Discover Canada’s Autumn Towns, Harvest Festivals and Food Trails

As summer fades and Canada’s landscapes transform into a spectacular palette of red, orange and gold, autumn offers an invitation to explore the country at a slower pace. From charming towns steeped in history and local traditions to colourful harvest festivals and scenic food trails, communities across Canada come alive with seasonal experiences. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to experience Canada this autumn.

Quebec’s Eastern Townships – Historic Towns and Wine Routes
Nestled in nature in south-eastern Quebec, the Eastern Townships are home to charming cities, towns and villages. Just a short drive from Montréal, communities including Bromont, Sutton, Magog and Knowlton each offer their own character and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors amid vibrant autumn colours. Wine lovers can follow the Eastern Townships Wine Route, which connects 24 vineyards across the Brome-Missisquoi region, and offers a taste of the local produce and winemaking. For those interested in history and heritage, the Townships Trail is made up of 31 towns and villages, with stops including covered bridges, historic churches, and classic Victorian homes, all set against a backdrop of mountains and lakes.

HOW: For more information on the Eastern Townships, please visit www.easterntownships.org

Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival – Local Traditions in Nova Scotia
Every autumn, the picturesque seaside town of Mahone Bay on Nova Scotia’s South Shore transforms for the Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival, taking place from 25th September to 12th October. Now in its 30th year, the festival sees hundreds of imaginative, handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town, encouraging visitors to wander its historic streets, waterfront and independent shops while taking in the autumn scenery. Alongside the displays, the festival features family activities, more than 100 illuminated pumpkins, a pottery market showcasing regional makers and a Nova Scotia pie-baking competition, creating a lively celebration of local creativity and community spirit.

HOW: Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival is taking place from 25th September to 12th October 2026. For more information, please visit www.novascotia.com

Fall Flavours Festival – Fresh Produce on Prince Edward Island
Every autumn, Prince Edward Island celebrates its rich harvest and culinary heritage with the Fall Flavours Festival, a two week festival bringing together local chefs, producers, and communities from across the island. Offering visitors and locals alike the chance to sample the freshest of produce, foodies can expect anything from freshly harvested vegetables to locally caught seafood and locally raised beef. Beyond the plate, the festival provides a reason to explore the island at a particularly beautiful time of year, when crisp autumn days, colourful countryside and coastal landscapes provide the backdrop to a series of events showcasing PEI’s food, culture and communities.

HOW: The Fall Flavours Festival is taking place from 24th September – 10th October 2026. For more information, please visit fallflavours.ca

Muskoka Cranberry Route – Ontario’s Cranberry Capital
Travellers can follow the harvest route through Muskoka on a self guided tour celebrating one of Ontario’s most distinctive autumn crops. With more than 30 stops across the region, the Muskoka Cranberry Route takes visitors on a journey through scenic lakeside communities and countryside. Stops include visiting the cranberry marshes of Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery, as well as plenty of cranberry inspired dining options such as Blue Willow Tea Shop and Well Fed Sandwich Shop. Across Muskoka, fans of craft beer should be sure to stop off at Sawdust City Brewing Co or Clear Lake Brewing Company for a berry infused brew. For those visiting in October, The Bala Cranberry Festival is a must, which sees this small town of 700 residents come alive with community spirit.

HOW: For more information on the Muskoka Cranberry Route, please visit www.discovermuskoka.ca

The Cabot Trail Road Trip – Nova Scotia’s Autumnal Beauty
Winding almost 300km around the rugged coast of Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is arguably at its most picturesque in autumn. Forests transform into vivid shades of red and orange, set against dramatic mountains and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Travellers can take their time exploring charming fishing communities and towns including Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay, stopping for hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, or pulling over at one of the many lookouts to take in the scenery. With crisp air and quieter roads, the spectacular seasonal colours perfectly capture the beauty of autumn in Canada.

HOW: For more information on Cape Breton Island and The Cabot Trail Road Trip, please visit travel.destinationcanada.com