Autumn Colours, Thanksgiving Feasts, Halloween Thrills and More…
The crisp autumn air, leaves under foot, a cozy sweater—there’s nothing quite like October in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Forests erupt into shades of gold, amber, auburn, russet, crimson and scarlet; vineyards glow with golden vines ready for harvest; and the historic Old Town radiates charm as it gears up for Thanksgiving and Halloween.
Whether you crave outdoor adventure, seasonal indulgence or a touch of spooky fun, October in Niagara-on-the-Lake has something for the urban explorer and the outdoor adventurer alike.
AUTUMN ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Fall is the perfect season to slow down, savour the scenery and explore nature at its most glorious. Hikers, walkers and cyclists are spoiled for choice with local trails that showcase the region’s breathtaking landscapes:
Niagara River Recreation Trail: Running parallel to the mighty Niagara River from Fort George to the Niagara Escarpment in Queenston, this world-famous walking and cycling route is lined with brilliant fall foliage.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Waterfront Trail: Popular for birding, running and walking, this trail meanders along the shores of Lake Ontario and features spectacular views and cool lake breezes.
Lakeshore Loop: A favourite for walkers and runners, this short loop winds through peaceful rural stretches.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Loop: This 43-kilometre Grand Loop takes you from Old Town to the Welland Canal, Queenston and the Niagara River Trail.
Niagara Glen Reserve: Deep in the Niagara Gorge, hiking paths wind through a pristine Carolinian Forest and past prehistoric geological formations, wild flora and fauna, down to the water’s edge and the natural phenomenon that is the Niagara River Whirlpool.
Upper Canada Heritage Trail: This easy route is perfect for those who enjoy a quiet saunter through fields and forested areas.
Bruce Trail (Queenston): As Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, this is a good choice with some steep inclines and declines as well as several off-trail adventures for those who seek a more challenging hike.
Queenston Kilns: Taking you through a mix of forested trails, meadows, farms and even some caves to explore, this is where art, history and nature converge in a beautifully restored cultural site.
Queenston Heights Walking Trail: Rich with history, this beautiful trail offers rewarding escarpment views as well as tons of historical interpretive signs, memorials and monument plaques along the way.
A HARVEST OF THANKSGIVING FLAVOURS
Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (October 11–13, 2025) is a time for gratitude and gathering—and what better place to celebrate than Niagara-on-the-Lake.
It’s apple-picking season until October 15 at Parkway Orchards where honey crispy apples are ready for picking. Friendly, helpful staff are on standby to direct you to areas where the best fruit can be found.
Local restaurants highlight farm-to-table menus inspired by the season’s bounty: roasted squash, buttery corn, spiced pumpkin, and, of course, perfectly paired Niagara wines. Bakeries tempt with homemade pies, breads and cranberry tarts, while wineries welcome guests with festive tastings.
It’s a wonderful weekend to reconnect with loved ones or enjoy a romantic getaway. Many STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake member cottages, B&Bs and inns prepare warm autumn touches—seasonal décor, cozy fireplaces or even Thanksgiving treats—so you can relax and feel right at home.
FROM SPOOKY TO SPIRITED
Throughout the month, Niagara-on-the-Lake embraces the playful spirit of Halloween. Whether you prefer eerie ghost stories or a lively masquerade, there are events for every mood:
- Ghost Walks of Niagara-on-the-Lake: Wander through haunted corners of “Canada’s most haunted town” and hear chilling tales of paranormal activity based on real historical events and personalities.
- Fort George After Dark: Candlelit tours of this haunted historic site reveal ghostly legends of soldiers past and provide special access to restricted buildings.
- Theatrical Cemetery Tours: In partnership with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, costumed actors bring stories of the past to life at St. Andrew’s graveyard.
- Secrets of the Cellar at Colaneri Estate Winery: Step into the haunted depths of the Colaneri cellar to savour succulent spooktacular wines at this Halloween-inspired tasting experience with an atmospheric twist.
- Spirit in Niagara Distillery Halloween Masquerade: Dress to impress for a spirited evening of costumes, cocktails, live music and fun.
- Ravine of Shadows: This is no ordinary Halloween gathering. Ravine Vineyard dares you to come cloaked in your most haunting, dazzling or outlandish disguise. You could win a prize.
- Old Town Pumpkin Displays: Stroll past shops and homes decked out in autumn’s best, from pumpkins to scarecrows, making every corner Instagram-worthy.
Be sure to book in advance as events and tours sell out. Also, tours operate in all weather conditions, so be prepared to dress for the weather.
