A little adventure and a great meal— what could possibly be better? When the air turns crisp and the colours start to change, there’s no better time to get out in Ontario and enjoy an adventure fueled by epic eats.
Discover the Adventure of Your Choosing
When it comes to perfectly pairing adventure and food, Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Niagara Parks really take the cake (pun very much intended). Choose the adventure type of your choosing and Bob’s your uncle (tell him we said hi).
Don’t feel like reading the whole thing right now? No problem. Skip ahead.
Outdoorsy Adventure + Epic Eats in Thunder Bay
Are you somebody who loves the thrill of being out in nature? Do you live for the first slice of your canoe paddle into the water or the wind in your hair as your hands grip your motorcycle handles? Thunder Bay is all about playing hard and rewarding yourself.
Check out these adventures and the foodie spots we’ve paired with them for the ultimate outdoorsy adventure.
Paddling and Pints
Considered a gateway destination to some of the province’s most bucket list worthy paddling routes, you have plenty of options whether you love to canoe, kayak or even paddle board. Enjoy a paddle (whether that’s for a few hours or a few days) then reward yourself afterwards with a great pint of craft beer and some tasty eats.
Enthusiasts to the sport will love exploring Sleeping Giant Provincial Park by canoe or discovering the over 2000 lakes that call Quetico Provincial Park home, where backcountry canoeing is the name of the game.
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Hot Tip: If you’re heading north of the city to backcountry canoe, we recommend flying into Thunder Bay and stocking up on eats for your camping trip at Bay Meats Butcher, Goods + Co. and the Thunder Bay Country Market
More into a simple paddle? No worries! You can paddle right in the city at spots like Fort William Historical Park (you can even try your hand at paddling an authentic birch bark canoe) or at Boulevard Lake.
Of course, we didn’t forget the paddle boarders either! Your best bets are Boulevard Lake or Hazelwood Lake for that and several outfitters in the city can hook you up with a board or even lessons.
Now to the important part- where to grab a great craft beer and some tasty post-paddle eats.
Lakehead Beer + Tomlin Subdivision
Where: 206 Park Ave, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
Lakehead Beer focuses on crafting three flagship beers really well: a pilsner, an IPA and a light lager. Exceptionally brewed, this spot is owned by the brewers themselves— something they’re quite proud of. Their beers are served straight from the bright tank so you’re getting a pint at the best temp possible.
Feeling peckish? Tomlin Subdivision, located right inside the building, serves up absolutely unreal Detroit-style pizza with crispy, cheesy edges worth writing home about and some damn good subs.
Dawson Trail Craft Brewing + Station 22
Where: 1181 Golf Links Rd, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
On the other side of town, Dawson Trail Craft Brewery is a great option for those who want to try a bunch of different brews.
You’ll find everything from cream ales and dry hopped lagers to west coast IPAs, red ales, witbiers and more using grains malted right down the street. We recommend grabbing a flight to really appreciate the range.
Let’s talk about food (thought you’d never ask). Station 22, located right inside the brewery, has crafted a menu to compliment those aforementioned pints. Think fancy hot dogs, potato skins, Korean pork fries and more. Drooling yet?
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
Where: 712 Macdonell St, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
These folks have been kickin’ around the craft beer scene since 2012 and that experience shows up with each pour. Of course for this occasion, we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you to try their Mr. Canoehead Red Ale which is dry hopped away from traditional style and oh-so-tasty.
Feeling hungry? While Sleeping Giant doesn’t have an on-site restaurant like the other stops, you can get your snack on. Think pretzels, chips and pizzas. Come Oktoberfest season you can also look forward to the release of festbiers and some classic German-style food like pumpkin hand pies, bratwurst pepper pizza and more— YUM!
Hot Tip: Looking for somewhere to get a caffeine buzz going before your paddle? Check out St Paul Roastery and Swell Bakery for a great cappuccino and croissant or head to Sweet North Bakery for your latte and breakfast sandwich fix.
Hiking and a Laid-Back Refuel
With all those brilliant colours come October laid out against the beautiful pine forests that seem to cover Northern Ontario, fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy a hike. Whether you’re looking to hike along the 34 km of in-city trails or head out to some of those Insta-worthy destinations like Kakabeka Falls or the Top of the Giant Lookout at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, the trip is worth it for the views alone…
Buuuuut…we’re foodies so of course the views aren’t all we’ll talk about. Here are three laid-back spots to enjoy post-hike.
