Pawtumn Trails: 21 Fall Adventures with Your Dog
9/3/2025
Quit scrolling and grab the leash already! 🍁🐕 Your dog is so over the same old sidewalk loop. Time for a road trip!! Hit some new trails and remind your pup why you’re the fun one in the relationship. 😉
Crisp air, crunching leaves, and every sniff a new discovery; autumn is made for walking your dog. We've found some of the most popular trails in southern Ontario, outside the hustle and bustle of the GTA. These trails cover riverside paths, waterfalls, and hills! And you can breathe easy by skipping the Toronto bumper-to-bumper. Dogs can sniff, zoom, and roll in leaves while you enjoy the best photo spots and seasonal scenery. Pack water, snacks, and a camera—your dog’s fall adventure awaits.
Check out these 20 trails that separate serious pawrents from the ‘Maybe Next Fall’ Crowd.
Central & Southwestern Ontario
1. Boyne Valley Provincial Park (Shelburne)
Maple forests, gentle hills, and winding trails create an autumn playground. Dogs sniff every leaf pile; humans can grab misty morning photos. Easy 3–5 km loops; leash required. No washrooms or potable water; free parking. Early mornings are quiet; the wooden bridge over the stream makes a perfect photo backdrop. Visitors love the peaceful vibe and colourful leaves. Non-operating park with minimal signage, so bring a map or use a GPS app.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3–5 km loops
Parking: Free (Prince of Wales Rd or Centre North/5th Side Rd lots)
Facilities: None (no washrooms, no potable water)
Directions: From Shelburne, take Highway 89 east, then Prince of Wales Road North ~4 km to the park entrance.
📍 Prince of Wales Rd, Shelburne, ON
2. Island Lake Conservation Area (Orangeville)
Lakeside boardwalks, quiet islands, and leaf-strewn trails. Dogs love chasing sticks; humans enjoy water reflections framed by autumn colour. Easy 5 km loop; leash required. Washrooms and potable water at the visitor centre; parking ~$7–$8/day. Ducks and geese often provide funny distractions for your dog. Photo tip: capture your pup mid-leap over small boardwalk bridges. Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to capture crisp water reflections.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 km loop
Parking: $5.75/person; children $2.65, seniors $4.43" based on Credit Valley Conservation’s 2025 rates (sourced from their official website, islandlake.ca)
Facilities: Washrooms and potable water at the visitor centre
📍 673067 Hurontario Street, Orangeville, ON
3. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park (Mono)
Cliffs, forest trails, and dramatic fall colours make every step a scenic adventure. Moderate 6 km loop; leash required. Seasonal washrooms; no potable water. Parking fees apply, and a mandatory reservation is required in advance at ontarioparks.ca. Best photo spot: cliff lookout with colourful trees below. Leaves can hide rocks and roots, so wear sturdy shoes. Visitors rave about the views at sunrise for glowing autumn shots.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 km loop
Parking: Paid (~$12–$15/day, mandatory reservation at ontarioparks.ca)
Facilities: Seasonal washrooms (typically unavailable November–April); no potable water
📍 795122 3rd Line EHS, Mono, ON
4. Bruce Trail – Kilgorie Section (Melancthon)
Farmland, forests, and rolling hills ignite with autumn color. Moderate 5–6 km loops; leash required. No facilities, and there free parking at the trailhead. Dogs love exploring paths while humans enjoy wide leaf-strewn vistas. Mornings often bring fog for cinematic leaf-filled trail photos. Rustic fences create playful framing shots with your pup.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5–6 km loops
Parking: Free (trailhead parking)
Facilities: None
Directions: From Melancthon Township, follow 2nd Line EHS south to the Bruce Trail access point near County Rd 9 (Dufferin Hi-Lands section). Use the Bruce Trail app or map for navigation.
