Looking for a peaceful fall getaway in Ontario? Haldimand County is a hidden gem that offers the perfect escape! With the picturesque Grand River running through it and just under 1.5 hours from Toronto and an hour from Niagara Falls, this region is a dream for anyone looking to slow down and soak in the season’s beauty. With its scenic drives, charming small towns, and abundant rural adventures, Haldimand County is the ideal destination for a quiet autumn retreat. Whether you’re exploring local farms, wandering through parks for some leaf peeping, or dining at restaurants showcasing fresh, local ingredients, this area has everything you need for a memorable fall escape.
After two visits during the fall, I’ve created a dreamy fall getaway in Haldimand County itinerary that you’ll want to steal! Along with sharing some of the best places to visit in Haldimand County in the fall, you’ll find where to eat and sleep. Plus, I’m offering up some tips to help you plan the perfect weekend getaway.
Weekend Getaway in Haldimand County on Day 1
Enjoy a Walk at LaFortune Park
The perfect first stop on your Haldimand County weekend getaway is LaFortune Park for some leaf peeping! Covering 100 acres, this sprawling park is located in Caledonia.
LaFortune Park is home to winding trails, some going through the forest, making for a dreamy fall hike. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course.
You can choose from two different access points. There’s one along the Grand River, off of Highway 54 East, as well as one off of Onondaga Townline Road. Both offer large free parking lots.
I recommend parking along the Grand River. Start with a stroll along the scenic riverside and then head over to the tunnel that takes you under the road to access the rest of the park.
The trails through the forest are so quiet and tranquil! I barely ran into another person during my hike. Having the trails to myself, I loved being able to soak in the fall colours and listen to the song birds as they made their fall migration.
Insider Tip: If you’re keen to play disc golf, you can pick up the kit at the Jarvis Library to borrow, which is roughly 25 minutes south of the park. But next spring (2025) the Caledonia Library will have a set that you can borrow.
Grab Lunch at Argyle Street Grill
After your walk, head over to Argyle Street Grill to fuel up for lunch. Located under 10 minutes from the park, it’s one of the many great restaurants in Haldimand County that highlights local food. It was even featured on the Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here!” show.
Inside the dining room, I loved that the photos on the wall were all of local landmarks. The space offers a cozy vibe that’s great for families and casual dining, yet also has the flair of an upscale restaurant.
The lunch menu at the Argyle Street Grill has all the classics that include a variety of salads, sandwiches and shareable plates. I had one of their homemade smashburgers and the flavours in every bite had me wanting more!
If you’re looking for something refreshing and fun to drink, I highly recommend ordering a cocktail flight! They can also make them mocktails, which I loved! A couple examples of the flavours include Lavender Lemonade and Tropical Long Island.
Go for a Ride at Fox Lair Stables
One of the many unique experiences in Haldimand County that’s the perfect addition to a fall itinerary is a trail ride. In the hamlet of Canfield, 25 minutes southeast of Caledonia is Fox Lair Stables.
Set on 100 scenic acres of farmland and forests, Fox Lair Stables has 20 horses and ponies and offers guided trail rides. Trail rides take about an hour and must be booked in advance. However, if you are looking for a longer ride, these can be arranged too!
As someone who has never gone horseback riding before, I was so delighted in Steffany’s approach. She started off with tips on working with and handling the horse. She chose her beautiful horse, named Sheyenne, for me due to his calm and gentle nature. We then headed to her large indoor arena. Here she gave me lessons on how to steer the horse and got me to put it in practice by going around the arena so that I was comfortable.
Then we made our way along the fields waiting to be harvested and into the forest. Joined by her adorable chocolate labrador, Xena, we enjoyed a relaxing trail ride through the forest with its blanket of crisp fall leaves.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the fall colours, an afternoon trail ride at Fox Lair Stables is it!
Insider Tip: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked ride, so that you can read and sign the waiver.
Have Dinner at The Fisherville Tavern
There is such a wealth of history throughout Haldimand County. And you can enjoy a slice of history with a fabulous meal all in one place at the Fisherville Tavern!
In the hamlet of Fisherville, 10 minutes south of Cayuga, stands a tavern that dates back to 1853. Originally built as a hotel for travellers passing through, this over 150 year old landmark has all the cool retro vibes.