Dawson General Store
Where: 3130 Dawson Rd, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
Heading north of the city, Dawson General Store is one of those spots that you won’t forget. What looks like a run-of-the-mill old school roadside general store packs some of the city’s best food.
So what should you try? In short, everything. The smash burgers are lowkey some of the best we’ve had (and we do this for a living). Think two smashed housemade patties with a special burger sauce, onion and pickles all on a grilled milk bun.
The meatball subs are another homerun on the menu. Only available on Thursdays, these bad boys are topped with three beefy meatballs, doused in homemade mariana and smothered in Mozzarella, a wee bit of Gouda and a wee bit of Parm.
Thai Kitchen
Where: 11 Cumberland St S, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
Head into the city for a colourful display of mouthwatering Thai food. Pair their curry puffs as an appy up with their Pad See Ew- a broad noodle stir fried with Thai soy sauce and tossed alongside Chinese broccoli and your choice of protein. You won’t regret it.
The Bop Shop
Where: 251 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
Located inside Goods & Co. Market, the Bop Shop offers up Korean dishes that are perfect after a few hours spent outside. Try the comforting Bipimbap- a glass noodle dish with spinach, daikon radish, slivered carrots, shitake mushrooms, zucchini and egg or their Japchae. Want to take a little something for home?
Grab a jar of their homemade kimchi and pair this meal up with a cocktail from Woodside Bar, also on site!
Motorcycling and a Great Dinner
Take advantage of the long back roads around Thunder Bay and the stunning views of Lake Superior as you take that hog out on the road this fall. Crisp fall days make for the perfect driving weather and when paired up with a delightful meals afterwards, it’s pretty much unbeatable.
We recommend checking out the Ride the Superior website for specific routes and itineraries as well accommodation recommendations and other handy information for planning your trip.
Norteños Cantina
Where: 235 Red River Rd, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
Known for crafting authentic Mexican street food and great live music, Norteños’ downtown location is full of bright colours in the restaurant and on the plate. Chat about your ride over tacos and margs in a relaxing atmosphere.
What should you try? We loved the birria tacos dipped in beef au jus and the classic margarita rimmed to perfection. Not into Tequila? This spot also has brews from nearby spots like Lake of the Woods in Kenora.
Bight
Where: 2201 Sleeping Giant Pkwy Unit 100, Thunder Bay, ON. (View Map)
Located right on the Port Arthur waterfront, Bight offers up a great patio on beautiful days and a warm interior for chillier ones. With a menu that changes on the regular, you’re sure to get a taste of Thunder Bay’s unique terroir with every…bight (sorry we had to).
From juicy pork tenderloin wrapped in locally-farmed bacon to harvest pasta made with Big Lakes Pasta, there are a lot of options and honestly, we didn’t have one that tasted bad. When you’re done, don’t skip out on their inventive dessert menu!
Soft Adventure + Tasty Treats in Sudbury
Did you know that Greater Sudbury is home to 330 lakes? This destination is steeped in gorgeous scenery, family fun and so much more. To boot, its food scene is up and coming with a mix of excellent Italian dining, classic dishes like porchetta and so much more.
Keep reading for some of our recommendations for pairing soft adventure with delicious eats in Sudbury.
A.Y. Jackson’s Lookout Followed by Craft Cocktails
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One of the can’t-miss spots in Sudbury is A.Y. Jackson’s Lookout. The perfect adventure for active couples, this hike is renowned for a reason. With views of the 55m cascading Onaping Falls, this landscape inspired Group of Seven Artist, A.Y. Jackson, in several of his works (and its no wonder why). Fall is peak season for checking it out too.
Head out from the visitor centre, where you can enjoy the view, hike along the Onaping River for 1km and then on a forest loop for 2 more km. In our books, there’s no better way to enjoy a fall day. When you finish up, it’s time to grab a drink!
Crosscut Distillery
Where: 1347 Kelly Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
Using the tagline, “we do things differently”, that value shows up in just about every Crosscut Distillery spirit. From their Haskap Rhubarb Gin made with local haskap berries and rhubarb to their Sea Buckthorn Liqueur using sea buckthorn from Boreal Berry Farm, each spirit is an homage to Northern Ontario terroir.
We recommend heading to their space and if it’s nice out, grabbing a seat on the patio. Enjoy some great craft cocktails. We love their “Build-Your-Own G&T” menu perfectly suited to your unique palette as well as their Dill Pickle Martini or their Crosscut Cosmo.
Finally, pair that up with their snack board of local meats, cheeses and pickled items and you’re golden.
