As summer comes to an end, many of us look forward to the crisp in the air, cozy sweaters, hot drinks and of course, the fall colours. 

Parks provide us with spaces to spend quality time in nature with friends and family, hike, host picnics, and make memories. And getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city couldn’t be easier. 

We’ve compiled some of the best parks accessible by transit, so load up your PRESTO card and get ready to explore! 

Albion Falls  

885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON 

Partially shaped by a powerful rainstorm in the summer of 2009, Albion Falls is a great example of the power and beauty of nature. This spot is known to be one of the most popular in Hamilton, so try visiting during off-peak hours to fully take in its splendour. 

Bluffers Park  

1 Brimley Rd S. Scarborough, ON  

The Scarborough Bluffs is a popular summer barbeque and hiking spot, but did you know it is also accessible in fall? This Lake Ontario shoreline stretches 15 kilometres and is known for its incredible cliffs.  

Boyd Conservation Park 

8739 Islington Ave, Vaughan, ON 

If you’re looking for a wide range of activities to take part in this fall, look no further than the Boyd Conservation Park. From a number of hiking trails to picnic spots, sports fields and a playground, this is a great place to bring the whole family. Be sure to visit before the park closes for the season in October. 

Claireville Conservation Area  

8180 Hwy 50, Brampton, ON  

Bordering Peel Region and Toronto, this conservation area is 540 hectares of natural beauty. Its sheer size allows you to explore diverse landscapes from forests to valleys, and wetlands, all even more stunning in the fall. 

Toronto Island Park  

9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON 

Found in the heart of Toronto, this park is actually a group of 15 interconnected islands. Walk your dog, or take advantage of bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals and enjoy the city skyline from a new perspective. To get there, head to Union station, then walk to the waterfront (Bay St. & Queen's Quay) to get to the islands by either ferry or water taxi. 

Etienne Brule Park  

10 Catherine St, York, ON  

Located along the Humber River, this historic park features picnic spots, hiking routes, bike trails, and a ball diamond. Be sure to catch the journey of the season as Chinook salmon make their way upstream to spawn during the annual salmon run.  

Rouge National Urban Park 

1749 Meadowvale Road Toronto, ON 

As one of the largest urban parks in North America, this park has something for everyone. Photography, birdwatching, guided-walks, and water-based activities can all be done during the fall season. This park is also Toronto’s only designated campground.  

Webster’s Falls  

Websters Falls Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 4W2 

Waterfalls are always a joy to witness in person, and this one is a must-see. 22 metres tall with a crest of 24 metres, and offering a special autumn view of Dundas Valley, Webster’s Falls should be on your list to visit this fall. Be sure to remember your boots made for walking, as you’ll need to make a 40 minute hike to the falls. 

These parks are all accessible by GO Transit and other public transportation services in the region, and thanks to One Fare, you only pay once when transferring between participating agencies. Plan your trip to find the best route and be sure to check in advance to see if reservations or an admission fee is required. 

GO Expansion will make accessing green space across the region easier than ever. From all-day two-way service and faster trains that come every 15 minutes on our busiest routes, we’re working to build a better, faster and more affordable future for all riders.