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October 2024

With the leaves changing colour and the air becoming crisp, there’s no better place to experience fall than on a farm in Durham Region. 

Throughout the month of October, gather at the farm and enjoy one of the many festive fall events and activities taking place across the region. Whether it’s a visit to the pumpkin patch, an epic corn maze or shopping for farm-fresh produce, make the most of the season at one—or all—of the farm events and farm stores! Then share your gathering on social media using the hashtag #GatherAtTheFarm. 

Plus, when you visit a participating farm, you can enter for a chance to win an overnight getaway in Port Perry! 

Visit the Fall Farm Open House 

This Ontario Town Will Make You Feel Like You’re In An Episode Of Gilmore Girls 

If you’ve ever wanted to live the Gilmore Girls life, head to Port Perry for some Stars Hollow vibes. 

Gilmore Girls may not have been filmed in Durham Region, but a visit to Port Perry’s historic downtown will have you believing it very well could have been. 

You’ll find stand-ins for all the show’s spots—from Luke’s Diner to Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe. There’s even a gazebo! 

The only thing missing will be Lorelai and Rory.

We’re all ears when it comes to exploring corn mazes and luckily Durham Region is home to some of the best ones out there. 

You can’t let fall pass you by without trying to get lost at least once in a winding labyrinth of corn stalks, and there’s no need to feel lost when trying to decide where to go! We have a full list of mazes ready to challenge you; like Applewood Farm Winery which has the largest maze at almost three kilometres of twisting paths, while Willowtree Farm has a mini maze perfect for little ones.

For those feeling brave enough, there are several nighttime corn mazes that will give you the chills, including Cooper’s CSA Farm and Maze.

So come and have an “a-maze-ing' time in Durham Region this fall.

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and pumpkin spice is everywhere (as it should be). Though the fall season brings comfort with warm drinks and cozy sweaters, there's also something spooky that happens after dark. 

Scare up a good time this fall when you check out some of the spine-tingling events planned across Durham Region. From haunted forests to ghost walks, the month of October has plenty of frightful and fun activities for all ages. 

There’s a stylish new look—but the same dedication to high quality food—at Three Six Kitchen in Bowmanville! 

It’s been a few months since the downtown staple reopened following extensive renovations. Diners are greeted with a new layout, featuring a rich green interior outfitted with new furniture and a stylish new bar. 



What hasn’t changed is the commitment by Chef Mike McKay and his fellow co-owners Danielle Taylor and Katherine Shaw to use local produce, meats, drinks and ingredients in their menu. Chef Mike switches up the menu every month, but you’ll still find the favourites, and the restaurant will cater to dietary restrictions where possible. 

Durham Region is home to incredible specialty baked goods.  

If you’re seeking a soothing-to-the-soul stroll through fall colours followed by a leisurely stop for coffee and a baked good at a cozy café, drop into one of Durham’s many downtowns.  



You’ll find some unbelievably good baked goods shops and cafés to discover on foot. 

There’s no better time to get baking than during the fall apple season! After all, who can resist the aroma of apples and spices in the oven?

One of Chef Alex Page’s favourite nostalgic fall recipes is baked apple cider doughnuts using fresh pressed cider from Geissberger Farmhouse Cider, and the “icing-on-the-doughnut”—a deliciously creamy maple frosting using bourbon barrel aged maple syrup from Pefferlaw Creek Farms. Apples + maple + bourbon = hello fall!

Spend the day apple picking and cider tasting at one of the many family-run apple orchards in Durham Region, head home and throw this simple recipe together to enjoy with family and friends.

A word of caution, these won’t last long!

Local Business Highlights 

Fans of Schitt’s Creek will recognize this storefront in Goodwood, but new business owners, the husband-and-wife team of Jamie and Cindy, hope to make their own name with the newly opened Goodwood Mercantile.

The retail shop specializes in locally sourced, handmade and artisan/artist created goods and creations. For now, the store is open Friday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow the Goodwood Mercantile Facebook page for more information. 

Two new businesses are welcoming customers in downtown Orono.

Pound and Pestle Culinary Co. offers catering, daily lunch specials and boutique food items including batch-made sauces and ready-made freezer meals.

At Enchanted Crystal Cove, you’ll enjoy lattes, teas and baked goods in the cafe while exploring their unique offerings of crystals, gifts and other mystical treasures.  

Mark Your Calendars

Experience a selection of local and international films at the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) from October 24 to 26. Besides the great lineup of feature and short films, DRIFF also offers workshops, panels and question and answer sessions. Get your tickets. 

Celebrate the written word at the Book Drunkard Festival in Uxbridge. The fall edition of the festival runs at various venues throughout October and into early November.

Tickets are required to attend the author experiences. 

In Case You Missed It

Discover fun this fall by going on an Apple Adventure at some of the best farm orchards, tap rooms and bakeshops in all of Durham Region. After all, we are home to the Apple Capital of Canada! In fact, see the impact apples have in Durham in the video series: From Farm to Plate: Journey of the Durham Region Apple. 

This time of year, is also one of the best times to enjoy the scenic landscapes in Durham Region by bicycle. Plan your ideal journey at DurhamTourism.ca/cycling. Choose from 13 rural loops that accommodate various skill levels. The website also offers suggested stops at shops, restaurants and tourist destinations that provide cycle-friendly amenities. 

Looking for other day trips in the region? Check out Foodism.to and discover their top spots on why Durham Region is the perfect spot for a cultured and cosy road trip. They’ve broken down the best areas to find culture, small-town charm and great food. 

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.