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October 2025

Turn moments into traditions this October with Gather at the Farm. From picking the perfect pumpkin and petting a friendly goat to wandering through a 10-acre corn maze and sharing an apple cider doughnut (let's be honest, who’s sharing?), there's no shortage of memory-making moments in Durham Region.

Gather at the Farm features 15 farm festivals and events and six farm markets and stores across Durham Region. You're only limited by the hours in a day because the fall fun is endless.  

So, grab your sweaters and head out for an adventure that smells like hayrides and tastes like cinnamon sugar.

It may not have been filmed in Durham Region but fall in Port Perry feels like stepping straight into a Gilmore Girls episode. With leaves crunching underfoot and a pumpkin spice latte in hand, Port Perry is the perfect place to channel your inner Lorelai or Rory.

Stop by The Nutty Chocolatier for sweet treats and local goodies that will remind you of Taylor’s Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe. Need “coffee in an IV” like Lorelai? You’ll find plenty of options to fuel up on as you wander through the many boutiques. Then, grab a book like Rory and go find your next read at Books Galore. There's even a gazebo at the edge of downtown that delivers those Stars Hollows vibes.

When the corn stalks stand tall and golden, it’s time to get lost—in the best way possible. There’s nothing like a corn maze to question your confidence and sense of direction and luckily Durham Region has enough to keep you wandering (and wondering) the entire fall season.

Durham Region’s 11 corn mazes offer something for everyone. Whether you're solving puzzles at Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm, wandering through 40 acres at Applewood Farm and Winery, or tackling the two-phase maze at Cooper’s CSA Farm, each location brings its own twist. Many farms also offer wagon rides, pumpkin patches, live music, and seasonal treats to round out your visit. Some even welcome dogs or host haunted maze nights.

Ready for chills and thrills? This October, dare to try some of Durham Region’s best spine-tingling experiences for all ages. Families can enjoy flashlight adventures, while thrill-seekers can brave scary trails and haunted barns.

Brave “the most intense Halloween walk in Ontario” at Brawley Woods. Test your courage at the Cannington Haunted Attraction, where wooded trails and a barn maze come alive. Wander Pickering Museum Village by lantern as you listen to ghost stories.

Whether you're chasing scares or just love the Halloween vibe, Durham Region is the place to be this spooky season. 

Durham Region is full of flavour this fall. From pick-your-own apple orchards to cider houses, there are so many crisp and delicious stops to explore on the Durham Region Apple Adventure. It’s the perfect way to taste the season.

Try award-winning cider at Archibald’s Orchard and Estate Winery in Bowmanville or small-batch blends at Slabtown Cider Co. in Uxbridge. Indulge in warm apple cider doughnuts from Tyrone Mills in Clarington or apple fritters from The Village Bake Shop in Whitby.  

The Durham Region Apple Adventure is your guide to everything crisp, sweet, and fall perfect. 

Let Durham’s Rural Routes lead you somewhere beautiful this fall. These curated drives and day trips will take you through art studios, farm markets, attractions, and more.

With five unique routes to choose from, it’s easy to find one that fits your interests and schedule. Whether you’re into local food, handmade goods, or small-town history, each route offers a mix of stops worth exploring.  

The drives are simple to follow and perfect for a relaxed weekend outing. Bring a friend, pack some snacks, and enjoy the scenery as you go. It’s a great way to support local and see a different side of Durham Region.

When the leaves are changing colours, there’s no better way to explore Durham Region than on two wheels.

Whether you're chasing scenic lake views or winding through country backroads, it’s simple to plan your ideal bike journey on one of Durham Region’s cycling loops. With 13 to choose from, there’s a route for every rider and every mood. Along the way, you can visit bike-friendly stops including coffee shops and cafes, historic sites and unique artisan shops.

Durham’s cycling loops make every ride a great way to experience the season.

Home to the Apple Capital of Canada, Durham Region is no stranger to all things apple! Especially delicious apple dishes. Using apples from Archibald's Orchard and Estate Winery and other local ingredients, Chef Alex Page has created a delicious soup for you to try at home—the perfect comfort meal as we head into the cooler temperatures and embrace fall.