📍 2nd Line EHS & County Rd 9, Melancthon, ON
5. Grand River Trail – Fergus / Shelburne Section
Extensive riverside paths, autumn meadows, and quiet forests. Moderate 5–6 km loop; leash required. Washrooms and potable water at Bissell Park; free parking. Dogs explore meadows; humans enjoy the leaves along the riverside. Tip: sunset along the river creates golden reflections for your photos. Bissell Park is a great dog-friendly access point; check Grand River Conservation Authority for trailhead maps.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5–6 km loop
Parking: Free (Bissell Park lot)
Facilities: Washrooms and potable water at Bissell Park
📍 Bissell Park, 127 E Mill St, Fergus, ON
6. Rockwood Conservation Area (Rockwood)
Limestone cliffs, caves, and riverside paths combine adventure and, of course, autumn leaves. Moderate 4–5 km loop; leash required. Seasonal washrooms and potable water (typically unavailable November–April); parking ~$7/day. Dogs sniff cliff cracks while humans capture waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage. Cave entrances create playful photo opportunities, making it a favourite for visitors. Photo tip: Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to capture crisp water reflections.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4–5 km loop
Parking: Paid (~$7/day)
Facilities: Seasonal washrooms and potable water (typically unavailable November–April)
📍 161 Fall Street South, Rockwood, ON
Hamilton / Flamborough / Dundas
7. Spencer Gorge / Webster’s Falls (Dundas / Hamilton)
Waterfalls, cliffs, and colourful forests make this a fall showstopper. Moderate 2 km loops; leash required. Seasonal washrooms (typically unavailable November–April); no potable water; parking ~$10–$15/day, reserve at conservationhamilton.ca for peak fall weekends. Dogs sniff near the falls; humans get panoramic pics. Tip: slippery leaves near cliffs—stay careful. Visitors say the waterfall backdrop makes every dog look heroic. Photo tip: Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to capture crisp water reflections.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~2 km loops
Parking: Paid ($10–$15/day, reserve at conservationhamilton.ca for peak fall weekends)
Facilities: Seasonal washrooms (typically unavailable November–April); no potable water
Directions: From Dundas, take Hwy 5/King St to Harvest Road and follow signs to the Webster’s Falls parking area
. 📍 300 Harvest Road, Dundas, ON
8. Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area (Hamilton)
Iconic waterfall with trails that dip into escarpment forests. Moderate 2 km loop; leash required. Washrooms and potable water available; parking ~$10/day. Dogs love sniffing mossy cliffs; humans get dramatic waterfall shots framed by fall leaves. Tip: Climb the overlook for epic panoramic photos. Photo tip: Frame the falls with fiery foliage for vibrant contrast
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~2 km loop
Parking: Paid (~$10/day)
Facilities: Washrooms and potable water
📍 2145 Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON
9. Royal Botanical Gardens – Cootes Paradise Trails (Hamilton / Burlington)
Boardwalks and forested paths through wetlands with autumn colours reflecting in the water. Easy 3–4 km loops; leash required. Washrooms and potable water at main entrance; parking ~$8/day. Dogs enjoy new scents; humans enjoy birdwatching. Tip: early morning mist adds a magical feel. Photo tip: Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to capture crisp water reflections.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3–4 km loops
Parking: Paid (~$8/day)
Facilities: Washrooms and potable water at the main entrance
📍 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON
Haldimand Region
10. James N. Allan Provincial Park (Dunnville)
Lake Erie shoreline, sandbars, and leaf piles create a playful autumn escape. Easy 2 km loop; leash required. Seasonal washrooms (typically unavailable November–April); no potable water; free parking. Sunrise and sunset make perfect light for photos. Dogs can splash in shallow water; humans can picnic on shore.Tip: bring good shoes as it can be rocky.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~2 km loop
Parking: Free (small parking lot)
Facilities: Seasonal washrooms (typically unavailable November–April); no potable water
Directions: Take Hwy 3 into downtown Dunnville. Head south over the bridge on Queen and then follow Queen until you go left on Marshall. Follow that with a right on Kings Row. The park entrance is located off Myrnam Beach Road.
📍 Myrnam Beach Road, Dunnville, ON
11. Byng Island Conservation Area (Dunnville)
Riverside paths, forested trails, and leaf-covered corners. Easy 3 km loop; leash required. Seasonal washrooms and potable water (typically unavailable November–April); parking ~$7/day. Misty mornings create reflective river shots. Dogs enjoy sniffing; humans enjoy peaceful autumn scenery. Visitors highlight the calm river views.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~3 km loop
Parking: Paid (~$7/day)
Facilities: Seasonal washrooms and potable water (typically unavailable November–April)
📍 4969 Haldimand County Road 20, Dunnville, ON
12. LaFortune Park (Caledonia)
Forests and river views make a serene autumn adventure. Easy 2–3 km loop; leash required. Washrooms and potable water at the main entrance; free parking. Dogs sniff; humans enjoy reflections on the river and vibrant leaves. Tip: Trails along the river provide quiet photo spots.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2–3 km loop
Parking: Free (park lot)
Facilities: Washrooms and potable water at main entrance
📍 1 LaFortune Park Rd, Caledonia, ON
13. Selkirk Provincial Park (Selkirk)
Waterfront trails and meadows; ideal for leaf-crunching walks. Easy 3 km loop; leash required. Washrooms and potable water (typically unavailable November–April); free parking. Dogs love splashing and sniffing; humans enjoy quiet waterfront views. Tip: the dock area makes cute autumn dog photos.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~3 km loop
Parking: Free (parking lot)
Facilities: Washrooms and potable water (typically unavailable November–April)
