Posted : September 16, 2021
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.
Fall is harvest time. It is the season of pumpkin spice and fresh-pressed cider, of comfy sweaters and cozy baking. It is the time of year when Mother Nature adorns herself in royal hues of rich gold, glowing orange, vivid red, and warm chestnut. The nineteenth-century poet William Cullen Bryant put it best when he wrote, “Autumn… the year’s last, loveliest smile.”
After the hot, lazy dog days of summer, is there anything more refreshing than a burst of crisp, autumn air and a radiant skyline of fall treetops? Not for us, there isn’t. Each year at this time, we at York Durham Headwaters encourage you to get out into the fresh and fragrant countryside to take in our fall colours. Our rural landscapes, conservation areas and other large tracts of natural space make YDH the perfect destination for an ocular feast of autumn foliage. A nature hike in one of our beautiful parks like Albion Hills, Durham Forest or Belfountain conservation area is always a treat. Or a leisurely drive on a winding country road will give you all the colourful scenery you are craving. Even a visit to one of our on-farm markets like Landman Gardens and Bakery or Clearwater Farm will delight your senses with hues of the harvest.
These are tried-and-true options, of course. Everyone’s first thought when it comes to taking in the autumn scenery. But if you’re looking for something different, something that awakens your senses and gives you a fresh perspective, then consider these three unique ways to experience fall colours in YDH for your next outing.
On the Green
If you’re a regular on our blog, you are well aware of how much we love to brag about our golf experiences in YDH. Those undulating emerald fairways, surrounded by pockets of mature trees and thickets of wild flora, are as much a part of the game as landing that perfect putt. At this time of year, the fall foliage adds a wonderful burst of colour to the golf course, setting azure skies ablaze as you enjoy the outdoors. Plus, fall provides the perfect temperatures for golf. It is often still warm enough during the day to be out with a lightweight jacket, but it’s not so hot that you’re drenched by the time you reach the back nine.
The best part about golfing in autumn is that, while we have more than our fair share of championship courses like Hockley Valley, Royal Ashburn and Osprey Valley, those gorgeous fall colours aren’t limited solely to the highest level of play. There are plenty of local courses for beginners and casual golfers that are just as stunning this time of year.
If you’re looking for vibrant fall flair and some healthy, hearty outdoor activity, consider hitting the green for a colourful round of golf.
On the Water
With our network of lakes and rivers, York Durham Headwaters is a top destination for fishing of all kinds. Most (if not all) of our waterways are surrounded by natural space, with lots of leafy trees. During the summer months, you’ll find happy lake-goers splashing about, enjoying the warm temperatures and the cool water. Come September, though, the lakes become too cold for swimming. But make no mistake, this does not mean the lakes become deserted. Far from it. Autumn is a great time for fishing, and many anglers enjoy this season the most. Not only are the lakes less busy, but all those vibrant fall trees are reflected back at you in the surface of the water. It’s like a double dose of autumn!
A day spent fishing is perfect for taking in those mesmerizing fall colours. To find out more about fishing in Ontario, begin your autumn angling adventure here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing.
In the Air
Picture this – you’re driving down a rural, two-lane road, with nothing but orange, red and yellow treetops bordering your view to the clear blue sky above. You’re probably thinking at that moment: gosh, I wish I could be up there amongst those trees!
Well, believe it or not, you can be. YDH is home to not one, but two treetop aerial obstacle course attractions. Treetop Eco-Adventure Park in Oshawa gives you a bird’s eye view of the Oak Ridges Moraine, while Treetop Trekking in Stouffville offers a sky-scraping panoramic view of Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area. Both of these protected spaces are renowned for their natural beauty. Zipline through the trees, enjoy Tarzan swings and nets, and walk wooden catwalks high off the forest floor. What better way is there to take in fall colour than to actually be smack-dab in the middle of it?
If you haven’t guessed by now, we at York Durham Headwaters are obsessed with our amazing fall colours. We absolutely love this time of year, and we know you’ll love it, too… if you’re not already as obsessed as we are, that is. You’re not going to experience these breathtaking hues anywhere else in the world, so begin your autumn adventure in York Durham Headwaters today!
Have you tried one of these unique ways to enjoy our YDH fall colours? Do you have a unique way to take in fall colour that we haven’t thought of? Reach out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @VisitYDH, and tell us all about your experience!
Story by Katherine Ryalen
