Fall, Your Way: 2-Days of the Best of Autumn in Lanark County

If there is one place where fall’s splendour seems to shine a little brighter, it’s Lanark County. Here in the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario, the same trees that fuel the sweetness of spring are transformed into a brilliant canopy of colour each autumn. From blazing oranges to vibrant yellows and deep reds, Lanark County is on fire come fall.

A road trip here is a laid-back adventure through winding country roads past cute-as-a-button small towns. Whether you are chasing fall colours, flavours or family fun, you can choose your own adventure in Lanark County.

Option 1: Fall Free Spirits

The cooler weather of fall makes you want to move and Lanark County is where you can put pedal and paddle to work to get you deeper into the forest and on the water while exploring some of Ontario’s most colourful scenery.

Day One: Perth & Area

Your adventure begins in Perth, then takes you along the Mississippi River to Carleton Place for more outdoor adventure while immersed in nature’s palate.

Fall Colours: The town of Perth’s crown jewel, Stewart Park, is even more beautiful in fall and is the ideal spot for a picnic beneath a towering maple tree or with your feet dangling into the Tay River. Bring your bike and pedal along the Tay River Towpath’s winding trail that takes you beneath a brilliant fall canopy. Just a short drive from Perth, winds alongside the Tay River with endless opportunities for wildlife and fall photos.

Eat: Pick up picnic fare from the aptly named PICNIC – a small shop located just outside of Perth, and the perfect distance for a lovely fall ride. In town, Gather is known for its focus on local ingredients which means you are sure to find an in-season and scrumptious menu.

Stay: The grounds of the historic boutique inn, Nevis Estate, are particularly stunning in fall. Settle in at the end of the day with a cocktail at their on-site lobby bar before walking to a downtown restaurant for dinner.

Day Two: Carleton Place

The Mississippi River can be your playground for your second day in Carleton Place, as you shift from pedaling to paddling through fall today.

Fall Colours: If you think the colours are phenomenal from shore, we are here to tell you they are even better when paddling down the river surrounded on both sides by walls of blazing fall folliage. Rent a kayak from the Kayakomat in Centennial Park in Carleton Place and explore the shoreline of the Mississippi before heading north towards the downtown. Just before the bridge there is a public dock you can use to take a break from paddling and do some shopping or grab a bite to eat.

Eat: Find fall flavours at the award-winning Black Tartan Kitchen, renowned for its menu featuring locally sourced and in-season specials. Grab a German pretzel from The Little German Bakery on Bridge Street and pair it with a German-inspired beer at Braumeister Brewing Co. just up the street.

Celebrate Fall: Plan your visit to coincide with Carleton Place’s annual pumpkin extravaganza, Pumpkinfest, on Oct. 3, or the Lanark County Harvest Festival on Sept. 14, 2025.

Option 2: Fall Foodies

It is not your imagination that food tastes better in fall! When picked straight from a tree, bush or out of the ground, the fall harvest is worth driving for. If you like your scenery served with a side of fresh-baked apple pie or a small-batch craft beer, this itinerary is for you.

Day One: Hiking & Sipping

Fall Colours: Food and drink lovers will find brilliant vistas make the perfect background for local flavours. High Lonesome Nature Reserve’s eight kilometres of hiking trails takes you deep into a kaleidoscope of fall colours. Hike the short one-kilometre riverfront trail in Blakeney and pick up a picnic lunch or dinner to savour by the water.

Eat: You’ll find so many places to explore unique food and drink in Lanark County! Check out the Sip & Savour Trail to find all the craft breweries, distilleries, and chocolateries in the region. In Nearby Pakenham, Cartwright Springs Brewery makes delicious craft beer and have fall trails on site for bonus colour viewing.

Stay: End your day at The Monte Inn & Lounge in Almonte, a boutique inn perched on the edge of the Mississippi River. Bring your bathing suit to try out their on-site sauna and hot tub to warm up at the end of the day.

Day Two: Relaxation & Comfort Foods

Fall Colours: The drive from Almonte to Clayton is a beautiful one no matter the time of year but it really steps up the magic to the next level in fall. Spend one of the last warm days of the year at Maplestone Ranch & Retreat in the outdoor pools, saunas, hot tubs, or cold plunges and when you’ve had enough relaxation in the fall countryside you can visit with the ranch’s gentle horses.

Eat: Breakfast is included at the inn before heading out for the day. Maplestone Ranch offers a light menu that will pair perfectly with tea, coffee or a non-alcoholic bubbly while you swing in a hammock beneath the open sky.

More Fall Flavours: Find more fall flavours at Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm near Pakenham (yes, they are open in fall, too!), and the family-owned and operated Geobern Farm near Almonte. At Geobern you can pick pumpkins, take a wagon ride, and wander a corn maze (for kids only!) along with other fall activities.

Option 3: Fall Families

What kid can resist jumping in a pile of fall leaves? This is the time of year when kids love to be outdoors, and in Lanark County they will be tuckered out by the end of the day, guaranteed.

Day One: Blueberry Mountain & Alpacas

Fall Colours: The view from the top of Blueberry Mountain in fall is phenomenal, and at less than five kilometres the trail to the lookout is doable even for little legs. After your hike, take a llama for a walk at Serendipity Farm & Sanctuary (reservations required in advance) and learn all about alpacas, llamas, and crias (baby alpacas) at this family-owned farm.

Eat: Stop for a bite to eat or to pick up picnic fare from The Creek Grill at Paul’s Creek Campground in Lanark Highlands. You can also head into Lanark for lunch at Village Treats, renowned for their delicious chocolate treats but also known for their sandwiches, soups, and specialty coffees. Kids will love a pizza option and Lanark Pizzeria delivers for excellent pizza.

Stay: You won’t want to end your visit after just one day! Closs Crossing is one of the top Airbnbs in Canada and their riverfront accommodation options have enough space for the whole family (they even have a cabin treehouse option!).

Day Two: Maple Trails & Sweet Rewards

Fall Colours: Wander the maple trail at Wheelers Pancake House & Maple Museum in Lanark Highlands to see how breathtaking a maple forest can be in fall. Let the kids play on the on-site playground, watch farm animals at play, and wander the maple trail through the property (there is even a scavenger hunt to challenge little ones!). Wheelers is open year-round, from Wednesday to Thursday outside of spring.

Eat: No one will turn down pancakes on a crisp autumn day! Plan your visit to Wheelers to coincide for lunch and order a full pancake breakfast with all the fixings.

Fall Fairs: Fall is fair season in Lanark County! An old fashioned favourite is the Middleville Agricultural Fair on Sept. 13, 2025 – bring the kids and watch them compete in an old-fashioned sack and three-legged race for prizes!