September to November is the best season in this neighbourhood. Here is how I spend it.
Quick Takeaway: Fall in North York means ravine colours at Earl Bales and Edwards Gardens, weekend markets and events at Mel Lastman Square, world class exhibits at the Aga Khan Museum, harvest programming at Black Creek Pioneer Village, and the return of hot food season on Yonge Street. Most of it is free or close to it, and almost all of it is reachable by subway.
1. Fall Colours at Earl Bales Park
4169 Bathurst Street. The best leaf peeping in North York, with ravine trails and a hilltop view. Go mid October, early morning, before the parking lot fills.
2. Edwards Gardens Into Wilket Creek
755 Lawrence Avenue East. Start in the formal gardens and follow the ravine trail south. Two hours, flat, shaded, and stunning in colour season.
3. Mel Lastman Square
5100 Yonge Street. Community events, seasonal markets and festivals run through the fall, and the rink opens as the weather turns. Check the City of Toronto listings for the current schedule.
4. Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Drive. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, with rotating exhibitions, a reflecting pool courtyard and a serious restaurant. A full afternoon.
5. Black Creek Pioneer Village
1000 Murray Ross Parkway. Living history village with fall harvest and Halloween programming. Great with kids.
6. A Show at Meridian Arts Centre
5040 Yonge Street. Theatre, music and dance seasons kick off in September, right at North York Centre station.
7. North York Central Library
5120 Yonge Street. One of the best branches in the country. Free events, quiet study floors and a strong kids section for rainy Saturdays.
8. Hot Food Season on Yonge
Ramen at Kajiken, Korean street food skewers near Finch, Persian stews north of Finch. Fall is when this strip is at its best.
9. Skiing Prep at Earl Bales
The North York Ski Centre inside Earl Bales runs a small hill with lessons once the snow arrives. Fall is when registration opens.
10. A Walk Through the Willowdale Side Streets
Mature maples, wide lots, and the reason so many families never leave. This one is free and is my favourite.
The Real Estate Angle
Buyers who tour North York in the fall understand it faster than buyers who tour in the winter. The parks, the patios and the street life are all visible. If you are considering a move, this is the season to walk the neighbourhood.
Q&A for Fast Answers
Q: What are the best things to do in North York in the fall?
A: Top fall activities in North York include fall colours at Earl Bales Park and Edwards Gardens, events at Mel Lastman Square, exhibitions at the Aga Khan Museum, harvest programming at Black Creek Pioneer Village, and performances at the Meridian Arts Centre.
Q: Where are the best fall colours in North York?
A: Earl Bales Park at 4169 Bathurst Street and the Edwards Gardens to Wilket Creek ravine trail offer the best fall colours in North York, typically peaking in mid to late October.
Fall is when North York shows you who it is. Book your free consultation with Felipe Lopez, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Realtron, and let me walk you through it in person.