for over 40 years.
Along with cozy wild west-style accommodations and their over 100 head of black angus cattle is Rawhide Adventures. For over 20 years, Rawhide has been providing private trail rides for those looking for a true country experience.
Saddle up on one of their over 30 horses and saunter through picturesque forest trails or along the river. Rawhide Adventures offers various trail riding excursions, from two-hour trips to picnic rides, and there’s something to suit beginners and seasoned riders.
Pathways on Pleasure Valley
Set on over 225 acres, roughly 45 minutes northeast of Toronto, is Pathways on Pleasure Valley. Noted as a recreational and educational facility for over 30 years, they have a deep love for equines. They provide a natural space for their horses to live and grow. Plus, their renowned facility gives horseback riding lessons, trail rides, and there’s an event space that’s perfect for all occasions.
Located along the Oak Ridge’s Moraine, in the Durham Region, Pathways offers guided horseback riding tours. Take the reins and sit 14 hands high for a new perspective of the fall foliage as you ride through Pleasure Valley’s stunning woodland trails.
At Pathways visitors can choose from one hour regular or private trail rides as well as other packages. The best part is that it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time on a horse or the thousandth, they’ll make sure you have a fabulous fall ride!
Trail Hub
Fall hikes are a favourite for many but at the Trail Hub visitors can relish in the season with a few unique experiences!
The Trail Hub, located in Uxbridge, is a destination for nature lovers all year long. It was once a treasured ski hill, Skyloft and you can still see the old chair lift! Now, it’s transformed into an epic event space and community hub for outdoor adventurers.
Connecting over 240 kilometres of local Uxbridge trails, the Trail Hub is a prime destination for sensational fall hikes and bike rides! You can access some of the top trails in Ontario here like the Trans Canada Trail and the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail.
On site there’s also a boutique featuring items from local artisans as well as a spot to grab a bite to eat. Whether you choose to dine inside, with its massive windows, or outside, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. It doesn’t get much better than this vista! It’s the highest point in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area and is pure magic in the fall with the sun illuminating all the colours!
York Durham Heritage Railway
One of the most iconic attractions in Uxbridge is the York Durham Heritage Railway! Travel back in time on a historic train that traverses York and Durham Region.
All aboard the York Durham Heritage Railway for one of their many fall-themed train rides! Throughout September and October, visitors can hail a train from the historic Uxbridge train station, which dates back to 1904. Here, the station is already decked out for the season with its roof in the shape of a witch’s hat.
The Railway thunders along an approximately 20-kilometre route through the Oak Ridges Moraine. This scenic area is filled with rolling countryside, sweeping views, and plenty of forest terrain that comes alive in the autumn.
There are four fabulous fall train excursions running during the season! The Fall Colours Lunch Feast is the perfect combination of a fall feast and a unique view of the area’s captivating fall foliage. Riders will enjoy the comfort of a classic 1950’s heritage rail car while indulging in a delicious lunch prepared by an award-winning chef. Plus, you’ll be able to gaze out the window and watch Mother Nature’s autumn canvas pass by.
In addition to lunch rides, they also have a Thanksgiving Harvest Dinner Train. With tables dressed in fresh linen and harvest décor, riders will be able to dine aboard the train with the sights and sounds of autumn all around.
Treetop Trekking Stouffville
Within York Region’s Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area visitors will find a long list of activities. This over 250-acre park has hiking trails, a BMX track, an annual maple syrup festival, and more! One of the many attractions in the park is Treetop Trekking Stouffville. Located less than an hour north of Toronto, it’s the perfect place to take in the fall colours from 40 feet above the ground!
Forget about watching the changing foliage wiz by you in the car, with Treetop Trekking you are right in the thick of the colourful leaves!
The aerial park features five different courses where you can climb into the tree’s canopy and cross suspension bridges. Test your courage with Tarzan swings and balancing logs! Plus, thunder through the forest, all ablaze with reds and yellows, on one of their ziplines.
Jump on these fantastic autumn adventures before the leaves fall!
By Stephanie Mayo from The World As I See It
