Crisp air, colourful leaves, and cozy adventures—fall in Durham Region is made for exploring. Whether you’re chasing the perfect apple fritter, stepping back in time during Doors Open Whitby, wandering scenic trails ablaze with fall colours, or soaking up arts and culture, Durham Region Transit (DRT) makes it easy to get there.
Leave the car behind, skip the stress of parking and ride into adventure this season with DRT!
Check out DRT's preplanned routes to help you make the most of your summer in Durham Region.
Gather at the Farm: Hop on DRT On Demand
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fresh-baked treats—fall in Durham Region is full of cozy countryside charm. Whether you're picking apples, wandering through golden fields, or enjoying seasonal festivals, DRT On Demand can take you there.
| How to ride |
On Demand service is available for areas where scheduled service isn’t available, including Durham’s rural communities.
- Applewood Farm Winery – Durham’s largest corn maze, pumpkin patch, and seasonal wines.
- Bragg Farms – Dig-your-own potatoes and fall produce.
- Brooks Farms – Fall Fun Festival with wagon rides, zip lines, and farm animals.
- Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm – Corn maze and fun farm activities.
- Cooper’s CSA Farm & Maze – 10-acre corn maze and harvest festival.
- Forsythe Family Farms – October Harvest Festival with family-friendly fun.
- Knox’s Pumpkin Farm – “Farmtastic” fall fun for all ages.
- Linton’s Farm Market – Kids’ fall activities and fresh produce.
- Maple Grove Orchards – Seasonal orchard experiences.
- Nature’s Bounty Farm – Apple picking and fall activities.
- Ocala Winery – AppleFest and local wine tastings.
- Pingle’s Farm Market – Harvest Festival with pumpkins, apples, and more.
- The Sunflower Farm – Fall workshops and scenic views.
- White Feather Country Store - known for its steam-wrapped fritters packed with fresh apple chunks.
Find more reasons to Gather at the Farm in Durham Region
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| Trip tip |
| Call 311 (within Regional limits) or 1-866-247-0055 to book your fall On Demand adventure. |
Apple fritter trail: Taste the flavours of fall with DRT
Fall in Durham Region means one thing: apple fritters. From crispy, cinnamon-dusted classics to modern twists, the region's bakeries are frying up golden delights that capture the essence of autumn.
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- Ride Route 915 to Ajax and treat yourself to the legendary oversized fritters at Hollywood Donuts, located near Westney and Kingston Road.
- Take Route 905 to downtown Uxbridge and visit Little Thief Bakery Co. for their crunchy, maple-glazed fritters that are perfect for a brisk fall morning.
- Hop on Route 905 to Port Perry and stop by Hank’s Pastries, where their “Big As Your Face” fritters combine cinnamon bun layers with apple-filled goodness.
- Use Route 900 to reach downtown Whitby and grab a golden, dinner-plate-sized fritter from Village Bake Shop—available Fridays and Saturdays only.
Discover more Apple Adventures in Durham Region
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Spooky Season by Transit: Haunted Adventures in Durham Region with DRT
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, Durham Region transforms into a playground for ghosts, ghouls, and thrill-seekers. Whether you're into haunted walks, eerie tales, or family-friendly frights, DRT can get you there—no broomstick required. Ready to ride into the spooky season?
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- Book On Demand and enter the Cannington Haunted Attraction, where wooded trails, a barn maze, and live scare actors await. Online tickets only—screams guaranteed.
- Catch Route 901 to 60 Celina Street in Oshawa and brave Fear Forest, an indoor haunted house with nine terrifying zones. Open select nights from October 3 to November 1.
- Ride Route 900, 901, 902 to Oshawa on October 18 for the Halloween Boo Bash, a free haunted street fest with music and frights.
- Travel via Route 902 to Watson Farms from October 16 to 18 for Firehouse Fright Night—a 30-minute haunted corn maze packed with monsters, special effects, and jump scares.
- Use Route 902 to reach 62 King Street in Bowmanville on October 25 for Through The Cellar Door, a spooky vendor market with live DJ music and local alternative artists. Free to attend.
Find more spooky events in Durham Region
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| Trip tip |
| Many events are ticketed and have age recommendations—check ahead and dress for the weather. |
Doors Open Whitby: Step into history this fall
Celebrate autumn in Whitby by exploring its rich heritage during Doors Open Whitby on October 18. From historic homes and modern libraries to castles and memorials, each site offers a unique glimpse into the town’s past—and all are easily accessible with DRT.
| How to ride |
Many sites are conveniently located along Route 302, including:
- 1855 Whitby – A beautifully preserved 19th-century building showcasing architectural evolution.