The Alibi Room
Where: 113 Durham St, Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
If you’re looking for a great date night spot, The Alibi Room is perfect. Expertly pairing their handcrafted cocktails and premium bar shelf with small bites and an atmosphere that Ron Burgundy would love (think leather seating and low lighting— you stay classy, Sudbury), it’s a total hidden gem.
You can’t go wrong ordering off the Legacies section of the menu which features their most requested cocktails of the last five years. In particular, you need to try The Picker’s Fizz— a tangy little number made of blueberry infused gin, lemon, sumac syrup, egg white and mint.
Next, custom make your own board using their DIY menu of pickled goods, cheeses and cured meats. It’s the ultimate craft night if you ask us.
Family Fun and Kid-Friendly Bites
Sudbury is full of fun for the whole family and if you’re traveling with kids in toe, there is so much to explore.
We recommend a trip to Science North where hands-on learning is the name of the game. If you’re on a family road trip this fall, head here and you’ll learn a little something too!
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From the 2nd Floor Butterfly Gallery where kids can meet pollinators up close and personal to a look at northern ecosystems where you can come face to face with loads of critters from Ramsey Lake fish to flying squirrels and even a snake, there is tons of adventure for the whole family!
Looking to get down with a new activity? Dynamic Earth, just a short drive from Science North, invites you to travel underground to a nickel mine to learn all about Sudbury’s rich mining heritage. When you’re done, don’t forget to snap a family pic by the Big Nickel.
Alternatively (or in addition to), check out Wagon Wheel Ranch — a family farm specializing in wagon rides through their beautiful property. Call in advance to book a family wagon ride through the bush as the fall colours begin to turn.
After all that learning and adventure, you’ll need some family-friendly bites. Keep reading!
Gloria’s
Where: 469 Bouchard St, Greater Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
For over 65 years, Gloria’s has been a staple in Sudbury and for good reason. Specializing in classic diner food, you and your kids are sure to find something delicious to dive into. We recommend the classic breakfast (think eggs, toast, bacon or sausage) while your kids savour a Mickey Mouse Pancake or waffle with strawberries.
Think you’d like to veer off the well worn path? No worries. There are lots of options including breakfast skillets and crepes, as well as non-breakfast items like loaded tater tots, fish n’ chips and poutines.
We recommend tying it all off with one of their signature bread puddings. It’s vacay after all!
Cara’s Convenience
Where: 1055 Lorne St, Greater Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
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Simple and delicious is the name of the game here and your kids will thank you. We recommend diving into one of their gourmet sandwiches (meatball sub, anyone?) or splitting a spaghetti (with four meatballs) and bringing it to a nearby park. Their porketta sandwich is a can’t-miss local fav as well so be sure to bring your appetite!
Don’t leave without trying the homemade butter tarts and cookies— they make for a great treat at any time in a road trip. Trust us.
Cycling + Refueling
Whether you’re looking for an easy-breezey 2k ride, a fat bike or a mountain biking trail, Sudbury is a fantastic destinations for cyclers to plan their fall getaway. We highly recommend checking out Kivi Park this fall, which has an extensive network of trails for cyclists and great views of Long Lake. You can find out more about Sudbury’s extensive cycling trails, routes and resources on their website.
Now that you’ve planned out your route, we come to the important question: Where should you eat after your ride? Shower up and let’s roll!
Wander Food & Wine
Where:112 Durham St, Greater Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
This adorable wine bar with its breezy lounge is the perfect spot for a date night or afternoon with friends. Their menu features an extensive wine list (including many Ontario-made options) to enjoy paired alongside a menu of inventive dishes like Jambalaya Flatbread, Cowboy Caviar, Angry Chicken Wings and oh-so-chic options like tinned fish and bananas foster.
Want to kick things up a notch? Plan your trip around one of their wine pairing classes or a Thursday when they offer up build-your-own wine flights.
Verdicchio
Where: 1351-D Kelly Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury, ON. (View Map)
Sudbury (like a large part of Northern Ontario) is known for its extensive selection of Italian dining and Verdicchio is the embodiment of that culture. The result of Italian immigrants who moved to the city in a wave in the 1930s to work in the nickel and copper mines, the city’s food scene tells this story of cultural food ways.
Verdicchio is an award winning restaurant and it’s Feast On® certified to boot, meaning they’re dedicated to sourcing Ontario grown and produced ingredients for their menu. You’ll see this in their dishes like Garlic and Ginger Mairnated Manitoulin Rainbow Trout Spiedini and Tagliata Di Manzo made with grilled striploin from Penokean Hills Farms.
