Toronto’s Fall Festivities: A Guide for International Students

Image of woman with a cup of drink in her hand with autumn trees behind her

Summer is the go-to season of the year for many Canadians. This period of warm weather and sunny skies brings about fun vacations and visits to the swimming pool and beach.

However, autumn holds a unique charm for me as I live in a tropical country where warm weather is the norm all year round.

Autumn brings forth fallen tree leaves and a subtle drop in temperature that signals a new level of comfort outdoors. People no longer need to deal with sweltering temperatures, and they get to wear clothing such as jackets, boots, toques, and more.

Autumn also coincides perfectly with the peak harvest of fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkins, apples, and corn. These ingredients feature prominently in Canadian recipes and traditions, such as Halloween pumpkin carving. This convergence of flavors, colors, and aromas transforms fall into a uniquely decorated season—beyond a simple temperature change.

With that said, here are some fun things to do in Toronto in the fall as an incoming international student:

See the beautiful autumn leaves!

Among the top things to see in Toronto during the fall are the city’s stunning trees adorned with shades of red, orange, and yellow leaves from late September to early October. You can enjoy this spectacle for free in local parks or explore popular spots like High Park and Edward Gardens. Check out some other great suggestions from Toronto Blogs here.

Try pumpkin spice!

Pumpkin spice is one of the signature flavors of the fall season. Surprisingly, it does not contain any pumpkin, but it is the perfect complement to add to drinks and desserts, making it a true staple in the fall season in Canada. Pumpkin spice contains ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and other ingredients. Besides pumpkin pie, one of the most popular ways to try it is through a seasonal beverage known as a “pumpkin spice latte” offered at cafes all over Toronto. Add this to your list of fall activities in Toronto to try this signature drink at the ever-popular Tim Hortons, Second Cup, or other cafes.

Celebrate a Canadian Thanksgiving!

Like the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada. This October holiday involves getting together with friends and family to feast on fall staples such as stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and apple pie. Many grocery stores offer ready-to-eat Thanksgiving options so you can join in the cuisine and festivities!

Have fun on Halloween!

Halloween is another fall holiday staple in Canada, celebrated on October 31st. This holiday is popular, appearing in many movies and TV shows. As children participate in the trick-or-treating tradition, adults usually dress up for their office or college and visit any Halloween parades and parties in the city. If you want to check out a haunted house, Casa Loma is a great attraction to experience this fall.

We also encourage you to gather with your class friends and check out your college’s featured Halloween activities, so you don’t miss out on these activities in the city!

Stay informed!

Stay updated with your college’s Student Services department for any upcoming events in the city! Here at Toronto School of Management, we organize trips for students to participate in activities such as apple-picking, allowing you to explore what the city offers.

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