Fall might be the best season to live in Thorold. The trees along the Welland Canal turn gold, the wineries are in harvest mode, and the whole Niagara Region slows down just enough to enjoy it. If you live at Parkside Living, or you’re thinking about moving here, this is our list of things to do in Thorold and nearby this autumn.
Watch the ships at Lock 7
Thorold is one of the few places in the world where you can watch ocean-going ships climb the Niagara Escarpment. The viewing area at Lock 7 on the Welland Canal is free, and fall is a busy shipping season. Bring a coffee and time your visit with the posted ship schedule.
Walk the trails at Decew Falls and Short Hills
Decew Falls and Morningstar Mill sit just outside Thorold, with short trails and a waterfall that looks its best with fall colour. For a longer hike, Short Hills Provincial Park has wooded trails and creek crossings about 15 minutes away. The Bruce Trail runs through the area too.
Start closer to home at McMillan Park
You don’t need to drive anywhere for fresh air. McMillan Park is right next to Parkside Living, with open green space for an evening walk, a game of catch or a lap with the dog. Read more in our post on McMillan Park as your backyard.
Catch a fall festival
A few big events land in early October this year:
- Cicada Music and Arts Festival on Henley Island in St. Catharines, October 2 to 3
- Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival in Jordan Station, October 9 to 12, with artisan vendors, food, local wine and nature hikes
Both are an easy drive from Thorold.
Tour wine country during harvest
Fall is harvest season in Niagara wine country, and many wineries run tastings and special events through October. Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Twenty Valley are an easy drive from Thorold. See our guide to wineries, shopping and golf near Parkside for a few starting points.
Pick your own pumpkins and apples
Farms across Niagara open their fields for pumpkin and apple picking through October. It’s an easy weekend outing for families, and most farms have wagon rides, corn mazes and fresh baking.
Come home to something comfortable
After a day out, it helps to come home to a space that works. Parkside Living is a boutique building of 34 two bedroom suites at 8 Hutt Lane, each around 1,000 sq ft with in-suite laundry and a private balcony or terrace.
