The season of change and discovery is among us in Northwestern Ontario.

It's that time again. Long gone are the carefree dog days of summer, and we're starting to venture into the coming months full of snowsuits and slippery roads. The days are now getting shorter, and the nights are getting just a little bit colder. But fear not, for just as winter beckons its icy call, so does it herald the coming of something great, something almost magical.

It has many names here in Sunset Country: Autumn, leaf season, pre-winter. But no matter what you call it, we can all agree that fall is the best time of the year.

Fall, which is typically just as short-lived as its name suggests, is unique in its own right. From dew-covered mornings to a constant parade of moulting leaves, fall has many unique features that can't be found in any other season. Not to mention that it's the perfect time to get out and discover all the new and exciting things that will be happening in celebration of this fantastic season.

No more bugs in your business or having to worry about applying sunscreen because fall has all the benefits of summer minus all the bad parts. So put on an oversized wool sweater, grab a pumpkin-spiced latte, and go check out all the marvels of fall before it's gone.

 Ontario Parks

Try to check these things off your fall bucket list: 

1. Take in all of the fall colours

What better way to start your fall to-dos than simply walking out the front door and allowing yourself to be awe-stricken by the vast collage of oranges, reds and yellows? It's pretty incredible. It's the final farewell before the trees are left leafless and dormant, the extravagant encore that perfectly caps off a glorious summer show. You've got to take advantage of the sights because they're fading as we speak.

My favourite way to enjoy the fall leaves is by strolling in one of the many local parks in Sunset Country. It's the best way to say thanks and farewell to another marvellous summer.

2. Have a bonfire

Alright so you've been putting this off all year. Between work, holidays or whatever life has thrown at you over the summer, having a fire is something that many northerners love to do but seemingly never get around to doing. Gather your friends and grab some snacks for a long night of ridiculous storytelling, hysterical laughter and impromptu sing-alongs.

From dew-covered mornings to the constant parade of moulted leaves, fall has lots of amazing features that just can't be found in any other season.

3. Get in some last minute muskie fishing

Seriously, there's literally no better time to fish for northern Ontario's famous freshwater titan. Any angler will tell you that fall is the best time to grab your rod and go on the hunt for one of these highly sought out and formidable opponents. Fall muskie fishing is the perfect experience for anyone looking to fit in a few more casts before the lakes ice over. Click here for more information on muskie fishing in Ontario.

4. Visit a local pumpkin patch

But really, who doesn't love pumpkin patches? If you've never been to one before I highly suggest that you do immediately. These fields, clad with orange and green as far as the eye can see, are just as multi-faceted as the delectable legume that they bare.

Looking to go on weekend family trip? Take your kids to a patch and watch them marvel at enormous pumpkins twice their size. First date? Take your partner on an adventure to pick the perfect pumpkin and make treats for your friends and family.

There's so many reasons to love pumpkin patches, click here find one near you!

5. Get on the canning band wagon

It may sound odd, but canning is a lot of fun, and the reward for your efforts is definitely worth it. If you live in the Sunset Country area, you'll be able to find plenty of trees left that have gallons of buckets worth of crabapples or other small fruits. My family and I recently made homemade crabapple butter from a tree in my grandmother's yard and it's absolutely amazing. If you want to try some of the best jam you've ever tasted in your life, then I highly suggest you try this.

6. Get your pumpkin spice fix (Of course!)

The onset of fall is also a time when everything becomes pumpkin flavoured. As I'm sure you're aware, this trend has caught on fast over the years and has seen numerous adaptations from pumpkin ice-cream to pumpkin-flavour chips. While you might not be overly fond of someone putting the essence of an overgrown squash in your favourite brand of saltines, I think it's safe to say that most people enjoy a shot of pumpkin spice in their java from time to time. Check out the pumpkin pie spice recipes on Pinterest!

HoJoe's Pumpkin Spice Latte

Be sure to regularly check the Ontario Travel's Fall Colour Report to keep an eye on the progress of the colour change in Ontario to plan your perfect fall outing!

Enjoy this article? Like us on Facebook for all the latests on things to do in Sunset Country 

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