It’s the perfect spot for a cozy fall dinner. I fell in love as soon as I walked in! I could smell fresh popcorn from the popper by the door and hear the chatter of locals enjoying their Friday night out, all to a soundtrack of music from a classic record player.
Along with award winning soups and a selection of local craft beer, the Tavern features a menu of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their meats come from Smelser as well as Jepson’s Fresh Meats and the cheese is sourced from Jensen Cheese. Plus, when in season, they get their produce from a local greenhouse, Fisherville’s Finest, that is steps away!
I love a good pub menu, but I also love when they feature unexpected dishes like rice bowls. During my visit I was keen to try the rice bowl on the menu but my waitress encouraged me to get one of the nightly specials, and she was spot on! I enjoyed the Ginger Beef Stir-fry and it was delicious with its mix of vegetables, perfectly steamed rice and tender beef, all dressed in a ginger sauce that was the proverbial icing on the cake.
Stay at Broecheler Inn
The area is home to a variety of small accommodations, including many bed and breakfasts. I recommend booking your fall weekend getaway at Broecheler Inn. Located a few minutes’ drive west of downtown Cayuga, it’s the ideal spot for exploring the region.
Broecheler Inn is run by a charming couple from Germany that will welcome you into their home with open arms. The Inn is a sprawling old farmhouse that was lovingly renovated by the owners. Each of the rooms feature a large ensuite bathroom, TV, and WIFI.
I was blown away by how spacious the rooms are, they are great for couples or solo travellers looking for a cozy retreat. The bed was the perfect blend of hard and soft. And I loved that they have both hard and soft pillows. As someone with neck issues, I very much appreciate when I find a place that offers hard pillows!
This lovely bed and breakfast is known for their incredible breakfasts. Plus, if you’re lucky, Helga will have one of her famous apple strudels warm and ready for you!
Insider Tip: The best way to book a room at Broecheler Inn is to give Helga and Manfred, the owners, a call at 905-772-5362.
Things to do in Haldimand County on Day 2
Grab Breakfast at Sunny Side Up
If you’re looking for a fun breakfast spot to help fuel the second day of your fall Haldimand County itinerary, then head to Sunny Side Up! Located in downtown Dunnville, this busy breakfast restaurant has all the classics on the menu like omelettes and eggs benedict.
I went with the traditional eggs, bacon and home fries. But they are also known for their incredible shakshuka. But the best thing about Sunny Side Up is that they have something for everyone! Their menu features vegan and gluten free breakfast options, as well as a few dishes for those looking for something light.
Full of locals, the owners were so lovely to answer a few questions I had. They were excited to share about some new poutine options coming to the menu soon and that their meat is sourced locally from Big Red Market in Thorold.
As a recent addition to Dunnville, they opened in the summer of 2023, they wanted to make sure the restaurant paid homage to the building’s history. It was previously a café called Flyers and you can still find the original mural on one wall as well as photos of the cafe on another.
Check out the Dunnville Farmers Market
I always check out local farmers markets when I travel. It’s a great way to support Ontario’s farms, plus, I always like finding new local businesses.
During your weekend getaway to the County, be sure to pop into the Dunnville Farmers Market. The market is located in downtown Dunnville, next to the Grand River. It runs from April through December, so fall is the perfect time to visit to reap the rewards of the harvest.
This historic market has been going since 1893! It takes place every Tuesday from 2pm to 7pm and Saturday from 7am to noon.
I loved the diversity of items at the market! There’s everything from farm fresh produce to locally roasted coffee, and even live music. A big attraction at the market is Richardson’s Farm stall. Thank goodness they have multiple people to help with the customers because it was a never-ending stream of requests. Richardson’s Farm uses sustainable farming methods and produces a varied crop. You can find everything from squash to sweet corn. They also have a selection of baked goods, like pies and tarts, as well as preserves.
As a coffee nut, I was thrilled to find Sippy Cup Coffee Roasters. This local roaster is all about small batch, ethically sourced specialty coffee that’s for everyone. A number of local cafes in town use their coffee. Plus, they are moving their shop from Hamilton to Dunnville!
Insider Tip: If you’re going to be visiting and want to know what food is in season, the farmers market’s site offers a section on What’s in Season that features recipes.
