The autumn months are one of the most wonderful times of year to take a road trip, especially in southwestern Ontario. With the cooler temperatures and ever-changing leaves, the time to hop in the car is now.
Some of the best road trips to take this year, lead to beautiful and exciting destinations and with plenty of them to choose from in Southwestern Ontario, you don’t need much more of an excuse to hit the open road this fall.
Fun Fall Day Trips in Southwestern Ontario
The Pinery Provincial Park
Located 8 km south of the Village of Grand Bend on Highway 21 you will find Pinery Provincial Park. Cool nights and sunny days make it the ideal time to hike, bike or camp within the park. You can even join in on the fun of building scarecrows and trick or treating through the campground!
Boasting several quiet spaces and a breathtaking multicoloured landscape, a day trip to Pinery, is a fantastic way to spend your time. With a number of beautiful trails including the Riverside, Nipissing, Lookout and Carolinian trails, there are several options when it comes to beautiful views, and exciting memories.
In the fall and winter, Red-tailed Hawks and Tufted Titmice are common sights at the Visitor Centre feeders. Learn more about bats and turtles and other Pinery residents or head out on an owl prowl.
Rock Glen Conservation Area
Located near Arkona, Ontario, the Rock Glen Conservation Area is one of the most amazing attractions in this area. Boasting a 10.7-metre-high waterfall, several hiking trails and beautiful scenery Rock Glen is a must take fall day trip this year.
There is even a museum that displays a collection of fossils and indigenous people artifacts on site, called the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre.
Point Pelee National Park
View the sheltered canopy of the southern Carolinian forest, visit several diverse habitats or take in the beautiful marsh at Point Peele National Park, located in Leamington, Ontario. The “Tip” is the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland.
In the fall months you will take in not only the beautiful colours of fall, but this is the season for the migration return. Dragonflies, Monarch butterflies and songbirds can all be seen flying by.
As the home to more than 390 bird species and 70 species of trees, Point Pelee is the most ecologically diverse national park in Canada.
From beautiful picnic areas to canoeing to the marsh boardwalk, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the fall months.
Port Franks Wetlands and Forested Dunes
Take a hike in Port Franks Wetlands and Forested dunes this fall. Not only will you have the chance to see the Eastern Hognose Snake and the spotted turtle but you will also have the chance to see several species of birds that are designated as threatened or rare.
Take a 5 km hike through the beautiful trails in the Pork Franks Wetlands and Forested Dunes, located in Lambton Shores, Ontario. Not far from The Pinery, you can add this to your trip and make a full weekend of it!
Kains Woods
Located in beautiful London Ontario, Kains Woods is a must visit fall day trip destination in southwestern Ontario. With beautiful hiking trails, a rich history, and beautiful plants and wildlife, there is something for everyone at Kains Woods. Look out for the animals and birds that follow the river.
You can often find bald eagles nesting in the area or hunting for fish in the river. Keep your eyes peeled for grey squirrels, white-tailed deer, Eastern Cottontails, beavers and more. This is a popular site for wild turkeys (which sometimes seem to wander over to my neighborhood too!!).
The Village of Sparta
If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know how much we love Sparta. Each new season brings something new and wonderful to the town and autumn is no different. This is a perfect time of year to wander through the grounds of Winter Wheat. The fall colors just add to the backdrop for the beautiful folk art and sculptures.
And, you don’t want to miss out on some hearty British fare, served up at the Sparta House Tea Room. Be sure to take in the extensive and quirky teapot collection while you’re enjoying your delicious meal or tea.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping by checking out the charming finds at Sparta Country Candles and Anything Used and the lovely lavender products at Steed and Co. Lavender Farm.
There are so many fun fall day trips to take this year in southwestern Ontario. So, hit the road and get ready to visit some amazing sights and beautiful locations with your family this fall.
kevin says
Funny my dad was from Sparta, Michigan that is! But than again, Sparta Ontario looks very similar. Thanks for the great article!