Fall is one of the best times to explore Barrie and the surrounding area. As the leaves begin to change, the region comes alive with colourful trails, local farms, outdoor adventures, waterfront strolls and cozy seasonal treats. From exploring the outdoors and taking in the fall scenery to discovering local attractions and enjoying seasonal flavours, there are many ways to make the most of the season. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Barrie & Area offers plenty of opportunities to get outside, slow down and experience the best of fall.
1. Celebrate Fall & Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Chappell Farms | Barrie Hill Farms | Rounds Ranch
Nothing says fall like finding the perfect pumpkin. Across Barrie and the surrounding area, local farms make it easy to enjoy the season, with pumpkin patches, fall festivals and many activities that turn a simple visit into a fun day out.
Pick a Pumpkin at Chappell Farms
During the annual Fall Festival, you can pick your own pumpkin at Chappell Farms and spend the day enjoying all the fall activities. Explore the animal area, make your way through the corn and sunflower mazes, hop on a wagon ride and enjoy the other farm attractions, with one pick-your-own pumpkin included with admission.
Dates: September 20–October 31, 2026 | Daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m
Make a Day of It at Pumpkin Mania
For another fun fall day, head to Rounds Ranch for Pumpkin Mania. Pick out your own pumpkin, then stick around for the other activities, including wagon rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo and pumpkin-themed games. It’s an easy way to make a whole day of your pumpkin-picking trip.
Dates: September 19–October 25, 2026 | Weekends & Holiday Mondays
Pick Up a Pumpkin at Barrie Hill Farms
Head to Barrie Hill Farms to celebrate the season with pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and fall strawberries. After picking your favourites, enjoy seasonal treats, live music and The Sunday Market, featuring a rotating selection of local artisans and vendors each weekend. With plenty to see, taste and explore, it’s an easy way to turn a fall farm visit into a full day out.
Dates: September 5 - October 26, 2026 | Weekends & Holiday Mondays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
2. Ride Through the Fall Colours
A trail ride at Glen Oro Farm is a fun way to take in the fall colours just outside Barrie. Set among the rolling hills and forests of Oro-Medonte, the farm offers a chance to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. The trails wind through fields and forests filled with maple, oak, beech, pine and cedar, making autumn a beautiful time to visit.
The two-hour outing is designed as a complete equestrian experience, beginning with horse handling, grooming and a safety orientation before heading out on the trails with a guide. After the ride, guests have time to graze and connect with their horse, with photos taken throughout the visit.
Please note: Trail rides must be booked in advance. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
3. Discover Fall from a New Perspective
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Fall is one of the best times to explore the outdoors, and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is a great spot to take in the changing colours. Wander through the forest, explore the natural caves and enjoy the beautiful views as the trees turn shades of red, orange and yellow.
For an even better view, make your way across the suspension bridge and take in the scenery from above. With lots of trails and natural features to explore, you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the fresh fall air and taking in the colours of the season.
4. Take a Fall Walk Along Barrie’s Waterfront
Waterfront Trail Along Kempenfelt Bay
Take a relaxing walk along Barrie’s waterfront and enjoy the changing colours with Kempenfelt Bay beside you. The Waterfront Trail stretches along the shoreline, passing parks, beaches and scenic spots where you can stop and take in the views.
Fall is a great time to explore the waterfront at a slower pace. Grab a coffee or a seasonal treat from Homestead Artisan Bakery + Cafe, then stroll along the trail and watch the leaves change around the bay. You can also make a stop at Heritage Park or the Spirit Catcher along the way.
5. Wander Through Fall Colours
With trails winding through forests, wetlands, parks and natural areas, Barrie and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the changing colours. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walk or a longer hike, there are trails for all types of explorers and plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery along the way.
Pick up a copy of the Barrie & Area Trail Guide to discover local trails and plan your next fall adventure, or click here to view the guide online.
6. Taste the Flavours of Fall at a Local Market
The Barrie Farmers’ Market is a great place to spend a Saturday morning while getting a taste of what’s in season. Browse for fresh produce, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, local foods and handmade products from farmers, food producers and makers from the area. The vendors change with the seasons, so there’s always something different to discover.
As the weather gets cooler, grab something warm or pick up a few local treats to enjoy at home. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Hall in downtown Barrie and runs year-round.
7. Discover the Spooky Side of Barrie
If you're looking for something a little different this fall, explore Barrie's spooky side with a tour from Scary Company. Their Downtown Barrie Haunted Tour takes you through the city's streets after dark, sharing stories of local legends, mysterious events, and some of Barrie's darker history.
Prefer your history without the ghosts? Scary Company also offers a Heritage Tour through downtown Barrie, where you can learn more about the city's history, architecture and local stories while exploring the downtown core.
8. Celebrate the Harvest at a Fall Festival
Celebrate the season at the Hometown Harvest Festival at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Taking place over Thanksgiving weekend, the festival is a fun way to spend a fall day enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, local artisans and the beautiful historic site.
There’s lots to see and do while you’re there, from browsing the handmade goods at the artisan market to meeting the heritage animals and enjoying seasonal food and activities. It’s a great option if you’re looking to get out and enjoy the fall season with family or friends.
Dates: October 10–12, 2026 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
9. Experience Fall After Dark
Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour
As the sun goes down, Discovery Harbour takes on a whole new look for Pumpkinferno. Wander through the historic site and see more than 5,000 hand-carved “fun-kins” lighting up the grounds, with spooky displays, music and live entertainment along the way.
The walk-through experience is a fun way to enjoy the Halloween season with family or friends, and there are lots of displays to stop and see along the way. If you're looking for something a little different to do on an October evening, this is a great way to get into the spirit of the season.
Dates: October 1–31, 2026 | Thursday–Sunday evenings
10. Recharge This Fall
Take a break from the busy pace of fall and settle into the peaceful forest surroundings of Vettä Nordic Spa. As the leaves change colour, enjoy an authentic Finnish sauna experience and move through the restorative cycle of heat, cold and relaxation. Warm up in wood-burning saunas, eucalyptus and citrus steam rooms and hot baths, then awaken your senses with an invigorating cold plunge before unwinding in cozy indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces with views of the forest.
Add a Registered Massage Therapy treatment or wellness experience, such as Sound Bathing or Moving Meditation, for an extra dose of relaxation. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Vettä is the perfect place to slow down, recharge and enjoy the beauty of the season. Reservations are recommended, and the experience is for guests 19+.
Make the Most of Fall in Barrie & Area
From getting outside and taking in the fall colours to enjoying local food, farm festivals and a few spooky surprises, there are many ways to enjoy the season in Barrie. Whether you’re planning a day out with the family, a weekend with friends, or just looking for somewhere new to explore, fall is a great time to get out and see what the region has to offer. Pick a favourite fall activity and start exploring.