Pair it all up with an Ontario wine and enjoy sipping and savouring well into the evening. Cheers!
Historic Adventure + Feast On® Food Finds in Niagara Parks
Niagara Parks really is a choose-your-own adventure destination. Want to hang out with butterflies? No problem. Explore a historic power station? They have that. Eat fantastic, locally-sourced meals right at the edge of the world’s biggest waterfalls? Of course! Here’s how we’re pairing a little historic adventure with great eats in Niagara Parks.
Fun Fact: All of the restaurants in Niagara Parks (that’s nine!) are Feast On® certified which means they’re committed to sourcing Ontario grown and produced food for their menus!
Hike the Niagara Glen + Enjoy a Meal at Queen Victoria Place
Where: Along an extensive trail system; 6345 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON. (View Map)
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The Niagara Glen is a natural wonder with over 400 million years of natural heritage. One of Niagara’s only remaining Carolinian forest and home to 490 species of vulnerablse plants and animals, exploring the trails here is the perfect way to appreciate all the beauty that comes with an Ontarian fall day.
With four kilometers of trails that take you down into the Niagara Gorge, you’ll love coming across large boulders, massive trees and a stunning landscape bursting with oranges, golds and crimson. Want a little guidance? Check out Niagara Park’s self-guided audio tour —Rekindling All Our Relations— which offers up Indigenous story tellng around nature, culture and place as you hike.
When you’re finished, we hope you’ve worked up an appetite! Grab a seat outdoors if it’s a warm fall day and take in a view of the falls as you sip and savour the menu at Queen Victoria Place. Located in a historic building from 1904 with walls made out of boulders from the river bed, you’ll be steeped in the thick of Niagara Parks’ historic charm.
Under the guidance of Chef Matt Hemmingsen, Queen Victoria Place boasts a fantastic craft beer and Niagara VQA wine list alongside dishes like cabernet braised short rib, fried vegetable samosas and more.
Go Above and Below the Falls at Table Rock House and The Niagara Parks Power Station at Night
Where: 6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON; 7005 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON.
Head to Niagara Parks’ Table Rock House Restaurant for a dining experience about as close to the falls as you can get (unless you go buy a hot dog and eat it right on the ledge — no judgment). This fine-dining restaurant boasts a dining room overlooking the Horseshoe Falls and the views aren’t even the most spectacular part!
Chef Matt Krupa, who has trained all over the globe including at a 3-star Michelin restaurant in Europe, drives the local-forward menu here full of global flavours. Think everything from a Fall Salad with gara butter blend lettuce, asparagus, cucumber, strawberry, radish, cotija cheese, green goddess dressing to Wild Mushroom Canneloni and select dishes in between, each expertly executed.
Paired up with their extensive wine and beer list which showcases the best of Niagara’s craft beverage scene- this spot is a great option for those celebrating something special.
After dinner, we recommend heading over to the Niagara Parks Power Station to experience The Power Station at Night. This exhibit gives guests the opportunity to see the Power Station through a different lens. Wander the generator hall as you learn about the history of power in Niagara through LED lights and displays.
Once you’re done, take the elevator 180 feet below ground to a historic tunnel below the station. You’ll walk along 2200 meters of lit tunnel out to a spectacular view of the falls and an impressive light show.
Explore with a Heritage Pass + Brunch at Queenston Heights
Where: Heritage sites across the park; Queenston Heights Restaurant, 14184 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. (View Map)
Niagara Parks is truly steeped in history. From early Indigenous peoples to present day communities, The War of 1812 and it being the last stop on the Underground Railroad, there are so many ways to engage with this heritage beyond your school textbooks.
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Whether you’re discovering Old Fort Erie, learning about the Battle of Chippewa or visiting the Laura Secord Homestead, there’s an opportunity to really engage and bring history to life. Your best bet? Pick a site or two that interests you most to explore after brunch at Queenston Heights Restaurant.
Since 1895, folks have been picnicking on the lawns of Queenston Heights Park so it’s no wonder why they popped up a restaurant here! Charming and sophisticated, this is the perfect place to enjoy a fall day in a beautiful setting.
Visitors will love the menu, crafted by Chef Bill Greenan, which features a fresh bread station of assorted breads and croissants and a seasonal menu that changes with each season. Come fall, we’re sure you’ll see (and taste) hearty squashes and pumpkins, appley goodness and more warm fall flavours. Can we join?
More Fall Fun
Want to keep the fun rolling this fall? Check out this delicious itinerary through Ontario’s Highlands!