Want to try this, prepared by the chef himself? Join us on October 18 at Archibald's Orchard and Estate Winery from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for a Culinary Demonstration with Chef Alex Page and Durham Farm Fresh. Enjoy a free sample of this freshly prepared dish made with seasonal, local ingredients! 

Looking for your next unforgettable escape? Check out this feature in the Toronto Star: Discover Durham Region’s Open Skies is your gateway to exploring one of Ontario’s most dynamic destinations—just a short drive from Toronto. Find even more inspiration by downloading Durham Tourism’s Open Skies adventure planner, packed with 129 ways to roam and play close to home!

Head to Sundays in Uxbridge for a Michelin-approved farm-to-table dining experience. The bistro recently earned a Michelin green star for its seasonal menu using ingredients sourced directly from their farm and others nearby, and for its work training future farm workers. Sundays also made the Michelin's "Bib Gourmand" list, which features restaurants that offer good food at a moderate price.

A new brew alert! Coffee lovers have a new spot to explore in Whitby. TrueNote Coffee has officially opened its doors. This cafe is all about intentional sipping with its beans ethically sourced from regions like Ethiopia and Colombia and roasted in small batches. Give them a follow on Instagram to see what specialty drinks they have brewing this fall.  

Mark Your Calendars

Head to the Township of Brock on October 4 for a full day of fall fun! Start your day in Beaverton with food and festivities on Simcoe Street as local businesses host Beaverton Fall Fest from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Then head to the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre in Cannington from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. for Fall Fest. There’ll be pumpkin painting, crafts, games and once the sun sets, an outdoor double feature of Halloween-inspired movies. 

Fans of the TV series, 'The Way Home' still have time to sign up for a one-of-a-kind bus tour on October 4. Brought to you by Film Durham, and Parkwood National Historic Site spend the day travelling in style on a comfy motor coach (washroom included!) while exploring some of the show’s filming locations in Durham Region. Get the inside stories and a boxed lunch. Each stop includes time to browse, shop, or take part in special activities. Reserve your seat.  

Uxbridge’s beloved Book Drunkard Festival is back October 7 to November 12. From Giller Prize winners to debut novelists, the Fall 2025 lineup features 13 author events. Individual tickets are available or take advantage of the Fall Festival Package which gets you five events featuring eight authors, two signed books, and three book vouchers. Book your tickets. 

Take a drive on the Leaskdale Loop tour on October 11. While this self-guided tour is good any day of the year, Leaskdale Loop Days are a little more special with extra activities, seasonal treats and the chance to meet the makers and growers behind all the stops Get your Leaskdale Loop Days map.  

Pickering’s Fall Fling celebrates all things Fall October 18 and 25. Stop by Millenium Square from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to enjoy some pumpkin painting, photo stops, fall décor, miniature train rides, Halloween costume contests, trick-or-treating, hands-on crafts, and local artisans in the vendor market. 

Lights, cameras, tickets! The Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF) returns October 23 to 25 with an amazing lineup of feature films and shorts, industry panels and educational workshops. Grab your tickets.

Plus go behind-the-scenes to see how special effects makeup brings characters to life. DRIFF and the CMU College of Makeup Art and Design are offering a free workshop on October 25 at the Biltmore Theatre featuring live, step-by-step demonstrations of four classic effects: zombie, cuts and bruises, burns, and frostbite. Register for your free spot.

In Case You Missed It

This Narcity feature will make your fall orchard tour even sweeter. Learn all about the ways to explore the Apple Capital of Canada and why Narcity calls it an autumn dreamland! 

Extend your time in Durham Region with overnight stays that offer comfort, charm, and convenience. Whether you're seeking a countryside retreat or a stay near vibrant downtowns, Durham has the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Find your next memorable stay. 

Coffee and treats are the perfect pairing, and Durham Region knows how to do both right! Ontario Culinary offers this roundup of six must-visit spots that will satisfy your sweet tooth and coffee cravings in one go.

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.