Enjoy some Shopping
Downtown Dunnville is home to some unique and beautiful shops. One of the best is Sweet Retro-spect! This fun shop is a must stop on any Haldimand County road trip! As one of the best candy shops in Ontario, you’ll find a variety of retro candy, sugar free and vegan options too. There’s also a selection of fun gift ideas like TV and movie memorabilia as well as gag gifts.
Sweet Retro-spect is best known for its epic gourmet popcorn. It comes in all sorts of different and unusual flavours like Chicago on Fire and Unicorn. Both are great but my favourite is Cheddah Cheddah. It’s the BEST popcorn around!
Another one of my favourite shops in Dunnville is Griffin Vintage Market. Full of antiques and vintage clothing, it’s full of gems. I love the vibe in this shop too! The attention to detail is impeccable, with vintage umbrellas hanging upside down from the ceiling and pops of seasonal décor throughout, Instagrammers and shoppers alike will love it.
A few doors down is another lovely boutique, Blooming Designs Florist & Gift shop. In addition to being a florist, this shop is full of beautiful home décor pieces and unique gift ideas.
Have Lunch at Debb’s Cuisine on Queen
With over 25 years of industry experience, Debb’s is a winning choice for lunch or dinner in Dunnville! At Debb’s Cuisine on Queen you’ll find upscale dining with a casual and cozy atmosphere. Or, like Debb says, “We’re not fine dining; we’re comfort food with a touch of class.” She’s also all about using fresh, local ingredients to create flavourful dishes.
As soon as I enteredI was blown away by the incredible style of the restaurant. Leaning on the building’s heritage, the walls are an exposed brick, a hanging barn door separates the two dining rooms, and twinkling lights are strung above. The various décor and details throughout the space, like the Coca Cola sign, mural, barnboard, and scale all pay homage to the history of the building as well as Debb’s.
Debb’s Cuisine on Queen is best known for their epic Caesars that can be a lunch in and of themselves! I opted to try a couple of small plates from the lunch menu, which was tough to choose from! I ordered the dry rub Cajun wings and the garlic pan bread. The wings were honestly, the BEST I’ve had! And the garlic pan bread, topped with mozzarella, was so tasty.
I already can’t wait to visit again to try something off the dinner menu!
Explore Purple Haven
The most surprising hidden gem that should be added to every getaway itinerary is Purple Haven! This sprawling family run farm is located in Canfield and has a wealth to offer visitors. You can easily spend the entire day there!
Purple Haven is a lavender and herb farm, with a barn shop full of character. Inside the shop you’ll find various lavender based items, lovingly crafted in small batches by the owner Kim. There’s everything from lavender soaps to creams as well as culinary products and candles.
This is a beautiful place to visit in the fall as they also have a pumpkin patch that’s outfitted with its very own scarecrow that’s named after the Goonies’ One Eyed Willie! The farm also features 20 acres of trails that offer scenic fall colours as well as views over the pond and lavender fields.
Before you go, check out their list of experiences and workshops. Purple Haven runs a variety of nature-based experiences that include forest bathing, picnics in the lavender fields, and more. And yes, they still have lavender blooming into early fall!
A few fun workshops that you should book for this fall include a Lavender Tea Party and Decoupage workshop and one to make a Stain Glass Fall Pumpkin. Plus, fall is the perfect time to book a picnic on the farm.
One of the best parts about Purple Haven is that there’s no admission to visit! You can stroll the lavender fields, take a selfie with One Eyed Willie and soak in the tranquil forest trails. Though I highly encourage you to book one of their incredible experiences or grab a few items from the shop.
Insider Tip: There is no outside food allowed on the farm. In addition to the picnic experiences that are available to book, the farm shop has a number of things to eat and drink for purchase.You’ll find a variety of drinks as well as lavender popsicles, occasional baked goods and other treats.
Grab a Beer at Oranje Son Brewing
A true hidden gem in Caledonia is Oranje Son Brewing. This microbrewery is the smallest in the county! The wee brewery can be found down a residential street behind the owner, Stephen Rodermond’s home. It’s actually in his garage!
This home brewer with a passion and a knack for crafting incredible beers enjoys his small-scale production. After only being open for a few years, he’s already the talk of the county! And now Canada! He recently won gold for his Traditional German Style in the Canadian Brewing Awards this year.