📍 1860 Selkirk Rd, Selkirk, ON
Niagara Region
14. Short Hills Provincial Park (St. Catharines)
Rolling hills, hardwood forests, and a waterfall. 4.7 km loop; leash required. The trail has moderate difficulty, with gradual climbs and some obstacles like rocks and roots along the way. The park is a popular spot for hiking and is multiuse, so be prepared to encounter other visitors and their dogs. No washrooms or potable water; free parking. Dogs love barking at the squirrels, and humans enjoy forest paths for fall photos. Tip: cliff-edge views make dramatic dog + leaves shots.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~5 km loop (many trail options)
Parking: Free (multiple access lots)
Facilities: None (some vault toilets; no potable water)
📍 Pelham Road, St. Catharines, ON
15. Burgoyne Woods (St. Catharines)
Network of wooded trails plus a dedicated leash-free dog park. Easy 2 km loops; off-leash area available. Washrooms on-site; free parking. Peak fall colours turn the forest into a fiery playground. Dogs sprint; humans can relax or snap action shots. The pond area is great for reflective photos.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~2 km loops (plus off-leash area)
Parking: Free
Facilities: Washrooms on-site; off-leash area available
📍 70 Edgedale Road, St. Catharines, ON
16. Woodend Conservation Area (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Quiet meadows, and winding paths. It's a great trail with plenty of loops and scenic views of the escarpment.. It's an easy hike, but rocky at times and can easily get muddy. There are no washrooms or water; but there is free parking. Access is off Taylor Road. Note that the parking lot can fill up quickly on busy days Dogs enjoy open space; humans enjoy autumn fields. Tip: The morning mist adds magical light for photos.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5km
Parking: Free (on-site)
Facilities: None (bring water)
Directions: From Niagara-on-the-Lake, take Taylor Road north off Niagara Stone Road and follow signs to the parking area.
📍 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
17. Queenston Heights Park (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Cliffside vistas, fiery maples, and wide trails. Easy–moderate loops; leash required. Parking is pricey at $20, but you may find it's worth it. There are washrooms and picnic areas, and historical sites (like Brock's Monument, but you'll want to pack water. There's also a playground and splash pad, and more! The Bruce Trail actually begins its Niagara Section in Queenston Heights Park. It's a 900 km trail that follows the Niagara Escarpment, about 5.4 miles, through woodlands and along overlooks. There are various sections of elevation gain and some uneven terrain. Dogs sniff river breezes; humans get cliff-top photo ops. The cliff viewpoint is perfect for dramatic leaf shots with your dog in the foreground.
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Distance: Loops vary (short to moderate)
Parking: Paid (~$20 for extended stays)
Facilities: Washrooms and picnic areas
📍 14184 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
18. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve (Niagara Falls)
Rugged gorge trails, riverside forests, dramatic escarpment views. Moderate trails with a variety of loops to choose from; leash required. Take note that there are lots of stairs, steep inclines, and rocky, potentially slippery trails. Washrooms at Nature Centre; no potable water. Parking ~$8/hr. Dogs act like little explorers; humans can capture river and leaf combos. Tip: mossy rocks and rapids make unique autumn photos.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: ~2 km + loops
Parking: Paid (~$8/hr)
Facilities: Washrooms at Nature Centre; no potable water
📍 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
19. Dufferin Islands Nature Area (Niagara Falls)
Charming islands, quiet paths, and fantastic fall colours. Easy loops; leash required. On-site washrooms; no potable water; metered parking. Dogs explore the island trails while humans enjoy birdwatching and spectacular water views. Tip: Early morning strolls bring magical mist over the islands.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.5 -Loops vary (short strolls)
Parking: Metered / nearby lots
Facilities: Washrooms on-site; no potable water
Directions: From Niagara Falls, follow Lundy’s Lane south and turn east onto Dufferin Islands Drive to access parking and the islands.
📍 6345 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
20. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area (Lincoln)
Waterfalls framed by autumn leaves; several easy-to-moderate hikes for sniffing fun; leash required. Washrooms and seasonal potable water (typically unavailable November–April); parking ~$7/day. Dogs roll in leaves; humans enjoy the picturesque waterfalls. Tip: midday sun creates beautiful contrasts on leaves and water. Photo tip: Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to capture crisp water reflections.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: A variety of loops
Parking: $13.75/vehicle, up to $28 max/car" based on Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s 2025 rates (npca.ca).
Facilities: Washrooms and seasonal potable water (typically unavailable November–April)
📍 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln, ON
Always check trail conditions before you go—autumn rain or leaves can make paths slippery, so bring sturdy shoes and keep your pup on a leash for safety.
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Your Challenge 🍂
Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure! Hit the road with your pup to explore one of the pawsome trails in our blog, or pick your own favourite local trail. Wherever you roam, snag a rad pic and share it with #RadowgFallPassport, tagging @RadowgFood on Instagram or Facebook!
Style points if your pup’s trail outfit puts your fleece to shame.;)
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Know another fab fall trail outside the GTA? Share it — let’s make an ultimate list of fall paw-sibilities away from the bumper-to-bumper!