Supplied by Hastings County Economic Development and Tourism

Hastings County is a gem all year long, but the reds, oranges, browns and golds of Fall are something special. Fall is the perfect time to explore in all forms: by foot, bike, motorcycle, horseback, car and by boat. The colours you find at the top of a lookout spot or reflected on a lake are some of the most breathtaking views you’ll see all year long.

 Have you ever been to O’Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area? A half hour drive away, it’s known for having one of the most well-preserved 19th-century homesteads in Ontario and is home to seven interweaving hiking trails. You can enjoy the fall colours and fresh air as you navigate the terrain that pioneer families like the O’Haras had to tame.

 If you prefer travelling on two wheels, load up your bicycles and head just 18 minutes North to the Dungannon Recreation Centre. From there, you can ride your bike on the L’Amable Beach Loop.  This is just one of 23 curated cycling routes we’ve created with interactive and downloadable maps (https://hastingscounty.com/adventures/cycling).

If you prefer to take the motorized route, enjoy a car ride along one of our 14 scenic driving routes throughout North Hastings (https://hastingscounty.com/adventures/blog/fall-hikes-and-drives).  Then when you need a break and would like a warm drink, stop and go for a stroll in downtown Bancroft and visit any of our unique shops or stop in at one of our cozy cafes including McG’s Cakes on Main, Wattle and Daub Café or The Muse Gallery & Café. 

 If you just have too much to do at the Lake, and prefer to unwind later in the day, there is a wonderful selection of performances on at the Village Playhouse in Bancroft. While in Town, if you like Mexican food, arrange a pre-show dinner at Fiesta Flavors Mexican Restaurant, just a short walk from the Theatre. Then before finding your seat at the Theatre, consider a stop at the expanded new location of the Bancroft Brewing Company and try their wide variety of locally crafted brews.

 This is just a small sampling of many things to see and do across Hastings County. For example, might we add that if you're looking for a morning out on the weekend, consider heading north to Maynooth where eclectic shops, art galleries, and the locally loved Sun Run Cafe are ready to greet you. Nearby Lake St. Peter Provincial Park offers hiking paths that lead to a gorgeous lookout spot. There are tons more to explore at our website VisitHastings.ca   There you’ll find information on the many fun, rural and locally loved events that happen all year long.