While the production of his beers is small, Oranje Son Brewing has a huge variety of beers to try. You’ll find fun labels on his beers too with images of landmarks, the Caledonia Bridge, and other local businesses in the area, like Grand River Cruises.
There are a few things to note. This is a wee shop, it’s open for take-out only. Oranje Son Brewing is also only open weekends, so be sure to check Google for opening hours before you swing by. It makes for the perfect spot to stop on your way home. Grab some beers as a souvenir of your trip to enjoy at home!
Insider Tip: Oranje Son Brewing does Beer Advent Calendars that are packed with fun and unusual beers as well as some of his classics. If you’re keen to pick up one, stay tuned to his Instagram to find out when you can pre-order one!
More Places to Visit in Haldimand County
Cottonwood Mansion
One of the many hidden gems in Haldimand County is Cottonwood Mansion. This stunning 6000 square foot Victorian mansion, built in 1870, has 15 rooms, some of which feature original furnishings. It is a wonderful place to visit. They offer guided tours, like the Victorian House Guest Signature Experience.
Plus, if you’re looking for things to do during your fall getaway, they also have ghost walks. Taking place through October, you can book a ghost walk that is guided by the experts from Spirit Hunters Ontario.
Grand River Dinner Cruises
For those visiting during the early days of fall, you can book a dinner cruise. Grand River Dinner Cruises runs cruises from May through the first few days of October. Their scenic cruises offer a unique way to take in the fall colours from the water.
Cruises last 2.5 hours and take you along the Grand River between Caledonia and Brantford. Sit back and enjoy a classic homemade multi-course meal inside. The best part is that everyone gets a window seat! Along with the dinner, the captain will regale you with interesting stories and facts on the ride.
While cruises are finished for the 2024 season, add it to your list for next year!
Ruthven Park National Historic Site
For a wonderful mix of history and fall vibes, head over to Ruthven Park National Historic Site in Cayuga. As one of my favourite off the beaten path places to visit in the province, I think the best time to visit is during the fall.
Ruthven Park National Historic Site has so much to offer! The property covers nearly 1500 acres and is home to a striking villa that was built in 1845. It features over 30 rooms and runs tours through mid-October. The site also has a number of hiking trails, most under 1 km. My favourite is the Riverside Trail that runs along the Grand River and through Carolinian Forests for spectacular leaf peeping.
It’s said to be one of many haunted places in Ontario. And if you’re looking for spooky fall things to do during your visit, they have a couple of cool experiences. You can book a Haunted High Tea or the Mansion in Mourning tour.
Tips on Planning a Fall Getaway in Haldimand County
Best time to visit – The best time to visit for a fall getaway depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for peak fall colours, I recommend mid to late October. For those keen for a shoulder season getaway, I recommend planning your trip anywhere from Wednesday through Sunday, as some small businesses are not open early in the week.
Book ahead – It’s always good to book ahead for any accommodation or experiences you want to do while visiting the area. Many experiences through the small businesses mentioned are only available when you book ahead. I recommend at least one full week or up to 2 days ahead to ensure they can accommodate you.
What to bring – I always recommend a few road trip essentials that include a small cooler. With all of the incredible farm fresh goods, you’re going to want to bring some home with you. In addition, as a responsible traveller, I suggest bringing a travel mug, metal straw, and tote bags to help reduce waste.
Sign the Pledge – Ontario’s Southwest has committed to the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge and you can sign the responsible traveller pledge to ensure you are doing your part for sustainable travel.
Plan for the unexpected – With any road trip, I recommend planning for the unexpected, especially in rural communities. This can mean leaving early to ensure you get to your destination on time as you may encounter farm vehicles. Also, you never know what hidden gems you may stumble upon. So, leave time in your itinerary to stop at farm shops, scenic roadside lookouts, and other gems.
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So, pack a weekend bag full of your favourite fall outfits, gas up the car and head out on a cozy fall getaway in Haldimand County!
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Haldimand County as well as Ontario’s Southwest, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Looking for more fall ideas:
+20 Fantastic Things to do in Fall in Ontario
+15 Fantastic Places to See Ontario Fall Colours
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