Blog

Fun Things to Do in Ancaster This Autumn

Fewer things are better than a fall on the Niagara Escarpment. Take a look at all the fun things you can do this Autumn in Ancaster, Ontario, from our home at The Barracks Inn Hamilton.

While we’re lucky to get some beautiful and diverse seasons in Ancaster, autumn is one of our personal favourites. It’s one of the few times our weather is perfect (not too hot, not too cold!) for hiking in the fall foliage, chasing waterfalls at Dundas Peak, and feeding out to the Ancaster Fairgrounds for a little seasonal fun.

If you’re looking for something fun to do this fall, come look at what Ancaster and Hamilton can offer. We have something for every traveller here, including a warm and cozy stay at our boutique hotel near Hamilton, Ontario, The Barracks Inn. Read on for our complete Fall 2024 guide, and enjoy some Ancaster fall events this weekend near Ancaster village.

RBG: The Great Pumpkin Trail

October 18 – 20; 25 – 27, 2024

One of the best fall festivals in Hamilton is housed within our very own Royal Botanical Gardens. Get dressed up in a festive costume (or don’t!), savour fall flavours, and enjoy family-friendly activities as you take in the live entertainment. Follow the pumpkin trail and enjoy a candlelit forest aglow with jack-o’-lanterns.

Carluke Orchards: Pick-Your-Own Paradise

Early September – Mid-October, 2024

Autumn has come at Ancaster’s local Carluke Orchards, a family-run farm that’s been around for over 200 years. Enjoy a stroll through their luscious orchards, buy farm-fresh apples, or enjoy a pick-your-own experience with several different varieties available. Beware that their PYO availability changes regularly, but they’re currently offering Royal Gala, Cortland, Empire, Golden Gala, Ambrosia, and more!

If you don’t want to stop the treats at fresh apples, check out their freshly baked pies, cookies, and other homemade goods from their on-site bakery and gourmet food market.

Lindley’s Farm & Market

Hayrides every weekend in October, from 10 am – 4 pm
Farm market open every day, from 9 am – 6 pm

Get into the fall spirit at Lindley’s Farm & Market, one of the best family-friendly destinations and Ancaster fall events today. Enjoy a scenic pumpkin hayride through the farm, enjoying the autumn air and vibrant fall foliage. Try your hand at picking your own pumpkins from the patch and grab some fresh produce or seasonal, home-baked treats at their farm market.

Dundas Peak

All Autumn Long

This 2.9-km loop trail, a short trek from Ancaster downtown, is a moderately challenging climb, moving you up 234 m to a stunning view. Though it’s open year-round, the foliage and colours make the sight even more beautiful in the autumn, with well-maintained trails, switchbacks and overlooks of the escarpment and Hamilton city skyline.

While you’re in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, consider tacking Webster Falls onto your day trip, another majestic waterfall located close by.

Tiffany Falls

All Autumn Long

If you want an easier outdoor adventure without such a steep hike, consider a quick 5 – 10 minute hike to Tiffany Falls, a 21-metre stunner. Take the hike from the nearby parking lot on Wilson Street and bring your kids and family along. If you get amped up and want to extend your adventure, take the accessible connection to the Bruce Trail and keep going.

Ancaster Lions Fall Craft Show

November 2, 2024, from 10 am – 4 pm

If you’re looking for early Christmas gifts or simply want check out all the local artisanal offerings, the Lion’s Fall Ancaster festival 2024 has it all on display. This event is held at the spacious Ancaster Fairgrounds with diverse displays from handcrafted jewelry and hand-tossed pottery to artisanal food and drink made with local ingredients.

Brantwood Farms Fall Festival: A Harvest of Fun

August 31st – October 27th, 2024

Head to nearby Brantford for a day at Brantwood Farms! This is a family-friendly festival that offers a pile of great activities, including seasonal wagon rides, a corn maze, and a spooky haunted barn. Enjoy exploring the forest play area and meeting the farm animals, or relaxing and enjoying the beautiful fall scenery. PYO apples or pumpkins, and grab a fall bouquet of seasonal wildflowers before enjoying one of their 20+ activities.

Hamilton Film Festival

October 18th – 27th, 2024

The 19th Annual Hamilton Film Festival will soon be in full swing at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre this fall. Watch a diverse lineup of films from around the world, including local films from our very talented Hamilton and Ancaster community. There’s something for every kind of film buff, from screenings of comedies, dramas, documentaries, and indie films. Get a full schedule of showings at the Hamilton Film Festival website.

The Barracks Inn—Boutique Hotel in Hamilton & Ancaster

A busy day or weekend of exploring things to do in Hamilton and Ancaster calls for some R&R. We hope you’ll consider resting your head at The Barracks Inn, one of the best hotels in Ancaster with personalized service and recommendations for a great stay.

At our central location in the heart of Ancaster, you can easily access all of the fall activities you can fit into your schedule as you look for things to do in Ancaster this weekend.

Book your stay today to start planning your next weekend getaway at a Hamilton, Ontario, accommodation and enjoy all Ancaster, Hamilton, and our local sights have to offer!

Book Your Room Today!