Fall Foliage and Dreamy Day Trips

Friday, September 24th, 2021

Soaking in the sunshine this summer from our Barrel Yards balconies has been fantastic…but we’re all noticing that the nights are cooler, the leaves are changing, and pumpkin spice has returned…well, everywhere. In order to help you warm up to the idea that summer is over, we’ve collected the following list and hope you’ll check out one (or all!) of our best day-tripping ideas for Fall 2021 around our Uptown Waterloo area.

Elora

Elora is quaint and beautiful year-round, and once you add in the stunning array of fall colours and perfect hiking weather – this is one day-trip you won’t want to miss out on. Pack your traveling snacks, grab your crew, and make sure to include these highlights on your day-tripping route throughout Elora.

Elora Gorge Conservation Area | One of the most impressive natural areas close to our Waterloo region – Elora Gorge Conservation Area features spectacular views, riverside trails, daunting cliffs (with safety barriers), and an up-close-and-personal natural experience within the Grand River valley. The Park offers an incredible collection of outdoor recreation opportunities, with seasonal information and current notices posted on their website, so you can plan a full schedule and make the most of your day trip!
Elora Gorge Trail | Elora Gorge Trail offers picturesque views and limitless appeal for photographers, hikers, families, and nature-lovers alike. The scenery you’ll find is well worth the hike, and you’ll find great spots throughout to relax, enjoy a picnic lunch, soak in the fresh air, sunshine, and if the timing is right, – add some excitement by either watching or getting in on the fun with a ONE AXE Pursuits 200-foot-zip-line and 80-foot rappel down into Elora’s Grand River.
Boutiques and Eat | After working up an appetite, our favourite stop for a bite to eat after exploring is at The Cellar Pub and Grill – or if we’re looking to soak in a little more date-night ambience, getting a table at The Evelyn. You can’t go wrong either way, and we recommend getting dessert, so you can walk it off later while checking out the charming shops and boutiques at Elora Mews, getting decadent treats to go from Sweet Distractions, and finding something truly unique within the world treasures & jewelry at the Mermaid in Elora.
Fall Gets Freaky | If your day-trip is planned during the month of October, keep an eye out while you stroll the streets of Elora looking for Twilight Zoo monsters! Created by local artist Tim Murton, the Twilight Zoo is a unique collection of monstrous lantern sculptures, which have been decorating the streets of Elora, for the better part of the past two decades. As the Twilight Zoo grew, other organizations started adding themed events, leading to October becoming Monster Month in Elora. Check out the website for events, special offers from local businesses, and a great little documentary about Tim’s artistic creations and the history that led to this unique annual tradition.

Fergus

Not far from Elora, we find the perfect day-trip destination of Fergus, Ontario. Best known for its annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Fergus is a charming, idyllic township that isn’t far off the beaten path, and is well worth the drive for the culture, scenery, entertainment, and ambience. Read on for our favourite day-trip picks when visiting Fergus!

Bicycle Tour Rentals | In our humble opinions, we feel there’s no better way to experience Fergus in the Fall than riding along on a bicycle tour! Thankfully, The Bicycle Tailor rents bicycles for recreational riding, and exploring, as well as fatbikes, and some specialty bikes for half-day, or full-day rentals. Connect with their staff to reserve your rental and they’ll be happy to guide you to local food, shopping, attractions, and trails to tailor your day-trip cycling tour.
The Bookery | Book enthusiasts will rejoice once they set foot inside The Bookery. Offering an eclectic collection of jewelry & unique gifts and goods, nestled in an “Olde World” Celtic-Inspired bookstore – this one-of-a-kind shop will delight, intrigue, and introduce you to antiquarian books, a multitude of gemstones, candles, essential oils, collectibles, antiques, decor, clothing, and more. The owners of this beautiful shop invite you to, “Come & Be Charmed” – and you truly will.
Brewhouse On The Grand | No day-trip is complete without a chance to grab some delicious local cuisine at a must-see location. For great food, great service, fantastic atmosphere, and a killer view of the Grand River – Brewhouse On The Grand is serving up daily specials, traditional pub fare, eighteen beers on tap, and the best wings and fries in town. If you enjoy this venue (and the beers on tap!) as much as we do, you can make plans to stay the night in one of the Brewhouse’s prestigious suites and perhaps catch some local theatre at the Fergus Grand Theatre.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these day trip suggestions and that you’ll find fun, fall foliage, and great experiences while exploring our beautiful Waterloo and nearby Wellington region this fall. When you’re on the move for your next day-trip adventure, reach out to us at The Barrel Yards and book your luxury apartment tour – we’d love to have you! Until next time, happy day-tripping!