COZY COMFORT AWAITS
With so much happening in October, you want to make the most of your time here. Why not stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in the season’s colours, flavours and festivities? STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake—the official marketing umbrella for the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association—offers a wide selection of accommodation, ranging from historic homes filled with character to modern retreats designed for comfort.
When you reserve your accommodation through BookYourStay.ca, you’re booking directly with licensed local hosts who provide personalized service, insider tips and warm Niagara hospitality. Whether it’s a romantic room with a fireplace or a family suite steps from Old Town, you’ll find the perfect home base for your autumn adventure.
Between the fall foliage, Thanksgiving feasts and Halloween chills, October is an extraordinary time to experience Niagara-on-the-Lake. Take in the beauty of the outdoors, share a meal of harvest flavours, dare to explore the town’s haunted history, and then return to the welcoming comforts of your cottage, inn or B&B for a peaceful night’s rest.
SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO
Festivities and entertainment continue throughout the year in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Our list grows day by day, so be sure to check back often for updates.)
Through October: Summer BBQ Series, Lakeview Wine Co.
September 19–October 12: Culture Days Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Daily: Walking Tours of Old Town
October 1: Lynne Gaetz Solo Exhibit, Niagara Pumphouse
October 3: NSO Mozart & More—A Concert and Garden Party, St. Mark’s Anglican Church
October 4: Sip N Shop, Jackson Triggs Estate & Winery
October 4: Queenston Pottery Meet the Artist Day
October 4 & 5: Fall Pottery Harvest
October 5: Arts Unbound
October 6: Brock’s Birthday Bash, Brock’s Monument
October 6: Twilight Jazz & Blues, The Hare Wine Co.
October 9: Dotable Mandalas Workshop, Lakeview Wine Co.
October 11 & 19: Wine & Paint Experience, Konzelmann Estate Winery
October 13: Battle of Queenston Heights Commemorative Tour
October 16-November 30: Perspectives: NOTL Arts Collective Group Show
October 17 & 18: The Studio Gallery, RiverBrink Art Museum
October 18: Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake
October 19: We Step Together, Pink Pearl Canada
October 23: Knot & Create Macrame, Queenston Pottery
November 1 to December 21: Holiday Season at the Shaw Festival 2025
November Weekends: Taste the Season
November 29: Great Taste of Canada Fort George Experience, Navy Hall
December 5: Candlelight Stroll
December 5 & 6: Holiday House Tour
December 12: Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Tractor Parade – details to come
December 13: Christmas Parade
January 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25: Icewine Festival Discovery Pass
January 17-18 & 24-25: Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
January 31: Cool as Ice Gala – details to come
Helpful Tips
Lost & Found: Did you lose something while you were in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Contact the lost and found centre at the NOTL Chamber of Commerce located at 26 Queen Street in the lower level of the building. Or call 1-905-468-1950 or email tourism@niagaraonthelake.com for more information.
Summer Bus Service: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle connects to the Niagara Falls WEGO bus service from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bus service departs every hour on the half hour from the Floral Clock in Queenston and every hour on the hour from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. All-day passes ($25/adult 13+ years, $15/child 3-12 years) can be purchased in person at the Floral Clock stop or at Fort George.
Living in or visiting Toronto? From June 26 through November 2, seasonal Flixbus service connects Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town and Toronto Union Station’s Bus Terminal. Flixbus offers two trips per day, six days a week, Wednesdays excluded. Visitors have about eight hours to explore, dine and shop in Old Town between pick up and drop off.
Drive Safely: As part of Niagara Region’s Vision Zero program, automated speed enforcement cameras have been installed in school zones. Please pay attention to the speed limits posted throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake as more cameras are planned.
Metered Parking: General information on metered parking in Niagara-on-the-Lake is found here. Your STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts feature complimentary on-site parking for guests and are happy to advise you on where to park for free in and around Old Town. (Remember, parking is free in Old Town during the month of December!)
Accessible Parking: Several accessible parking spaces are located throughout the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, both on the street and in municipal parking lots.
All vehicles parking in the accessible zone must display an original and current accessible permit. Any vehicle found parked in an accessible zone without the valid accessible permit will be ticketed. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has approved the use of accessible parking permits in the following areas only:
• Designated accessible zones/spaces; and
• At any meter free of charge, including municipal lots governed by pay-and-display parking meters. In these locations, a pay-and display permit is not required if the vehicle is displaying a valid accessible permit.