Six Creative Fall Getaway Ideas North of the Border

By Sheila O’Hearn, Zoocasa

Is the change of season making you pine for a re-enactment of hot sands and sun? Instead of tracing those faded footprints on the beach, why not plan and look forward to a daycation or weekender across the border this Fall? No matter what town, city or province in Canada you want to explore, make Autumn-time as memorable as your Summer.

Even short vacations are best served with some prep. Your time is valuable, so here are four tips to fast-track your trek:

• Advance-plan your route and destination goal.
• Avoid leaving at the busiest time of a border-crossing. Who wants to be stuck in traffic when your time-off is limited?
• Get the scoop on road conditions to avoid unnecessary delays, such as construction or road improvement projects. You can then plan an alternate route.
• If you’re staying a night or two, pre-book your B&B or hotel to avoid stress and uncertainty.

With these simple preparations done, here are six unique ideas to consider:

1. Fall for Niagara Falls

Okay, it might not be the most unique idea, but Niagara Falls, Canadian or American side, is a favorite destination for lovers and joy-seekers alike. If you’ve never gone, an eighth Wonder of the World awaits!

From Buffalo, each of the four border crossings gets you into southern Ontario with ready access not only to Niagara Falls, but also Niagara wine country, Niagara-on-the-Lake (if you want to take in a play and boutique shopping), and, of course, the bustling metropolis of Toronto.

Fantastic for everyone, from families to couples, take the five-hour guided tour on the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls. Journey behind the Falls and witness the powerful force of the Horseshoe Falls below. Your itinerary includes the Floral Clock, Whirlpool Rapids, Souvenir City and the Skylon Tower. Listen to the thundering falls while aboard a Hornblower boat cruise (available until November). Round-trip hotel transport is included on this outing. Need a place to stay close by? Nearby hotels or condos in Hamilton can provide short-term rental options.

2. Chase the ghosts near Toronto

If you’ve been to Toronto before, why not do something really different and go on a ghost tour? Four ghost towns loom in the mists, all within a manageable drive of Toronto. Eerie yet beautiful, these towns and camps cling to time, begging exploration.

Allan’s Mills, located outside Perth on the Tay River, is a small milling community that reached its peak in the late 19th century before many of the original mills shut down or were sold to larger companies. The mill, general store and schoolhouse are all well-preserved.

Plan to stay overnight in the area to reach Balaclava (four hours from Toronto; approximately one-and-a-half hours from Ottawa). It was founded in the mid-19^th century, located just west of Renfrew. It’s worth the trip, however, when you see the imposing old mill at the center of this once-vibrant community that eventually declined, along with its supply of timber.

Cooper’s Falls, near Washago, was built around a saw mill operated by Thomas Cooper, and included a general store, cheese factory, blacksmith and school. Eventually the mill and other businesses met the same fate as Balaclava when the area’s lumber was exhausted.

If you’re planning a scenic drive through Muskoka cottage country, the deserted Falkenberg is a rare treat. Located on the main road, this thriving town was an early pioneering effort to settle the region until the 1890s, when the railway arrived. Experience the ruins of the saw mill and other haunting signs of bygone life.

3. Take a CAT to Nova Scotia

It used to take seven to eight hours to get from Maine to Nova Scotia, if you took the Trans-Canada Highway or the longer New Brunswick Route. A weekend getaway along one of Canada’s most beautiful coastlines was a matter of physical stamina. But today, a faster, more scenic option is possible: a five-and-a-half-hour ferry ride on the CAT. The high-speed ferry service runs from Portland, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. You get to experience the Maritimes the way they’re meant to be seen − by sea! In fact, The CAT is part of your vacation adventure, where you can sit back, relax in comfort and style, grab a beverage or enjoy a full meal − all while experiencing the ocean views. Keep your eyes open for whales and other sea life. With so many amenities on board, you won’t want to get off the ferry!

4. More than poutine in Montreal

Seriously! Upstate New Yorkers are only 45 minutes from this amazing French-speaking city, and the northwest tip of Vermont a mere hour. Montreal is a happening city in all seasons, but its renowned festivals, its vibrant nightlife and arts scene, bountiful public markets, and so much more, are all the more special for its European charm.

Many visitors don’t know that the city is also home to one of the most vibrant Chinese celebrations, and you’re invited! The annual Gardens of Light festival at the Montreal Botanical Garden closely follows the ancient traditions of the Chinese Lantern Festival. The Chinese festival is traditionally held on the 15th day of the first month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar, but Montreal’s must-experience festival coincides with China’s Moon Festival that takes place from early September to the end of October. The Botanical Gardens becomes other-worldly, illuminated by over 700 lanterns that surround the Chinese garden in the evening. Traditional Chinese music, plenty of food and drink, and a relaxing atmosphere combine to create a vivid oasis in the heart of the city.

5. Visit Heritage Park, Calgary

Heritage Park is located south of downtown Calgary on the Glenmore Reservoir, and is open year-round. Your general admission ticket includes access to various exhibits, depending on the season. This interactive, living history museum features more than 180 attractions that tell stories about the settlement of Western Canada, from fur trading in the 1860s to the automobile craze of the 1900s. Many of the homes, shops and machinery you see at each exhibit site are original, and the informative and talented staff of interpreters, outfitted in period costumes, bring the attractions to life.

Winter exhibits begin mid-October to mid-May, including Gasoline Alley Museum, where you can feast your eyes on several antique automobiles, such as a 1908 REO Auto Buggy, a 1909 McIntyre Model M, and a 1912 Buick Model 2-A Express Truck. Then, stroll through Heritage Town Square to visit the bandstand, Canadian Pacific Railway Station and the Railway Garden. You can also shop and grab a bite to eat in the square.

After touring Heritage Park, plan to spend a day or two exploring downtown Calgary to do some shopping, visit the art galleries and sample the restaurants.

6. Brave a wild dog sanctuary near Banff

Many visitors come up from Seattle to explore picturesque Banff and some of the superior parkland that comprises 6,500 square kilometres. The 10- to 11-hour car journey to get there, however, might warrant a well-planned, four-day getaway.

If an extra day or two is possible, why not venture to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, an hour away from the resort town, located on Range Road 53, Highway 1A (10 minutes west of Cochrane). The sanctuary offers an interpretive walk, allowing visitors to view the various packs of wolfdogs at your own pace. What a rare opportunity to learn fascinating facts, and debunk some old myths about wolves and wolfdogs, while supporting the sanctuary!

The walking tour is outside, so you’re cautioned to dress appropriately for the weather, including proper footwear. Children must be six years and older and, although the tour is wheelchair accessible, keep in mind the terrain will be rough in certain areas. You’ll also need to leave your pets behind for this excursion, including dogs, to the sanctuary.

Zoocasa is a real estate brokerage based in Toronto. Looking for a Canadian investment property? Check out Toronto townhouses for sale.

Sheila O’Hearn is a freelance and creative writer, and has worn many hats throughout her career, from general staff reporter to magazine editor. She has a keen interest in business entrepreneurship and currently writes for several outlets.