Top things to do in Northern Ontario before the leaves are gone
10 Minute Read
Northern Ontario boasts sweeping views, rolling rocky shores and thousands of ecologically diverse lakes and rivers. In autumn, these natural features come to life in a brilliant riot of colour, elevating your outdoor activities with stunning new hues.
If you’re looking for things to do in Northern Ontario this fall, you can’t go wrong with a panoramic hike through fall foliage. But that’s not the only way to spend a fun day with family or friends—from live music to Halloween haunts and film festivals to fall fairs, here are the top activities in your community.
See the sculptures at Pumpkinferno
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Where: Dynamic Earth, 122 Big Nickel Rd., Sudbury, ON
When: Fridays and Sundays, September 25 to October 26, 2025
This year’s Pumpkinferno at Dynamic Earth is back and bigger than ever, with 40 new sets for you to enjoy and illuminated sculptures made from over 7,000 pumpkins. You can head to Local Legend Storytime to hear tales from Northern Ontario’s rich folklore, visit the Ghosts of the Mine and uncover remnants of a long-lost crew or collect stamps on your Pumpkin Passport to earn free admission to Science North or Dynamic Earth.
Want to check out the exhibits after your Halloween haunt? CAA Members save 20 per cent on general admission tickets to Science North and Dynamic Earth.
Hike the A.Y. Jackson Lookout Trail
Where: ON-144, Greater Sudbury, ON
When: Year-round
This network of three trails, beloved by Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson, is at its most beautiful in autumn. You won’t want to miss High Falls on the Onaping River, a 55m cascade that looks straight out of a painting. The red, orange and yellow trees will frame the waterfall and the bridge through the sprawling five kilometres of forest paths.
Climb Robertson Cliffs
Where: Robertson Lake Cliffs Trail Head, Robertson Lake Rd, Goulais River, ON
When: Year-round
If you’re a fan of lookout trails, Robertson Cliffs is the perfect hike for you. You'll climb through boreal forest, spotting the colourful hues of maples, birches and pines. This trail features three different lookout spots, offering a panoramic view of the rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. You can even catch views of Lake Superior across the Bellevue Valley.
Ride the rails of the Agawa Canyon Tour Train
Where: 87 Huron St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
When: Until October 19, 2025
All aboard this 183-kilometre excursion through the natural beauty of Northern Ontario. The train chugs along through rugged landscapes dotted with lakes and rivers, made even more beautiful by the colourful foliage throughout the forest. Your journey will take you to Agawa Canyon, a breathtaking spot renowned for its stunning autumn views, which is only accessible by rail. Hike to Bridal Veil Falls before returning to the train for a comfortable and relaxing trip back to Sault Ste. Marie.
Learn about local traditions at Ontario Culture Days
Where: Various locations around Ontario
When: September 12 to October 12, 2025
This festival is a celebration of arts, culture and heritage across the province. With multiple events hosted by diverse organizers across Ontario, you can experience everything from a free public lecture in Thunder Bay about the significance of the Jingle Dress to a day of sculpture at Sault Ste. Marie’s Art Gallery of Algoma. Learn about the diverse cultural offerings in your local community as you explore all that Northern Ontario has to offer.
Watch a screening at Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival
Where: SilverCity Cineplex, 355 Barry Downe Rd., Sudbury, ON
When: September 13 to 21, 2025
This film festival promotes both Canadian and international films for audiences in the North. Cinephiles can enjoy screenings of movies like Eleanor the Great, about an unlikely friendship between a 94-year-old woman and a 19-year-old student and The Choral, a story of WWI-era teenagers grappling with their impending conscription into the army. This event spans an entire week of cinematic excellence.
Take a stroll at Duchesnay Falls
Where: Duchesnay Falls Trails, ON-17 Yellek, ON
When: Year-round
This hiking trail offers rugged Northern scenery at its finest. Duchesnay Creek winds its way through 3.2km of Canadian Shield, splitting in half to surround you on both sides with cascading water. While you can take on the trail any time of year, the fall foliage along your path will only add to the majesty of the many tumbling waterfalls.
Head to the theatre for Vox Popular Film Festival
Where: 115 Cumberland St. N., Thunder Bay, ON
When: September 18 to 20, 2025
At this festival, film buffs of Thunder Bay can see movies of all genres from across Northwestern Ontario and around the world. Audience members can also check out exhibits at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery, all following the theme of “Liminal.” Whether you’re watching a film from Thunder Bay, Canada or a far-flung locale, you’ll see cutting-edge artistic productions from innovative filmmakers at this festival.
Shop ‘til you drop at the OK Market
Where: 601 Kathleen St., Greater Sudbury, ON
When: September 20, 2025
This market showcases the very best of art, vintage, food and more in Sudbury. Check out vendors like Little Wooden Library and Live Portraits with Sprout, plus browse photography in the gallery. Shop local goods, tasty treats and fun fashion, and feel the incredible energy at this trendy neighbourhood market.
Visit the Fall Fair at Anderson Farm Museum Heritage Museum Society
Where: 550 Regional Rd. 24, Lively, ON
When: September 20, 2025
Head to Anderson Farm Museum for their annual Fall Fair, where you can explore vendors and activities under a crisp fall sky. This fair has something for everyone—kids can play on the inflatables while adults can attend the classic car show and historical programming. You can also explore the century-old heritage buildings while you browse the arts and crafts and food vendors.
