This has to be seen to be believed—a massive, three-story red pine log house with a turret on top, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Built by hand by an eccentric hermit from 1903 to 1904, it stands as a testament to the resilience and imagination of this “frontier” man.
Make sure you don't miss the chance to stop and see the World's Shortest Covered Bridge, certified by the Guinness World Book of Records. The bridge's roof ridge is only 11 feet and 3 inches (3.4 meters) long, while the water covering is just 4 feet across a concrete culvert. The bridge accommodates one lane of vehicles and one lane of pedestrian traffic.
Conclude your trip by exploring Oakville's Gairloch Gardens, a property filled with meticulously manicured gardens that two different prominent Oakville families once called home.
While in this area, a stop at Springridge Farm is a must. Browse the selection of local produce, homemade treats, and unique gifts, and get a taste of what fall on the farm in Ontario is all about!
After breakfast, head to Kelso Conservation Area, where you can choose between a leisurely hike or a breathtaking chairlift ride up the Niagara Escarpment to witness the incredible fall colours.
A short 40-minute drive will get you to Burlington to catch the Royal Botanical Gardens in its gorgeous fall colours. Walk on the trails that wind through the 300 acres of display gardens, or, if a fall paddle appeals, visit Cootes Paradise to explore this tranquil nature reserve by canoe on the Paddling in Paradise guided tour.
If you still have some time left in the afternoon, or if you’re visiting after October when the museum is closed for the season, nearby Mountsberg Conservation Area makes for a perfect replacement stop or additional activity. The Raptor Centre, which is tucked away in the woods here, hosts a variety of “nose-to-beak” experiences, including Raptor Encounters and a Hawk Walk, where a trained Harris Hawk will fly along with you as you walk and land on a perch in your hand.
Step back in time for the afternoon at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology. No ordinary museum, this historic waterworks building, originally built in 1859, is home to massive steam-powered machinery and hands-on experiences showcasing a fascinating era of innovation and industrial heritage. Consider timing your trip for September’s Electric City Festival, conducted in partnership with the Nikola Tesla Education Corporation.
Get your adrenaline pumping at Treetop Trekking in Hamilton. This giant jungle gym in the trees offers zip lines, rope courses, and suspension bridges that will keep your whole gang engaged as they soar through the forest conquering challenges that will boost confidence and create memories for a lifetime.