As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold and the air takes on a refreshing crispness, fall arrives in Chatham-Kent. Whether you're planning a day trip or a cozy overnight getaway, Pack your favourite sweater and discover why fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in CK.
Fall Colours
From quiet wooded paths to waterfront routes, Chatham-Kent's many trails offer some of the best opportunities to take in the spectacular fall colours and discover beautiful spots to capture the season's ever-changing landscape. Rondeau Provincial and Wheatley Provincial Parks are iconic places for fall walks. While northern Ontario and Muskoka often reach peak colour in late September and early October, Chatham-Kent's Carolinian forests typically peak in mid-October, offering one of Ontario's latest opportunities to experience vibrant fall colours along the Lake Erie shoreline.
- Rondeau Provincial Park: Rondeau offers one of southwestern Ontario's most vibrant fall colour displays thanks to its diverse Carolinian forest, where sassafras, tulip trees, maples, and oaks create a rich mix of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds. The park's extensive trail network and Lake Erie setting provide sweeping autumn views that combine colourful forest canopies with marsh and shoreline landscapes.
- Wheatley Provincial Park: Wheatley's fall colours are distinguished by its peaceful Carolinian woodland, including an unusually large population of shagbark hickory trees that contribute brilliant golden hues in autumn. Its trails wind through forests, creeks, and wetlands, creating intimate fall colour experiences and picturesque reflections that are especially appealing for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
A few unique ways to capture fall in Chatham-Kent
- Hike the Harrison Trail at Rondeau Provincial Park: This trail travels through oak woodland, oak savanna, prairie openings, and Carolinian forest, surrounding hikers with a diverse mix of autumn colours from sassafras, maple, oak, and tulip trees.
- Walk the Two Creeks Trail: The trail winds through mature Carolinian forest alongside creeks and wetlands, where colourful foliage is reflected in the water, creating one of the region's most immersive fall experiences.
- Paddle Rondeau Bay or the Sydenham River: Kayaking or canoeing offers a unique perspective of fall colours, with vibrant Carolinian forests and wetlands lining the shoreline and reflecting off calm waters. The Wallaceburg Water Trail system is unique in its own right!
- Cycle the roads between Erieau, Rondeau, and the surrounding countryside: Riders can experience a mix of lakeshore scenery, wooded areas, and rural landscapes at a slower pace that allows an appreciation of the changing colours.
- Road tripping; Whether by motorcycle or car, cruising the rural roads of Chatham-Kent allows for scenic countryside views, charming small towns, colourful barn quilts, and a chance to experience the relaxed pace and authentic rural charm that make CK a perfect getaway.
Tasty Treats
- Take the family and grab a hot beverage and sweet treat from our Bakery Trail and then wander through to admire the changing of the leaves
- Visit our local farmers' markets and orchards to bring home apples, squash and pumpkins for all of those delicious fall recipes
- Pick your own apples at Van Koeverden Apple Orchards in Thamesville to create homemade apple pies, ciders and fall treats
- Raise a glass to fall at Chatham-Kent's craft breweries and savour seasonal brews inspired by the flavours of the harvest season.
Fall Adventures
- Bring the family and see how long it takes you to find your way through this year's iMaze in Thamesville, one of Chatham-Kent's favourite fall traditions.
- Discover the colours of the season at any of our garden centres where you will find brightly coloured mums, corn stalks, pumpkins and gourds
- Plan your visit around some of Chatham-Kent's signature autumn-themed events
- Take in Chatham-Kent's rich history with a visit to Buxton Historic Site & Museum, the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History or Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum still open for you to stop in and learn more about our rich Black History.
- Explore Chatham-Kent's vibrant arts and culture scene this fall with gallery exhibitions, live theatre, museum experiences, cultural events, art walks, and festivals that celebrate the creativity, history, and unique stories of our communities.
- Embrace fall family fun and scares at Tilbilly Halloween Adventure Farm on weekends in September and October.
- Experience the beauty of autumn from the saddle with a trail ride at TJ Stables where winding trails, crisp country air, and vibrant fall colours create an unforgettable way to explore Chatham-Kent's countryside.
- Enjoy fall golf in Chatham-Kent as vibrant autumn colours, crisp air, and picturesque fairways create the perfect setting for a memorable round.
Overnight Stays
Whether you're looking for a cozy boutique suite, a unique countryside retreat, or a campsite surrounded by autumn colours, Chatham-Kent offers the perfect place to stay and savour the season.
- Unwind at Willow Barrel Retreat, where you can embrace the slower pace of autumn in boutique and cozy accommodations with peaceful countryside views, and colourful fall landscapes.
- Stay in style at the Retro Suites Hotel in downtown Chatham for a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience featuring themed luxury suites.
- Experience the beauty of fall camping at Rondeau Provincial Park and wander beneath a canopy of changing leaves, enjoy quiet nature walks, spot migrating birds, and settle in around a campfire on cool autumn evenings.
- Reconnect with nature at Wheatley Provincial Park. Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, Wheatley offers beautiful campsites, scenic trails, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy fall colours, lakeside sunsets, and peaceful outdoor adventures.
