7 Fall festivals in Canada to get you excited for sweater weather
6 Minute Read
As the days grow shorter and a cold wind starts to blow, you’ll want a fun activity to stave off the chill. It’s not winter yet—there are still many golden afternoons to be had under a blue autumn sky. And what better way to beat the cold than to attend a fall festival with friends and family?
At these seven celebrations of the season, you can experience the vibrant foliage, crisp air and flavours of fall. With so much to do and see, you’ll want to pull on your warmest sweater, grab a cup of hot apple cider and head to a fall festival in Canada.
Fort Langley Cranberry Festival
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Where: 9220 Glover Rd. unit 245, Langley, BC
When: October 11, 2025
The Fort Langley Cranberry Festival celebrates 30 years of fall fun this year on Thanksgiving Weekend. Start your day with a pancake breakfast before heading to cranberry-themed demonstrations all day long.
As many of the festival’s activities occur at the Fort Langley National Historic Site, a 19th-century trading post located 45 minutes from Vancouver, you can explore the fort and interact with costumed interpreters to see the traditional ways that cranberries were used in everyday life. You’ll also want to visit the Farmers Market to pick up your own cranberries to take home. Expect crowds at the fort and market—this popular festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year!
Mont Sutton Fall Festival
Where: 671 Maple St., Sutton, QC
When: September 20 to October 19, 2025
Head to the trails at Mont Sutton to do some outdoor exploring before the ski season begins. This festival offers hikes through the changing leaves, camping at the summit, mountain biking through the rolling hills and much more.
Take the chairlift to the top for a stunning view of the Eastern Townships before you zipline down a mountain covered in fall foliage or try the coaster for a thrilling ride through 655 metres of red, orange and yellow leaves. Kids can check out the mini obstacle courses at the base of the mountain while adults try the slackline initiation zone.
If you’re hungry, head to the outdoor restaurant for smash burgers and poutine under the autumn sky.
Fall Rhapsody
Where:
When: September 20 to November 2, 2025
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit the National Capital Region, and this festival highlights the best places to see stunning panoramic sights of Ottawa’s vibrant leaves.
Take a trip to the Greenbelt to explore wetlands like Mer Bleue bog, or let your pup run wild at the dog-friendly off-leash area of Bruce Pit. Walk through technicoloured trails to explore the splendour of the colourful natural landscape. When visiting the ever-popular Gatineau Park, don’t get caught without a parking spot—take the shuttle to iconic autumn destinations like Pink Lake for hassle-free hiking.
You can also see the trees within the city’s core along bike routes and picnic spots like Hog’s Back Falls and Major’s Hill Park.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Where: Various locations in Jasper National Park, AB
When: October 17 to 26, 2025
Home to one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, Jasper National Park boasts some of the best stargazing spots in Canada. That’s why each year, the park hosts the Dark Sky Festival, where autumn’s cool air provides sparkling nighttime vistas for locals and visitors alike.
With a mix of free and paid events, this fall festival offers education, entertainment and breathtaking natural beauty. Stretch out beneath the cosmos with Yoga Under the Stars or space out to the music of alt-pop artist TALK. You can also take the Jasper SkyTram to the top of Whistler for a dinner and constellation tour, or head to the Jasper Planetarium to experience the wonders of the universe through the domed theatre.
Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village
Where: 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, October 3 to November 1, 2025
As the original Pumpkinferno experience for 13 years and counting, Upper Canada Village has this Halloween event down to a science. Each fall, the historic landscape of 1862 becomes the canvas for over 9,000 handcrafted pumpkins in 21 whimsical displays across the village.
As you wander the streets and pathways, the glowing pumpkins will light your way. From classic Jack-o-lanterns and creatures of the night to huge carved sculptures, you can admire their artistry along the one-kilometre self-guided trail. Whether you’re going with friends or taking the kids, this luminescent festival is the perfect place to bask in spooky fall magic.
PEI Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival
Where: Various locations on Prince Edward Island
When: September 25 to October 11, 2025
Canada’s “food island” has a rich culinary heritage, and the local fishers, farmers and chefs of PEI are eager to share it with you. With a focus on authentic, genuine flavours originating from the coasts or fields of this province, you’ll dine on delightfully exquisite meals made just for you.
Expect to feast on seafood like mussels and oysters, plus agricultural gems like beef, dairy, and iconic PEI potatoes. The festival will take you around the island, from the PEI Lobster Party at the New London Carriage House to a celebration of Mi’kmaq cuisine at the Block Point Lighthouse. Check out this festival’s gourmet harvest season flavours at charming locales for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Celtic Colours International Festival
Where: Various locations on Cape Breton Island, NS
When: October 10 to 18, 2025
As the orange leaves rattle in the wind, you can almost imagine they’re taking up a fiddle tune at this music festival on Cape Breton Island. Bask in the golden fall colours along country roads and explore the rugged coastline as you go from performance to performance.
With as many as eight concerts a day, you can sample Gaelic singing, highland dance, jaunty bagpipes and more while you learn about the Celtic history of the island. Attend workshops and demonstrations of art and community heritage, including participatory events where you’ll join in on traditions like square dancing and textile making. You can even go to the Late Night Festival Club for casual performances under an autumn sky.
Stay safe on your autumn adventure
Planning to travel to a fall festival outside of your province? You should get travel insurance for that. While OHIP will cover you for travel within Ontario, a surprise medical emergency outside of your home province can cost you. We expect the unexpected, so you can have peace of mind on your trip.
Still not convinced? CAA Members save up to 20% on travel insurance policies. Get a quote online today.
CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
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