- Burr Lodge – A charming example of early 20th-century residential design.
- Centennial Building – A mid-century landmark reflecting Whitby’s post-war growth.
- Lynde House Museum – A Georgian-style home filled with stories from early settlers.
- St. Arsenije Sremac Serbian Orthodox Church – A stunning blend of cultural heritage and architecture.
- Trafalgar Castle School – Explore Victorian architecture surrounded by fall colours.
Other routes include:
- Route 403 to Intrepid Park and a short walk to the Camp X Memorial, Canada’s secret WWII spy training site.
- Route 917 to Station Gallery, a hub for contemporary art and community exhibitions.
- Route 900 to Whitby Central Public Library, offering seasonal programs and cozy reading spaces and a modern hub for learning.
Learn more about Whitby Doors Open
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| Trip tip |
| Many of these sites are within walking distance of each other and are perfect for a self-guided fall heritage tour! |
Trails by transit: Discover Durham Region’s autumn escapes with DRT
Looking for crisp air, vibrant foliage, and a cozy outdoor adventure, this fall? Durham Region is bursting with scenic trails perfect for walking, running, or cycling—and many are easily accessible with DRT. Embrace the season and explore nature’s colourful transformation.
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- Take Route 916 to the Duffins Trail System to walk along Ajax’s central waterfront- lined with changing leaves.
- Explore quiet paths through Lynde Shores Conservation Area or cycle the Waterfront Trail near Port Whitby via Route 917.
- Take Route 403 for a peaceful walk along the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path all the way to Lakeview Park.
- Enjoy forested paths and fall foliage on the Bowmanville Valley Trails, just steps away from Route 502.
- Hike rolling hills and looped trails at the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve (Route 605) or stroll the lakeside paths near Beaverton Harbour (Route 618).
Discover more Durham Trails to visit this fall
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Take Route 618 for a relaxing ride up north and enjoy the vibrant fall colours along the way.
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Small town travel: Discover Durham Region’s charming communities
From colourful main streets and artisan shops to scenic trails, sparkling waterfronts, and festive autumn events, Durham Region’s small towns are full of fall charm. And the best part? You can explore them all easily with DRT. No driving, no parking stress—just crisp air, vibrant foliage, and seasonal festivals and adventures waiting at every stop.
| How to ride |
- Ride Route 905 to Uxbridge Terminal and wander the historic downtown streets framed by autumn leaves, explore cozy cafés, and take a short walk to trails like the Uxbridge Countryside Preserve.
- Catch Route 507 to Newcastle and stroll past artisan shops or bike along leaf-strewn paths to nearby greenspaces like Soper Creek Conservation Area.
- Hop on Route 618 to Beaverton Terminal to explore lakeside views, marina-front strolls, and charming fall festivals.
- Take Route 905 or 618 to Port Perry for a relaxed autumn walk through town or along the waterfront, enjoying seasonal views and harvest-colour scenery.
Plan the ultimate Gilmore Girls day in Port Perry
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Events by transit: Enjoy local entertainment across Durham Region with DRT
Looking for a night out or a dose of local culture? From historic theatres to buzzing event venues, DRT can take you there—no parking, no stress. Whether you're into live music, theatre, comedy, or community events, these cultural hotspots are all accessible by transit.
| How to ride |
- Routes 900, 901 and 902 take you right into downtown Oshawa, where you can catch everything from concerts to comedy at the Biltmore Theatre, Tribute Communities Centre, Regent Theatre, and BOND ST Event Centre.
- Hop on Route 900 or 920 to explore Pickering Village and check out a show at the St. Francis Centre—a restored heritage venue at the heart of Ajax’s arts scene.
- Ride Route 905 directly to Town Hall 1873 in Port Perry. This historic venue continues to bring theatre, music, and community together under one roof.
- Heading to Uxbridge? Route 905 gets you to the Uxbridge Music Hall, a downtown landmark with rich history and top-tier acoustics for live performances.
Visit the Durham Tourism Event Calendar for more
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| Trip tip |
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The Tribute Communities Centre is also home to the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals and Oshawa Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League. Catch a game for Hockey Night in Oshawa by taking DRT.
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Bus fares and passes
DRT makes getting around affordable, convenient, and easy for visitors of all ages. Kids 12 and under ride free, while teens and seniors enjoy discounted fares. Adult fares start at just $3.73 with PRESTO. Travelling into Durham by GO Train or GO Bus? You can transfer to DRT at no extra cost. Even better—PRESTO users can connect seamlessly and ride free between DRT and the TTC, Brampton Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit. With simple fares and smooth connections, DRT is your best ride in Durham Region.
Plan your trip at DurhamRegionTransit.com/fares
