Summer as we know and love it is coming to an end! Children are heading back to school, and warm sweaters and light jackets are coming out of storage. Autumn is knocking at the door, and you can already feel the weather cooling off. Though some people are sad to see the end of the summer scorchers, others welcome Fall with open arms. Cooler nights mean you can sleep with the windows open and enjoy a breath of fresh air. This Autumn promises a world of adventure, with many exciting events and things to do in Toronto’s West End. Here are a few things you don’t want to miss this year:
High Park
Every spring, the spectacular cherry blossoms of High Park draw thousands of visitors from all over. Somehow, the Fall gets overlooked here, which is a big mistake. When the leaves start to change, the breathtaking sight is not to be missed, and there are many activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Go for a hike and listen to the leaves crunching underneath your feet, sit on a bench and meditate, or take in the beautiful scenery over Grenadier Pond.
Being surrounded by nature can soothe your soul, and this is one of the most scenic places you’ll find anywhere in the city. However, it isn’t all about peaceful relaxation. Check the calendar of events at the High Park Nature Centre to see what’s coming up. For example, the Bats and Rats And Moths guided tour is coming out just in time for Halloween!
There’s a playground where children can run, jump, and climb until their hearts’ content. There’s even a petting zoo, free to the public, where you can see bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, emus, and sheep. If you work up an appetite, you can always pay a visit to the Grenadier Cafe. For now, it’s still warm enough to sit on the patio and take in the spectacular view of the park.
One of the reasons we love the West End is that it has something for everyone. Here are a few examples:
- The Best Toronto Neighbourhoods For Foodies
- The Best Toronto Neighbourhoods For Active Retirees
- The Best Neighbourhoods In Toronto For Young Families
The Waterfront
The Toronto Waterfront is always a huge attraction. It’s beautiful any time of the year. However, your enjoyment can be thwarted by the massive crowds in the summer. On sunny days, you often find yourself dodging an influx of joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters and hikers tearing down the boardwalk.
When Fall arrives, fewer people come out to the Waterfront, making it less crowded and more peaceful. A series of restaurants and cafes provide a view of the shores of Lake Ontario. With fewer people around, it’s easy to find a spot on the patio to enjoy some refreshing beverages and snacks. The Toronto Waterfront is another place where you can appreciate the beautiful Fall colours. If you’re ambitious, you can always sign up for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon that kicks off on October 16th.
Junction Farmers Market
Do you love fresh, locally-grown produce? Then the Junction Farmers Market is the place to be in the Fall. In addition to the fruits and vegetables, you’ll also find artesian cheeses, ice cream vendors, baked treats, handmade chocolates, wine, coffee, and more. The best part is that you can listen to live music or enjoy a cold beer as you browse.
The Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday until October 29th.
Roncesvalles Polish Festival
After a long 2-year hiatus, the Roncevalles Polish Festival is back on the calendar, and we couldn’t be more excited. The Sidorova Inwood Team is sponsoring and participating in this year’s event. Come and celebrate with us on September 17-18 as we enjoy a variety of local artists and musicians. We will be blowing up balloons all weekend, and hosting a giveaway with great prizes!
There are also 150 shops and merchants to visit, 40 live performances over 3 stages, and 2 family-friendly amusement parks to keep everyone entertained. Be sure to bring your appetite! With over 40 restaurants and cafes participating, you will find your usual favourites like pierogies and a variety of Polish desserts. There will be plenty of laughter and fun all around, and no one ever goes home hungry.
The Ukrainian Festival
Would you like to support Ukrainian culture this year? Then head on over to Bloor West Village for the Toronto Ukrainian Festival this September 16-18. Bloor Street West will shut down from Jane St. to Glendonwynne Rd for the largest celebration of Ukrainian culture in North America. Here, you’ll find non-stop food, music, and live dance performances to enjoy. This three-day adventure provides a fun time for the whole family. Parking is extremely limited, so you might consider taking the TTC. The festival is easily accessible from either the Jane or Runnymede stations. This year, the festival will be live-streamed on ukrainianfestival.com, so you don’t have to miss the fun even if you can’t attend in person.
Fall is here, and winter won’t be far behind. Luckily, there are many things to look forward to:
- Fall Colours In The West End: 5 Places To See Them
- Our Top West End Cafes To Cozy Up In This Fall
- 5 Fun Activities In Toronto’s West End
Halloween Fest
The Ukrainian Festival isn’t the only event happening at Bloor West Village. You’ll also be able to scare up some fun times at Halloween Fest on Sunday, October 30th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There’s a costume parade, live performances, a dance show, and a pumpkin decorating event. All proceeds go to benefit St Joseph’s Health Centre.
Do you want to know more about the neighbourhoods in Toronto’s West End? You can see all of our community guides right here.