Go stargazing at Quetico Provincial Park
Where: 108 Saturn Ave., Atikokan, ON
When: Year-round
For a full day of outdoor fun, head to Quetico Provincial Park to hike through the fall colours during the day and enjoy the internationally recognized starry skies after the sun sets. Whether you’re backcountry camping through the park’s 450,000 hectares of majestic wilderness or just spending the day at Quetico, you can enjoy the cosmic sights found here in the fall.
Catch Casey and Diana at YES Theatre
Where: 170 Shaughnessy St., Sudbury, ON
When: September 27 to October 19, 2025
This acclaimed new play by Canadian writer Nick Green centres on Princess Diana’s 1991 visit to Toronto, an event that smashed stigmas about the AIDS pandemic. With poignant performances and sharp writing, this show stages a turning point in the history of the disease. Sudbury audiences will want to check out this play that sold out its run at the Stratford Festival in spring 2025.
Wander through Fall Wonderland at Belluz Farms
Where: Belluz Farms, 752 Candy Mountain Rd., Thunder Bay, ON
When: Weekends September 27 to November 2, 2025
Head down to Belluz Farms to pick your own pumpkin or other natural fall decor like cornstalks, squashes, straw bales and more, grown right on the farm. You can shop for seasonal veggies like garlic, onions and carrots, or bring the kids to the two-acre corn maze, the hidden pumpkin hunt and the barnyard friends petting zoo.
You can also attend special events throughout the harvest season, like Pumpkin Mania on September 27, the annual Witches’ Walk on October 4 and the Belluz Farm Hall Dinner on October 18.
Recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day at Sudbury Indie Cinema
Where: 162 Mackenzie St., Sudbury, ON
When: September 30, 2025
For those looking to commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day, head to Sudbury Indie Cinema for a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary Sugarcane. The film explores the aftermath of the residential school system, following survivors and descendants through the investigation into Saint Joseph’s Indian Residential School in British Columbia.
Have family fun at Dryden Fall Fest
Where: Various locations in Dryden, ON
When: October 1, 4, 5, 18, 25, 2025
Celebrate autumn in Dryden with this community-driven event, perfect for families. Take a guided historical tour through the Dryden Cemetery, participate in the 5km costume run and dare to walk the Laura Howe Haunt trail. Harvest Hay Day boasts over 50 vendors, plus live music, photo ops and tasty eats.
On October 25, kids can participate in trunk-or-treat, a convenient daytime start to the Halloween festivities for younger kids or community members who don’t live in a popular trick-or-treat area.
Halloween Hoot
Where: Fort William Historical Park, 1350 King Rd., Thunder Bay, ON
When: October 18, 19, 25, 26, 2025
Head to Fort William, one of North America’s largest living history sites, for a Halloween to remember. This event transforms the fur trading post into a spook-tacular extravaganza, complete with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, creepy crafts, a scavenger hunt and haunted houses.
Eat up at the United Way’s Ultimate Burger Battle
Where: Various locations in Thunder Bay, ON
When: November 1 to 30, 2025
Formerly known as Novemburger, this mouthwatering experience has been reimagined for a bold new era of burger brilliance. You’re invited to visit participating local restaurants and try their version of the Ultimate Burger, with two dollars per burger being donated to the United Way of Thunder Bay. Restaurants will compete for the titles of Ultimate Burger of the Year, Most Ultimate Burgers Sold and People’s Choice.
Over the past six years, more than 98,700 Ultimate Burgers have been sold, raising $280,000 for community services.
See the Urban Hip: Tribute to the Tragically Hip
Where: The Sault Community Theatre, 1007 Trunk Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
When: November 7, 2025
Experience the music of this iconic Canadian band in concert at the Sault Community Theatre. Urban Hip will transport you back in time with these nostalgic tunes, playing all your favourites from years of spirited storytelling. These performers bring the melodies and the grit of the Tragically Hip right to you in Sault Ste. Marie.
Listen to a talk at Wordstock Literary Festival
Where: Various locations in Sudbury, ON
When: November 7 to 9, 2025
Designed to promote reading and writing in Northern Ontario, the Wordstock Festival is a three-day celebration of the literary arts in Sudbury. You'll have the opportunity to hear from Canada’s foremost voices in fiction, poetry, playwriting, songwriting and more. Meet your favourite authors and explore new ideas in the world of words this November.
Live the legend at the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra: The Name’s Bond
Where: 1 Paul Shaffer Dr., Thunder Bay, ON
When: November 8, 2025
This group of 31 full-time musicians makes up the only professional orchestra between Toronto and Winnipeg, and this November, they’re bringing you the classic glamour of music from decades of 007 movies. Experience the thrilling melodies of a high-speed chase and the memorable intensity of a grand reveal as these performers bring the drama of Bond to life.
Jam out to James Barker Band Buckle Up Tour
Where: The Machine Shop, 83 Huron St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
When: November 11, 2025
After winning acclaim for their gritty but charming storytelling, James Barker Band wants to share their small-town roots and big dreams with you. You can experience their heartfelt country music firsthand, connecting to the tales that made them beloved from Toronto to Nashville and beyond. Don’t miss their raw talent and soulful songs when they come to visit Sault Ste. Marie.
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